Learn to Rap
Rapping requires immense creativity and mastery of language.
Reignite your learner's love for language and writing through the world's most popular art form.
New on Outschool
What's included
7 live meetings
7 in-class hoursProjects
1 hour per week. Each learner will present a 16 line rap verse by the end of the class. This can be performed for the group or submitted in writing.Assessment
I will write detailed feedback for each learner's final verse.Class Experience
US Grade 9 - 12
Class Structure: Warm-Up (10 minutes): A fun, low-pressure activity to get students comfortable (e.g., freestyle games or rhythm exercises). Lesson (15 minutes): A focused explanation of the day’s topic, supported by examples, video clips, and slides. Activity (25 minutes): This is when students will write lyrics, practice rapping them, and be able to ask me questions. Sharing and Feedback (10 minutes): Students share their work, receive constructive feedback, and discuss as a group. My Teaching Style Fast Paced and Reflective: I emphasize getting into the work in a fun quick way but then allowing for focused time to write a quiet, reflective way. Hands-on Learning: The only way to learn to rap, is to rap. I will introduce a set of skills each class then let everyone put them to use right away. Fun and Meaningful: Rap is an inherently fun medium and we emphasize the playfulness of it. At the same time, it is a medium used to express difficulty and struggle and students will be encouraged to explore their feelings to write something meaningful. Gentle and Expressive: Writing is a very personal experience and I treat my learners with care, approaching each interaction with empathy and kindness. I also let my performative nature shine through when presenting topics to keep them highly engaging.
Learning Goals
Write a 16-bar verseLearn and Practice Poetic Devices
Syllabus
Curriculum
Follows Teacher-Created Curriculum7 Lessons
over 1 WeekLesson 1:
The Origins of Rap
Students will learn about the history of rap, the practice of rapping in a cypher, and different rap styles. They will each write a couplet. 60 mins online live lesson
Lesson 2:
The Basics of GOOD Rap
Students will learn about bars, syllable counting, and polysyllabic rhymes as well as freestyles, concept songs, odes, and storytelling. They will write a 4-line verse. 60 mins online live lesson
Lesson 3:
Poetic Devices
Students will learn about various poetic devices, how and why they are used. They will write an 8-line verse. 60 mins online live lesson
Lesson 4:
Delivery & Flow
Students will understand flow, tone, and how rap in an engaging way. They will mimic other famous styles to find their own. They will write a 12-line verse. 60 mins online live lesson
Other Details
Supply List
Pen and paper or device to write on.
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Sources
"How To Rap" - Paul Edwards
Lupe Fiasco presents “Rap Theory & Practice: an Introduction” - MIT Lecture series
Joined April, 2020
New on Outschool
Teacher expertise and credentials
I have been a rapper for the past 15 years and an educator for the past 12. I have led numerous workshops on How to Rap for teens as well as an in-depth workshop for adults on the Art of Rhyming.
I live in Brooklyn, NY where I run a purpose-driven social club for young people called oK Community and this past Fall I was a coach at Cornell University for graduate students in their Product Studio program in NYC. Reviews
Live Group Course
$75
for 7 classes7x per week, 1 week
60 min
Live video meetings
Ages: 15-18
3-8 learners per class
