5 Steps to Writing Lyrics to a Hip-Hop Beat with Troubled.1

We are here in the studio today with Chicago hip-hop artist and lyricist Troubled.1 coming out of Static Mind Records. Here to help and inspire lyric writing, Troubled.1 breaks down his creative process when it comes to listening to a beat and matching it with words.

Step 1: Beats.

Troubled.1's first step in lyric writing comes with a beat that inspires a mood, a theme or overall feelings.

Have your own beat or looking for one online? There are many sites that offer beats for purchase with licensing rights. Find one that suits your needs and download the mp3 or upload the tracked out version into your favorite editing software.

What is your favorite beat source?

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• Jee-Juh Beats
• Beat Stars
• Beatopia
• Insane Beatz

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Step 2: Choose a theme, subject, or title.

For Troubled.1, the title of the beat can often inspire the subject of his song. Listen to the beat over and over until you are inspired. What is the vibe? What feelings arise?

Be patient with yourself. Troubled.1 confesses that his creative process is never forced, that he only writes when his "mind tells him to write." For him, writing in a comfortable place at home is best for him. He has a private space where he pops in his headphones, has a drink, and listens to the beat.

Don't rush. Troubled.1 admits that sometimes all he gets out is one sentence. Other times, he produces 4-5 songs in one sitting. Let is come organically and naturally, and wait for the right time and setting to get your true feelings down on the paper.

Step 3: Lyrics and Song Structure.

Luckily for Troubled.1, lyric writing acts as an outlet for his deepest or most difficult feelings. He describes hard times as the most inspired times to write and get the feelings out. That's what makes his lyrics so real, relatable and personal at the same time. In a world where there are so many negative ways to escape your feelings, lyric writing can turn a dark time in your life to a positive. Re-directing negative energy into something beautiful is the essence of art.

The basic parts of a song are:

• Intro

• Verse

• Pre-chorus/Lift

• Bridge

• Break

• Outro

The most common song structures include:

• Verse – Chorus – Verse – Chorus

• Verse – Chorus – Verse – Chorus – Bridge – Chorus

Troubled.1 will often add more structure to his song in post-recorded production and editing, when elements such as a chorus can be rearranged and duplicated to create a final version. He adds that intros and outros can sometimes come organically in recording. Keep it simple at the beginning, and remember there is always time to make it grow.

Step 4: Memorize and Record

Troubled.1 is notorious for recording without any written lyrics in front of him. He memorizes every song prior to recording. Similar to his song writing process, recording his songs is not a forced or scheduled event. This also comes naturally when he feels he is ready to lay down the track. Sometimes the vibe and timing is so right, he records it all in one take.

Troubled.1 reminds us to be open to changes and edits in your song during these stages. Input from audio engineers and producers can be crucial in the overall success of the song. Don't become discouraged as an artist when creatively collaborating with others.

Step 5: Mastering and Releasing your Music

The road from writing your first lyric to releasing the song can be long and unpredictable. It's important to keep your eye on the prize and release something that not only represents you as an artist but also something that you can be proud of.

Post-recording editing, engineering, and mastering can take up to several months. Artwork, establishing social media presence, and planning the release can be equally as important and long as creating the track.

Troubled.1's advice during this time is to keep creating. Keep writing. Keep working on the next one. “Success operates in active moments and not in idleness.”

Troubled.1 is currently signed with Static Mind Records and will be releasing multiple singles and an EP by the end of 2023. Visit www.StaticMindRecords.com for more information.