How to Compose an '8' bar verse

Ok, this one's for class boys and girls. Today i'm going to give you the run down on what it would take to compose a standard 8 bar hip-hop verse.

To start, find a track, or a "beat". Depending on what you want to write about should reflect in the pattern of the beat. So if what you're rhyming about is more depressing, the sound of the track should be a bit more somber, should go a little bit slower and have a cooler texture as opposed to lively party songs.

Next, find a standard word to rhyme off of, so if the word ends wit -y, find a word that can tie to the previous line while rhyming with the last line before it.

For example:

"My name isn't Jeff Goldbloom, but I'm fly // I'm kind of hard to map quest because I stay in the sky."

You want to maintain structure to the tempo, which in most cases is the drum pattern in a four-count. (1-2-3-1, 1-2-3-2, etc.)

You want to refrain from saying the same way multiple times for the same rhyme...in other words, being corny:

"I'm so fly like in the sky // Always high like stars in the sky" <-------This will get you boo'd

Musical influences like Outkast, Jay-Z, and Mos Def can further your understanding of what a good "8" should sound like.

Honesty, wittiness, and complexity makes for a good '8'. Master this and you will go far my young padawons.