MC
Introduction
So u wanna be an MC?
Well it's gonna take time, x amount of dedication, a whole lot of practice and the chances are, success won't come overnight.
Read on for:
Material
Lyrics
Style
Getting heard
Going live
"Don't be afraid of experimentation. Listen to your favourite MCs or rappers, but don't imitate them."
MC Donae'o
Material
If you want to become recognised as a microphone don then you need a catchphrase.
Something that's yours - whether it be a lyric, a piece of slang or even just a certain noise you make when a heavy track gets dropped.
This will give the people something to recognise you by and help them to remember you after the event.
Lyrics
Your lyrics must be original, otherwise you'll just get known as someone who bites rhymes and that's really something you want to avoid.
People are only too ready to "hate" on you when you put yourself in the spotlight, so don't give them an excuse. Keep it real.
Rhyme about tings you have experience of on a day to day basis.
If you're rich and live in a nice part of town, don't pretend you're from the ghetto - you will be caught out!
Make sure you get into the habit of writing lyrics as often as you can.
It's a good idea to buy a book especially for this purpose, so you can fill it with your finished verses.
This will allow you to see how you are developing which helps to build your confidence and also allows you to remember all your rhymes, not just the one you're currently working on.
Rhymes can hit you anytime and anyplace so if you don't have a book then just use anything that's to hand - paper, cigarette box, anything - just don't forget that wicked verse.
"Keep chatting to yourself day and night. Pick out the bits you like and just build on them."
Bushkin
Heartless Crew
Style
The style of your delivery could depend on the character of your voice.
If you've got a deep and commanding voice, it doesn't make sense to try and be the fastest MC around.
You may be better suited to a strong mid-paced flow, with the content of your rhymes and the tone of your voice being the main attention.
If you have a natural tendency to speak quickly, then fast rhymes may be the route for you to take.
People may not hear everything you say but give you props for the sheer pace of your flow.
Take a listen to the range of different styles that are out there.
Experiment and see which one feels best for you.
Once you're feeling confident and have a verse or two in the bag, ask your peeps for their reaction to see which one they think suits you best.
Getting Started
Hook up with a brethren who's got some decks and start rhyming. If you don't know anyone who's got decks then use an instrumental.
Practise your rhymes hard and really listen to how they work with the track.
Great rhymes sit within the rhythm of the track but at the same time they can drive it and push against it, really testing the groove.
Check out the Jamaican dancehall deejays. They often ride a sparse riddim which allows them to show off many different rhyming patterns.
Notice how the riddim can sound almost totally different depending upon which pattern they use.
Listen to as many MC's and rappers as you can and try and pick up their good habits.
"We just used to mess about in our bedroom. A mate of mine had two turntables, one microphone and that's how we got started."
Blak Twang
Recording
When you've got a strong pattern and some badbwoy rhymes, it's time to record yourself and listen back.
You should be able to hook up a half decent mic and a CD-R and get a good quality recording, without spending too much dough.
It may also be worth your while investing your money in some studio time, especially if you feel you're ready to get serious.
If you take this step, remember that studio time ain't cheap so make sure you're ready for it.
If you're an MC and it's a mix CD, try to aim for 30 mins worth of material - promoters and managers want to get an idea of your style, but they don't want to hear a full set.
If you're a rapper or yard style deejay, limit the CD to just a couple of tracks.
Your ultimate aim is probably to get a record deal but to get to that level you need to first get a reputation and build a profile.
That means getting on the airwaves and out into the clubs.
By sending your material out there, you've taken the first step.
See our recording section for more on this.
"Send your demo tapes and CDs everywhere and anywhere. You never know who's gonna like it. But make sure you have your contact numbers on it."
Bushkin
Heartless Crew
Getting Heard
The first place most MCs will send their demos/tapes/CDs to is pirate radio.
It's the tried and tested route and it's where some of the best and biggest have started. Dizzee Rascal, Wiley and The Roll Deep Connection all had their starts on pirate.
Try to get hold of the station manager or talk to one of the DJs and get a contact name and an address.
Pirates are a bit cagey about giving out contact details so you may have to drop off your CD at a record shop in their local area.
If they don't get back to you there could be a few reasons.
They might not think you're good enough or it may be they haven't actually listened to your demo yet.
Whatever the reason, don't be shy, or sit at home and try and imagine what's happened, just give them a ding and find out wha' gwaan.
If you didn't make it onto the station this time don't give up, just keep trying.
Another way to get on pirate is to link up with a DJ who's already there.
The station manager may respect their opinion highly and it could mean you get on the station quicker than the demo route.
"If I just started in at the deep end I wouldn't have built up a rapport with the people, the people who I see as my target audience. I don't think I would have done as well as I seem to be doing at the moment."
Ms Dynamite
Going Live
Doing pirate radio is heavy and the fact that it's live means you get almost instant reaction from the listeners.
However, it's not the same as doing it live and direct up on stage, with the audience staring right into your grill.
If you're too young for the big clubs then check out some under-18 events in your area.
Most of them will have an open mic session where you can get a taste of the live adrenaline rush and see how you compare with other hungry MCs.
Check out talent shows and any other events that will allow you to show your skills.
Going live is really going to give your flows another dimension and show you first hand what's working best lyrically and sonically.
The more noise you get the crowd to make (don't just shout "make some noise") the more they'll talk about you and the more they do that, the more likely it is that the promoters will get to hear about you too.
It's all about making a good impression.
If you can, try and record your PAs.
Live crowd reactions sound great when you listen back to them.
Even 50 people can make a lot of noise and this can really sound impressive to interested promoters.
They love acts that can draw a crowd as well as keeping them entertained.
Recordings also allow you to review your performance and listen to what worked best because how it feels and how it sounds are often two different tings.
"You need to be able to spit, or lace. You've got to be able to change if the DJ mixes. You got to be able to put something down fast, constructive and in an arrangement."
MC Viper
More... from How to...
Getting PAs
http://www.bbc.co.uk/1xtra/1xmusic/performing/getpap01.shtml
Rehearse for a PA
http://www.bbc.co.uk/1xtra/1xmusic/performing/rehearsep01.shtml
Set up your own PA
http://www.bbc.co.uk/1xtra/1xmusic/performing/nightp01.shtml
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