Finding your unique voice and style as a hip hop artist is one of the most important and challenging aspects of your musical journey. Your voice and style are what set you apart from other rappers and help you connect with your audience. Here are some tips on how to find your unique voice and style as a hip hop artist, along with some examples of rappers who have done it successfully.
Experiment with different flows, tones, accents, and delivery methods. Try to rap over different types of beats, genres, and tempos. See what feels natural and comfortable for you, and what suits your personality and message. Don’t be afraid to try something new and different, even if it sounds weird or unconventional at first. You might discover a hidden talent or a signature sound that makes you stand out. For example, B-Real of Cypress Hill has a distinctive nasal and high-pitched voice that he developed by imitating his uncle’s accent1. Eminem is known for his rapid and complex flow, as well as his ability to switch between different personas and tones.
Study the legends and pioneers of hip hop, as well as the current trends and innovations. Learn from the best and see what makes them unique and influential. Pay attention to their lyrics, beats, themes, stories, and techniques. Analyze how they use their voice and style to express themselves and communicate with their listeners. You can also look for inspiration from other genres and cultures, and see how you can incorporate them into your own hip hop. For example, Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five were one of the first hip hop groups to use turntablism, scratching, and mixing to create their own beats and samples3. Green Tea Peng is a modern-day singer who blends hip hop, soul, reggae, and psychedelic influences to create her own sound.
Be authentic and original. Don’t try to copy or imitate someone else’s voice and style, because you will only end up sounding like a second-rate version of them. Instead, focus on finding your own voice and style, based on your own experiences, opinions, emotions, and goals. Write about what matters to you, what you know, and what you want to say. Don’t be afraid to be yourself, and to show your personality and values through your music. For example, Tupac Shakur was one of the most influential and original rappers of all time, because he rapped about his personal struggles, social issues, and political views, with honesty and passion4. Willow Smith is a young singer who uses her voice and style to express her individuality and creativity, without conforming to any labels or expectations.
Finding your unique voice and style as a hip hop artist may take some time and effort, but it will be worth it in the end. Your voice and style are what make you a hip hop artist, and what make your music meaningful and memorable. Remember, there is no one right way to rap, as long as you rap with your own voice and style.
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