Understanding Rhythmic Complexity in Rap

Key Artists and Concepts

• Open Mike Eagle & MF Doom

  • MF Doom is known for intricate rhyming techniques.
  • Entire bars that rhyme with every syllable.

• Rakim

  • Influential in evolving rap's complexity.
  • Technique: Fitting maximum syllables in bars.
  • Introduced internal and multisyllable rhymes.
  • Crossed bar lines for clever rhythmic effects.

• Martin Connor

  • Studies rhythmically dense rap songs.
  • Defines a bar as a group of 4 beats.

Evolution of Rhyming Patterns

• Kurtis Blow ("The Breaks")

  • Basic AA BB rhyming pattern.

• Eric B. & Rakim ("Eric B. Is President")

  • Increased frequency and complexity of rhymes.
  • Use of internal rhymes and multisyllable rhymes.

• Notorious B.I.G. ("Hypnotize")

  • Utilizes Rakim’s techniques for smooth transitions.
  • Varies sentence length and crosses barlines.
  • Introduces new rhyme schemes mid-verse.

• Mos Def ("Re:Definition")

  • Employs 4-syllable rhymes over long passages (14 bars).

Advanced Techniques in Modern Rap

• Andre 3000 ("Aquemini")

  • Accents rhymes in various places relative to the beat.

• Eminem

  • Uses dense multisyllable rhymes and vivid storytelling.
  • Exemplified in "Business" and the Oscar-winning "Lose Yourself".

• Kendrick Lamar ("Rigamortus")

  • Creates clear motives with rhymes.
  • Motive: Two short notes followed by a long note.
  • Similar "daisy chaining" technique as Biggie.

MF Doom's Unique Style

• Released multiple albums in 2004, notably "Madvillainy".
• Uses holorimes: rhyming entire lines together.
• Engages in humorous, clever wordplay.
• Manipulates rhymes and beats unexpectedly.

Conclusion

• Martin Connor's Insight
  • Syncopated phrasing makes rap unpredictable and engaging.
  • Appreciation highlights what clever artists can achieve.

Summary

Rappers like MF Doom, Rakim, Notorious B.I.G., and Kendrick Lamar demonstrate diverse and advanced rhyming techniques that contribute to the rhythmic and lyrical complexity of rap music. These techniques range from multisyllable rhymes and crossing bar lines to creating musical motives and engaging in clever wordplay, illustrating the evolution and richness of the genre.