Verse Basics - Hooks, Stacks, Adlibs, Leads And Over Dubs

Hooks can be anywhere between 4-8 bars, any longer than that and you might find yourself having the listener unable to separate the hook from the verse.

A lot of times I come up with the hook first and then write my verses around that. Other times I may write the hook around the verses. Anyway you choose to do it is fine. But just remember…The Catchier The Hook The More Likely It Is You’ll have a hit on your hands. As long as the beat is a banger.

Leads

Okay leads are basically just what it says, the lead vocal. This is the first vocal you lay down. Doesn't matter if its on the hook or the verse. If I’m a engineer and I tell you to lay down your lead for the verse. This is when you spit your whole verse and from there I will tell you to do it over (Usually cause they think you can do better) or stack it.

EX. Here is an example of the Lead on a song J-Mill did a verse on.

Look at the lead as the foundation or skeleton to your songs and then the adlibs and overdubs are the veins. But the lead is the lead vocal that you lay down in other words it is the first sequence in laying down your verse. Which leads us to the 2nd sequence.

Over-Dubs

The Over Dubs is just the polishing over the lead. After laying your lead down I would tell you to over dub it. The Over Dub is just like the lead except your only over dubbing (repeating) your vocals over certain parts of the lead.

EX. Here is an example of the Over Dubs on a song J-Mill did a verse on.

For instance you might repeat the the first two bars and pause on the next two and then over dub bar 6 and 8. This is where its totally up to you. Long as you think its hot on the play back then its time to move on to the 3rd part of the sequence.

Adlibs

Adlibs are just a added effect to the Lead and Over Dubs. The adlibs are NOT to be over done. Its easy to do too much which then takes away from the song. Adlibs are only certain expressions that feed off the lead.

EX. Here is an example of the Adlibs on a song off of J-Mill’s Mixtape “Watch Me” Hosted by Dj Ron G

Usually only between 1-4 words, and four is pretty much stretching it, an adlib can sometimes give that extra added push to your vocals. “That’s right, or Yea” are some examples to help you get an idea. Also Pay attention to key places where you put your adlibs. This can also help add a little more to your vocal.

Stack

Stacking is just a term which means to double. I might tell you to stack your lead or stack your Over Dub. This just means to say the same thing again. Some rappers get confused when a engineer tells you to stack your vocal. The could mean To lay your Over Dub or to just Stack your Lead.

So be sure to clarify that up between you and your engineer. Below is everything combined together. The lead, Over Dub and Adlib.

Hope this helps.

How2rap.com

Hooks, Stacks, Adlibs, Leads and Over Dubs – Verse Basics

Lead Vocals Only

Okay a few of you have been asking a lot of questions about the elements mentioned in the above title. So we decided to write a article on it. The plan is just to mention what these elements are to help give you a better understanding of how to use them in your rhymes.

We are also putting examples of a few of the elements so you have a clear picture in your mind what to look for. Your vocals are the most important asset to your career as a rapper. So you definitely want to pay close attention.

One of the keys to finding your voice in the booth is to experiment with different flows and cadences. A good place to start is knowing rap booth etiquette. So lets start, shall we.

Hooks

Hooks are very important to your song. The catchier a hook is the more likely it is your going to have a hit on your hands. In most cases the title of the song usually stems from hook.

"Find out more about Hooks, Stacks, Adlibs, Leads and Over Dubs with this article from How2rap.com. Use these tips the next time your in the studio. Let How2rap.com take you down the road of some studio etiquette."

Over Dubs Only

Adlibs Only

Everything Mixed Together

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database or retrieval system, without the prior written permission of Rojamar, Inc.

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Author details: Jamaal West is the author of The Official How To Rap Manual. He has over 15 years experience helping others improve rap skill and rhyming ability. Inventor of the How2rap Point-System & The Understanding Bars Tutorial his techniques on teaching others to rap have been regarded as one of the best of its kind since the year 2000.

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