How To Write A Gangster Rap Song

Often compared to the epic symphonies composed long ago by those such as Beethoven and Bach, gangster rap is poised to live on far past the current generation. Artists such as Young Jeezy and Lil Scrappy cleverly combine similar themes of money, women, and how to survive in the world.

I'm sure at this point you're wondering, "How could I compose such a masterpeice?" Well, it's a good thing you're reading this. Simply follow my step-by-step guide and you'll have so much money you can throw it around in your music videos in no time!

And trust me, I'm the most gangster person I know.
Besides this guy:

1) Develop A Beat: Without a deep pulsing bass and at least 16th notes on the hi-hat, you have little chance of creating a great song. Then, if you ever feel the beat is becoming a little repetitive, just put in some gun shot noises. *Note: Using a real gun in the studio is not necessary, though recommended.*

2) Think Long And Hard About Lyrics: This is the most important part of any gangster rap song. First, think about what has been concerning you lately. Is it money, women, or a combination of the two? Once you have decided, make sure your words rhyme, (at least some of the time) and you're good to go.

Consider using an echo effect at the end of each phrase. If you repeat the same word, it rhymes twice!

3) Obtain a Catch Phrase: Some examples include, "Jeah", "Burrr", or laughing like a school girl. Be creative here because if it's good enough, pre-teen youths from suburbs everywhere will copy you. And that's where the money is.

Finally....
4) Get a R&B Singer to Sing Your Hook: If you can't sing, it's no big deal.

Just ask Ja Rule:

(Starts around 1:15) Enjoy!

Jamaican Me Crazy

Truth be told, I feel bad for the last post. Now that you have songs that are bad but annoyingly catchy stuck in your head, I've decided to provide some medication. Enjoy my current top 5 reggae jams from a white boy who wishes he could pull off some dreadlocks.

A little bit of roots reggae, little bit of what I like to call progressive reggae, and a whole lot of awesome.  These songs will help you enjoy your summer.



So sit back and just
Chill out mon' cause there's 'no problem' with the following tracks:

5) The Expendables, Sacrifice

4) Put this on a burned CD for your girl and it's a done deal.
Katchafire, Hey Girl



3. Passafire, Kilo

I had to do a live version for Passafire seeing as they are hands down the best concert I've been to (twice now).

2. These guys are no slouch in concert either:
Soja, I Don't Wanna Wait

1. And my current favorite......
Tribal Seeds, All I Know

Tribal Seeds are touring now and I'm seeing them in July. To say that I am excited is an enormous understatement.

Oh and how could a list of reggae songs be complete without a classic. From a TV show produced by a fellow Langley. From the opening credits...

Honorable Mention from Cops:

Inner Circle's Bad Boy's:

That song in particular really speaks to me and my way of life.

Rastaman Drew signing off hoping your day has been brightened.