Core Skills Analysis
Music and Literary Arts
- Explored the intricate rhyme schemes and stylistic devices Kendrick Lamar uses in his lyrics, enhancing understanding of advanced poetic forms in contemporary music.
- Developed skills in rhythmic flow and cadence by imitating Kendrick Lamar’s delivery, fostering a deeper comprehension of musical timing and expression.
- Improved lyric writing abilities through studying song structure and rhyming techniques, which strengthens creative writing and linguistic skills.
- Engaged in active listening to analyze thematic content and artistic voice, promoting critical thinking and interpretive skills in music appreciation.
Tips
To deepen understanding of Kendrick Lamar’s lyrical artistry, encourage the student to experiment with creating their own verses that reflect personal experiences but are structured using similar rhyme patterns and rhythms. Incorporate freestyle sessions to build confidence in spontaneous composition and flow. Analyze the social and historical contexts behind Kendrick Lamar’s songs to connect lyrics to broader cultural conversations. Finally, consider collaborating with peers to perform original compositions, which enhances communication and performance skills.
Book Recommendations
- How to Rap: The Art and Science of the Hip-Hop MC by Paul Edwards: A comprehensive guide exploring technical elements of rapping including flow, rhyme patterns, and delivery, suitable for young aspiring lyricists.
- The Anthology of Rap by Adam Bradley and Andrew DuBois: A collection of influential rap lyrics with analysis that helps readers appreciate lyrical complexity and cultural impact.
- Rap Workbook: A Step-by-Step Guide to Writing & Recording Your Own Songs by Brentley Frazer: An instructional workbook designed to help learners practice songwriting and recording, providing hands-on creativity methods.
Learning Standards
- CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.9-10.4: Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in the text, including figurative and connotative meanings.
- CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.9-10.3.D: Use precise words and phrases, telling details, and sensory language to convey a vivid picture of the experiences, events, setting, and/or characters.
- CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.9-10.4: Present information, findings, and supporting evidence clearly and logically such that listeners can follow the line of reasoning.
- CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.9-10.5: Analyze how an author’s choices concerning how to structure a text, order events, and manipulate time create an effect.
Try This Next
- Create a worksheet that prompts the student to identify and write down examples of internal, multisyllabic, and slant rhymes from Kendrick Lamar’s songs.
- Develop a quiz focusing on rap song structure elements such as verse, chorus, bridge, and how Kendrick uses these to build narrative and mood.