Misconceptions of the Term Freestyle
A Guide to Distinguishing Whether or Not You’re on the Same Page
If you are part of any of the last several generations, there is strong evidence to support the fact that you are familiar with the term “freestyle.” ‘Off the dome’ rapping has been a staple of hip-hop culture since its inception. Rap battles and Ciphers have highlighted the skill-set necessary for this art form by pitting MCs against each other, usually to see who can tear the other down the most effective.
The frenetic pace and ability to quickly and firmly string words together within the context of a rhyme scheme is not for everyone. It seems there is a split, and each respective camp has opinions on why their way is better.
Freestyle is Pure
If you ask anyone who represents freestyle culture, they will explain how the purest form of rapping is creating a song, on the spot, fueled by the beat. The vibe, tone, progression, the environment, and the keys all affect the lyrical content that they pull out of the performer.
This theory is, for all intents and purposes, pretty logical, and it’s easy to see how this approach would evoke much more genuine emotion.
Another Point of View
On the other side of the coin, artists known for their more traditional approach to song-creation have a method. Typically, said the artist has a hand in creating the concept, writing some of the music, along with a multitude of other responsibilities to the process.
Many producers will hire a dedicated team of writers, and creatives to play with the foundational elements, flesh out variations, and typically help with writing the hook and chorus. The input coming from this team helps further build confidence among its constituents and hype around the project.
This process can effectively lead to an album drop of profound impact and something that changes the way we think about music. Ultimately, the success of the album is the artists, but when a team has been installed to encourage them, this weight is minimal.
Sometimes, Two Heads are Better than One
If you are still unsure as to which camp I feel more akin to, I would say that the process of creating by plotting, predicting, and producing is my preference.
Though I do agree that freestyle rapping does look good at a party, on a radio show, or in the street, I feel it is somewhat limiting.
Lyrical content made in this way can achieve a multitude of levels of sophistication. With the necessary patience, determination, and discipline, but I doubt the likelihood that one could intentionally reach the plateaus set by the most excellent musicians of our times.
It’s similar to the concept of “jam-band” music; long sections and breaks from the central action of a song that is good but don’t score high amongst the general populous. I believe that one needs structure, organization, innovation, and revision to create something that can be accessible to everyone, regardless of age, language, culture, or context.
