Mazbou Q

Rakim's rap flow on 'It's Been a Long Time' is a quintessential example of the flavourful swing feel that defined much of 90's era Boom Bap. But what actually is swing? Many confuse it with another popular rhythmic technique used in this era - microtiming. Swing's defining characteristic is the result the displacement of 'off-beat' note subdivisions. It has its origin in a style of late 20's Jazz music, performed primarily by Big Band and Jazz Orchestras. This is in contrast to microtiming, which is the general term for the micro displacement of notes (both on-beat and off-beat) from the grid. The careful injection of swing into rap flow can add much needed funk and bounce to a track. When delivered by the most skilled MC's, it becomes difficult for any listener to sit still. #musictheory #rapscience #mazbouq

@Benny The Butcher shows us how to be fashionably late with rap flow, in "Johnny P's Caddy (feat. J Cole)" Microtimed rhythmic deviations are widely used in music ranging from classical to Jazz music, under several different monikers: tempo fluctuation, downbeat delay, rubato, rhythmic fluidity, free timing etc. When used in rap, it brings a conversation characteristic to the MC's delivery which lends itself well to storytelling and heavy lyricism, which is why it's such a common feature of Boom Bap and Neo-Boom Bap Hip hop. It might sound seem like random timing, but to truly skilled rappers it's anything but. #mazbouq #rapscience #musictheory #rapper

In "None Shall Pass" by @Aesop Rock, we are shown an example of an instance of the "Gallop" rhythm in rap. The Gallop is a well known rhythm guitar pattern in various subgenres of metal, popularly used by both classic and modern acts from Iron Maiden, Slayer, and Metallica to As I Lay Dying, Killswitch Engage and Haste the Day. You'll also find it commonly occurring in rap, especially in the flows of artists whom focus on flow and lyricism. What's less known is that the gallop comes in four distinct forms, best understood as displacement patterns, each with their own flavor. #musictheory #rapscientist #therapscientist #thescienceofrap #rapscience #rapper

Sometimes my songs are just affirmations, and I end up performing them when I need them the most 🙏🏾✌🏾 #livehiphop #rapper #rapscience #mazbouq