16 (slang) Type: noun, slang Pronunciation: /six-teen-bars/ Also known as: Sixteen, A 16, A sixteen Related: 16-bars, A 16 What does 16 mean? A verse. 16 Synonyms: Verse, 16-bars, A 16 Example sentence: “I’ma feature on that record, about to lay a 16 on it.” 16 in songs: “Told niggas when I was 16, That […]
MUSIC
Here’s a list of all the music terms used in rap/hip-hop music. Music terms on Rap Dictionary — RapDictionary.com.
The Official Hip-Hop Dictionary
16 bars (slang) Type: noun, slang Pronunciation: /six-teen-bars/ Also spelled: 16-bars, 16bars Related: 16, A 16 What does 16 bars mean? A verse. 16 bars Synonyms: Verse, 16, A 16 Example sentence: “Yo lay a quick 16 bars on this joint.” 16 bars in songs: “Walked in, spat ten 16 bars” – Skepta, Shutdown. “Off […]
360 (slang) Type: noun, slang Pronunciation: /three-sixty/ Also spelled or known as: Three Sixty Plural: 360s Related: 360 deal What does 360 mean? A record deal where the label owns your music, merch, and tour revenue. 360 Synonyms: 360 deal Example sentence: “He took less money but he was glad he didn’t sign a 360.” […]
360 deal (slang) Type: noun, slang Pronunciation: /three-sixty-deal/ Also spelled or known as: Three Sixty Deal, 360-deal, 360 Plural: 360 deals Related: 360 What does 360 deal mean? A record deal where the label owns your music, merch, and tour revenue. 360 deal Synonyms: 360 Example sentence: “A lot of major labels sign artists to […]
Acapella (music) Type: noun, slang Pronunciation: /aca-pel-la/ Plural: Acapellas What does Acapella mean? Music with no beat or instrumental, just vocals. Example sentence: “He rapped the song acapella to the crowd.” Acapella in songs: “Three hoes freak dancing, wit’ the loud, singing acapella” – Slim Jxmmi, No Flex Zone. “Told a young nigga Freebandz, Roc-A-Fella […]
Ad lib (music) Type: noun, slang Pronunciation: /ad-lib/ Also spelled: Adlib, Ad-lib Plural: Ad libs What does Ad lib mean? A spontaneous vocal effect, word or sound. Ad lib is short for ad libitum. Example sentence: “I love the ad lib “brr.”” Ad lib in songs: “Still the same damn ad lib: igh!, old ways” […]
Album (music) Type: noun Pronunciation: /al-bum/ Plural: Albums What does Album mean? A collection of musical recordings. Album Synonyms: LP Similar to Album: Mixtape, Tape, Project Example sentence: “Ready to Die by The Notorious B.I.G. is a great album. I have the CD.” Album in songs: “Okay, no problem, I’ll show up on everyone album, […]
Arrangement (noun) Type: noun Pronunciation: /a-range-ment/ Plural: Arrangements What does Arrangement mean? 1. How a song changes or is arranged from start to finish. Arrangement Synonyms: Structure 2. A plan or solution. Arrangement Synonyms: Scheme, Plot Example sentence: “The reason the song is so fire is because of its arrangement.” Arrangement in songs: “Headscarf for […]
ASCAP (music) Type: noun, acronym Pronunciation: /as-cap/ What does ASCAP mean? American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers. Similar to ASCAP: BMI, SESAC, SoundExchange Example sentence: “I don’t have BMI, i used ASCAP.” ASCAP in songs: “Broke ass, ASCAP go straight to my baby” – YoungBoy Never Broke Again, Jump. “I’m just a money makin’ […]
Audio (music) Type: noun Pronunciation: /aww-dio/ What does Audio mean? A sound recording. Similar to Audio: MP3, CD Example sentence: “Tell the DJ to turn up the audio.” Audio in songs: “Cardio audio, let me jog your brain” – Kanye West, Reborn. “I should download her audio on MP3″ – Eminem, The Real Slim Shady. […]
Beat (slang) Type: noun, verb, slang Pronunciation: /beet/ Plural: Beats Related: Beating, Beatin’, Beat it up What does Beat mean? 1. The rhythmic speed of music. Beat synonyms: Rhythm 2. The instrumental of a song; the song with no lyrics. Beat synonyms: Instrumental 3. To have sex. Beat synonyms: Beat it up, Fuck, Smash, Hit […]
Beats (slang) Type: noun, slang Pronunciation: /b-eats/ Singular: Beat What does Beats mean? The instrumentals of songs. Beats Synonyms: Instrumentals Example sentence: “Send some beats over tonight.” Beats in songs: “I been through the storm and it turned me to a G But the other side was sunny, I get paid to rap on beats” […]
BMI (music) Type: noun, acronym Pronunciation: /B-M-I/ What does BMI mean and stand for? Broadcast Music, Inc. Similar to BMI: ASCAP, SESAC, SoundExchange Example sentence: “A lot of producers use BMI.” BMI in songs: “Warner to Chappell to BMI, I’m just rollin’ the dice” – Rick Ross, Supreme. “She asked how much publishing I made […]
BPM (acronym) Type: noun, acronym Pronunciation: /b-p-m/ Also spelled: B.P.M., B-P-M What does BPM mean and stand for? Beats Per Minute. Example sentence: “I love the fast BPM on this beat, makes it sound harder.” BPM in songs: “I love this BPM, but this a different style” – Logic, 5 Hooks. “I don’t care what […]
Bridge (music) Type: noun, slang Pronunciation: /br-idge/ Also known as: The Bridge Plural: Bridges What does Bridge mean? 1. A section that connects two parts of a song. A bright can also be used to combat repetitiveness. Bridge Synonyms: Hook, Chorus 2. Queensbridge, N.Y. Bridge Synonyms: QB Example sentence: “I’m going to put that line […]
Cadence (music) Type: noun Pronunciation: /kay-dense/ What does Cadence mean? 1. Rhythmic flow of lyrics and sounds. 2. The rise and fall of vocals. Similar to Cadence: Flow, Delivery, Rhythm Example sentence: “He’s my favorite rapper because of his Cadence.” Cadence in songs: “My titties bounce on the cadence of his tinklin’ keys” – Kendrick […]
Certified Diamond (certification) Type: noun, slang, music Pronunciation: /cer-tee-fied-die-mond/ Also known as: Diamond selling, Diamond status, Diamond album, Diamond single, Went Diamond What does Certified Diamond mean? A musical song or album achieving a milestone of 10 million units sold total. Certified Diamond Synonyms: Diamond, Diamond album, Diamond single Other music certifications: Gold, Platinum Example […]
Certified Gold (certification) Type: noun, slang, music Pronunciation: /cer-tee-fied-go-old/ Also known as: Gold selling, Gold status, Gold album, Gold single, Went Gold What does Certified Gold mean? A musical song or album achieving a milestone of 500 thousand units sold total. Certified Gold Synonyms: Gold, Gold album, Gold single Other music certifications: Platinum, Diamond Example […]
Certified Platinum (certification) Type: noun, slang, music Pronunciation: /cer-tee-fied-plat-num/ Also known as: Platinum selling, Platinum status, Platinum album, Platinum single, Went Platinum What does Certified Platinum mean? To have achieved a milestone of 1 million units sold total. Certified Platinum Synonyms: Platinum, Platinum album, Platinum single Other music certifications: Gold, Diamond Example sentence: “The new […]
Chart (music) Type: noun, verb, slang Pronunciation: /chart/ Also spelled or known as: Chartin’ Related: Charting, Charts, Charted What does Chart mean? 1. To have a song or an album on any of the Billboard music charts. (verb) 2. Any of the Billboard music charts. (noun) Example sentence: “Don’t worry when we drop the album, […]
Charted (music) Type: noun, slang Pronunciation: /chart-ed/ Related: Chart, Charts, Charting What does Charted mean? To have had a song or an album on any of the Billboard music charts. Charted Synonyms: Chart Example sentence: “The song made history when it charted at No. 1.” Charted in songs: “Straight up out the gutter, we charted” […]
Charting (music) Type: verb, slang Pronunciation: /chart-in/ Also spelled or known as: Chartin’ Related: Chart, Charts, Charted What does Charting mean? To have a song or an album on any of the Billboard music charts. Charting Synonyms: Chart Example sentence: “We knew the song would be a Top 40 when it started charting.” Charting in […]
Charts (music) Type: noun, slang Pronunciation: /ch-arts/ Also spelled or known as: The Charts Related: Chart, Charting, Charted What does Charts mean? The Billboard Hot 100 or Billboard 200 charts. Example sentence: “Drake and Post Malone are always on the charts.” Charts in songs: “You want to be on to peak on the charts, So […]
Chopped and Screwed (music) Type: noun, slang Pronunciation: /chawpped-and-skrewed/ Also spelled or known as: Screwed and Chopped, Slowed and Throwed, Chopped n’ Screwed What does Chopped and Screwed mean? A technique of remixing hip-hop music by slowing it down, making it skip or scratch. Chopped and Screwed origin: Chopped and Screwed was created in Houston, […]
Chorus (music) Type: noun Pronunciation: /co-ris/ What does Chorus mean? The repeated part of a song. Chorus Synonyms: Hook, Bridge Example sentence: “The chorus to Space by Joe Trufant is so catchy.” Chorus in songs: “Never to extort us, strictly to show they support us, And maybe shout ’em out in a rap or up […]
Cluckhead (slang) Type: noun, slang Pronunciation: /kluk-head/ Also spelled or known as: Cluck-head, Cluck head Related: Clucker, Cluck Plural: Cluckheads What does Cluckhead mean? Someone who is addicted to drugs. Cluckhead Synonyms: Clucker, Cluck, Junky, Bucktee, Feign, Junkie, Feen Example sentence: “I can’t hang out with a Cluckhead too long.” Cluckhead in songs: “Blamed it […]
Collab (music) Type: noun, verb, slang Pronunciation: /ko-lab/ Plural: Collabs Related: Collabed What does Collab mean? 1. A collaboration. (noun) 2. Collaborate; to work together with someone. (verb) Example sentence: “Joe Trufant and Ty Dolla Sign need to collab more.” Collab in songs: “J.W. Anderson collab, Yeah, she pop it like a MAC” – A$AP […]
Couplet (music) Type: noun Pronunciation: /koup-let/ Plural: Couplets What does Couplet mean? A stanza with two lines of the same rhyme scheme. Similar to Couplet: Triplet Couplet example: AA BB CC Example sentence: “The verse had a couplet in it.” more terms starting with “C”
Couplets (music) Type: noun Pronunciation: /koup-lets/ Singular: Couplet What does Couplets mean? Two lines of the same rhyme scheme in a stanza. Similar to Couplets: Triplets Couplets example: AA BB CC DD EE FF Example sentence: “Jay-Z had a couple couplets in that song.” more terms starting with “C”
Cut (slang) Type: noun, slang Pronunciation: /kut/ Related: Deep cut What does Cut mean? A single track or song. Cut Synonyms: Single, Song Example sentence: “I am working on the final cut now.” Cut in songs: “Top 5 in this muh’fucka, and if I don’t make the cutWhat? Like I give a fuck! I’ma light […]
Cypher (music) Type: noun, slang Pronunciation: /sigh-fur/ Also spelled: Cipher Also Known as: Hip-Hop Cypher, Rap Cypher, Freestyle Cypher Plural: Cyphers What does Cypher mean? A freestyle rap session which goes in a circle between rappers. Cypher Synonyms: Cipher Example sentence: “You killed that cypher lil bro.” Cypher in songs: “But I kept rhymin’ and […]
Debut (slang) Type: noun, slang Pronunciation: /day-buit/ What does Debut mean? A rapper or musician’s first appearance in something; Usually an album. Example sentence: “Rappers usually drop their debut album after a hit.” Debut in songs: “Look to the star and visualize my debut” – 2Pac, Can’t C Me. “My pops got a different approach, […]
Deep cut (slang) Type: noun, slang Pronunciation: /deep-kut/ Related: Deep cut What does Deep cut mean? A rare single track or song. Deep cut Synonyms: Single, Song Example sentence: “I found a deep cut from my favorite album today.” Deep cut in songs: “Spiritual like a deep cut from Shirley Caesar” – Nas, My Bible. […]
Def Jam (slang) Type: noun, slang Pronunciation: /def-jam/ Also spelled or known as: Def-Jam, DefJam What does Def Jam mean? 1. A great record. Def Jam Synonyms: Bop, Fire 2. A major record label founded by Rick Rubin and Russell Simmons. Example sentence: “Def Jam has released a lot of amazing records.” Fact: Rick Rubin […]
Demo (slang) Type: noun, slang Pronunciation: /dem-oh/ Plural: Demos What does Demo mean? A recording of music; may not be mixed, mastered or completed. Demo Synonyms: Unmixed Example sentence: “We sent a demo to the label today.” Demo in songs: “I’m treating this shit like a demo” – Future, Codeine Crazy. “Hopped in the window, shoppin’ a demo at gunpoint” […]
Diamond album (certification) Type: noun, slang, music Pronunciation: /die-mond-al-bum/ Also known as: Diamond selling, Diamond status, Diamond single, Certified Diamond, Went Diamond What does Diamond album mean? 10 million (10,000,000) copies of an album or project sold. Diamond album Synonyms: Diamond Other music certifications: Gold, Platinum Example sentence: “Wow, ofcourse Michael Jackson has a diamond […]
Diamond single (certification) Type: noun, slang, music Pronunciation: /die-mond-sing-ull/ Also known as: Diamond selling, Diamond status, Diamond album, Certified Diamond, Went Diamond What does Diamond single mean? 10 million (10,000,000) copies of a song or a single sold. Diamond single Synonyms: Diamond Other music certifications: Gold, Platinum Example sentence: “Wow, it became a diamond single […]
Diamond status (certification) Type: noun, music Pronunciation: /die-mond-stat-us/ Also known as: Diamond selling, Certified Diamond, Diamond album, Diamond single, Went Diamond What does Diamond status mean? A musical song or album achieving a milestone of 10 million units sold total. Diamond status Synonyms: Diamond, Diamond album, Diamond single Other music certifications: Gold, Platinum Example sentence: […]
Disc Jockey (slang) Type: noun, slang Pronunciation: /disk-jock-e/ Also spelled or known as: Disc-Jockey Related: DJ What does Disc Jockey mean? 1. A person who plays music for a crowd. Disc Jockey Synonyms: DJ 2. To play music or records. Disc Jockey Synonyms: Spin, Bump, Jam Example sentence: “The Disc Jockey played my favorite songs.” […]
Discography (noun) Type: noun, slang Pronunciation: /dis-caw-gra-fee/ What does Discography mean? A catalog of musical recordings. Discography Synonyms: Catalog Example sentence: “Kanye West has an amazing discography.” Discography in songs: “You see I spit National Treasure, discography rich” – Busta Rhymes, Outro. “It was everything that I’d have never guessed it was, So my discography […]
Diss track (slang) Type: noun, slang Pronunciation: /diss-trak/ Also known as: Diss song, Diss record Related: Diss, Sneak dissin’, Dissin’, Dissed, Diss song What does Diss track mean? A disrespectful song directed at someone or something. Diss track Synonyms: Sub, Subliminal, Shade, Sneak diss Example sentence: “Drake released a diss track at Meek Mill when […]
Double entendre (music) Type: noun Pronunciation: /double-on-tundra/ Plural: Double entendres What does Double entendre mean? A word or line that has two meanings. Double entendre Synonyms: Chorus, Bridge Example sentence: “Jay-Z usually has a double entendre in his songs.” Double entendre in songs: “Monster of the double entendre, Coke is still my sponsor” – JAY-Z, Do […]
Dubstep (music) Type: noun, slang Pronunciation: /dub-step/ What does Dubstep mean? A form of electronic dance music with heavy bass lines and sub-bass frequencies that originated in South London in the late 1990s. Dubstep Synonyms: EDM Example sentence: “We were turning up to dubstep with the guys.” Dubstep in songs: “They been playing fuckin’ dubstep […]
EDM (acronym) Type: noun, acronym Pronunciation: /e-d-m/ Also spelled: E.D.M., E-D-M What does EDM mean and stand for? Electronic Dance Music. EDM Synonyms: E.D.M., Dubstep Example sentence: “We were in NYC turning up to EDM.” EDM in songs: “I go and cop a little mazzi maybe cut the roof off Cuz I’m all about the […]
Emo rap (slang) Type: noun, slang Also spelled: Emo-rap Pronunciation: /e-moe-rap/ Related: Emo, Conscious, Mumble rap, Conscious rapper, Rapper, Mumble rapper, Battle rapper Plural: Emo raps What does Emo rap mean? A subgenre of Hip-Hop/Rap; rap about emotional problems, usually suicidal. Example sentence: “The young mother didn’t want her son listening to emo rap but […]
Explicit (music) Type: adjective, slang Pronunciation: /x-pli-sit/ What does Explicit mean? Dirty and detailed; including sexual content or profanity. Explicit Synonyms: Naughty, Dirty, Uncut Example sentence: “Most of my favorite albums are explicit.” Explicit in songs: “Had to get explicit, had to make ’em listen” – Da$H, Fetti. “Hot sauce, pour it on all jams, […]
Feat. (music) Type: noun, slang Pronunciation: /feet/ Related: Feature, Ft. What does Feat. mean? Featuring or a feature. Feat Synonyms: Feature, Ft. Example sentence: “The song is feat. Joe Trufant.” Feat. in songs: “They know it’s 50 thousand for the feat, sheesh” – Tory Lanez, Wood. “It’s my life and I run it even when […]
Feature (slang) Type: noun, slang Pronunciation: /feet-chur/ Plural: Features Related: Feat. What does Feature mean? A rapper or musician who appears on a song but is not the song’s main artist. Feature Synonyms: Feat. Example sentence: “That song is so good it doesn’t need a feature.” Feature in songs: “Feature money out the safe, went […]
Flow (music) Type: noun, slang Pronunciation: /flo/ Related: Flowin’, Flowed What does Flow mean? A rappers rhythm and rhymes on a beat. Flow Synonyms: Delivery, Cadence, Rhythm Example sentence: “I love when DaBaby does that flow.” Flow in songs: “No question I would flow off and try to get the dough all” – Raekwon, C.R.E.A.M.. […]
Free-write (music) Type: verb, noun Pronunciation: /free-rite/ Also spelled: Free write Related: Free-writing What does Free-write mean? 1. To write and let ideas flow without any limitations. 2. Something written without any limitations. Similar to Free-write: Freestyle, Structure-write Example sentence: “The verse was a free-write.” Free-write in songs: “Today I’m going to give you guys […]