music or lyrics first

[Holly Scott]

just wondering for those of you who write lyrics - say storytelling style, with a deffinite theme - do you do this before or after you make the beat?

I usually make the beat first but now i got these lyrics finished and i feel the message is so strong that i want the music to reflect the mood exactly

 

[slik da relic]

it can be 50/50. ive written rhymes and songs that wont have a beat for years... then i would create a beat, or find an old trk that fits the song perfectly... on the other hand, ive created trx that would give you a certain feelin or vibe, and you write the song on the spot. ive done it, and still do it both ways.

da relic

 

[RigorMortis]

both ways no rules...

 

[adomav17]

both has to be dope for it to stand out from the crowd in my opinion....

i can listen to a track that has good lyrics but a wack instrumental, or vice versa, but in the end will we remember it in the years to come? not really... i've rapped and made beats before... so i appreciate both sides of it, i used to be all lyrics, but since i started making beats i realize the art of beatmaking is underestimated too...so yeah it goes both ways... no homo

 

[Chrono]

either way you usuially need a beat, i enjoy rapping freestyles to no beat, although mosty you use a beat..
to me beat = tempo

that's all I need to know expressin expression according to the melody ect..

better rappers can fluidly express their ish syllbolically at many tempos
others are lame

 

[SlickVikNewman]

I usuallly like to do the music 1st and then the lyrics just so it fits better alot of times. Sometimes when I work with cats that come with a notebook, it never really jells until they pick up the vibe of the beat and run wit it.