Rhythm A bar is the basic unit of rhythmic measurement in a rap. You can compare it to a single line in a poem. Bars are composed of four beats, each of which lasts about one second. Rhyme scheme Most raps rhyme in one way or another. There are two main types of rhyming patterns to consider, and they can be used separately or together. Back-to-back rhymes: The last words in each line rhyme with each other. You can use capital letters to denote rhyming pairs, and then experiment with different patterns. AABB: I miss you when I lie awake at night (A) I always thought that you and me, we got along all right (A) It’s hard to see you holding someone else’s hand (B) It’s like I’m falling fast and I’ll never land (B) ABAB: I miss you when I lie awake at night (A) It’s hard to see you holding someone else’s hand (B) I always thought that you and me, we got along all right (A) It’s like I’m falling fast and I’ll never land (B) Internal rhymes: Words in the same line or in different lines rhyme with each other. It’s time to wake up, make up your face, Take your moment, carpe diem. Jump in the car, we’re going far There’s no mistaking it, you’re a star. Hook This is the part of your rap that catches the audience’s ear. The hook is generally a short phrase or a couple of words repeated several times throughout the song—if your title is unique, you can probably use it as a hook. Rappers often include their hook at the beginning or end (or both) of the chorus. Chorus The chorus is usually 8 bars (32 beats) long, and occurs after each verse. The lyrics in your chorus should deal with your song’s themes in an abstract way. Verse Rap verses typically contain 16 bars (64 beats). While your chorus can be vague and abstract, your verses should explore a theme or story in more depth. Bridge The bridge is usually 4 to 8 bars in length (16 to 32 beats) and usually comes in near the end, right before the final chorus. It provides an opportunity to add a surprising new dimension to your song. Try employing a different rhyme scheme, rhythm, or vocal pitch.