Learn to Rap with the Vocal Technique of Mobb Deep's Prodigy

If you're into rap, you might want to learn to rap like Albert Johnson, better known as Prodigy. He was one of the co-founders of the legendary hip-hop duo Mobb Deep and a prominent figure in the '90s East Coast rap scene. Prodigy was known for his unique vocal technique and distinctive flow, which helped him stand out as a rapper and lyricist. In this article, we'll break down some of the key elements of Prodigy's style and offer practical tips and resources to help you develop your own rap skills.

Emphasize your breathing

One of the most notable aspects of Prodigy's vocal style was his ability to emphasize his breathing as a percussive element of his flow. He would often take deep breaths between his lyrics and use the sound of his inhalations and exhalations to add texture and rhythm to his delivery.

To learn this technique, start by practicing your breathing in isolation. Take deep inhales and exhales and pay attention to the sound of your breath. Then, try to incorporate your breathing into your rap flow. Experiment with different breath patterns and see what works best for you.

Focus on your timing and pace:

Prodigy was also known for his impeccable timing and pacing. He had a knack for knowing exactly when to speed up or slow down his flow to match the beat and create a sense of tension and release.

To improve your timing and pacing, start by practicing your delivery over different types of beats. Experiment with rapping fast and slow, and try to match your flow to the rhythm of the beat. Use a metronome or drum machine to help you stay in time, and record yourself rapping so you can listen back and evaluate your timing.

Use lyrics to tell a story:

One of the hallmarks of Prodigy's style was his ability to use his lyrics to tell a compelling story. He often wrote about gritty street life and the struggles of growing up in the projects, drawing on his own experiences to create vivid and realistic narratives.

To emulate this aspect of Prodigy's style, focus on crafting lyrics that tell a story or paint a picture. Draw on your own experiences and observations, and try to capture the essence of a particular situation or emotion. Use descriptive language and imagery to create a vivid and memorable narrative.

Resources:

• Vocal range test – Take this test to determine your vocal range and see how it compares to famous rappers like Prodigy
• Pitch accuracy test – Practice your pitch accuracy and rhythm with this fun and interactive test
• Vocal Pitch Monitor – See your sung notes on a virtual piano to help you refine your timing and pacing
• Pitch Training - Educational Singing Game – Use this interactive game to improve your pitch and rhythm skills
• Search songs by vocal range – Find rap songs that match your vocal range and style preference
• Vocal ranges of famous singers – Explore the vocal ranges of famous rappers and learn from their techniques
• Educational singing course – Take this course to learn the fundamentals of singing, including breathing, pitch, and rhythm techniques.