Freestyle (music) Type: noun, verb, slang Pronunciation: /free-st-aile/ Plural: Freestyles Related: Freestylin’, Freestyled, Freestyle Rap, Freestyle Rappin’ What does Freestyle mean? 1. Lyrics created off the top of your head. (noun) 2. To rap off the top of your head. (verb) Freestyle Synonyms: Freestyle Rap Example sentence: “Let’s freestyle in my car.” Freestyle in songs: […]
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
Freestylin’ (slang) Type: verb, slang Pronunciation: /free-st-aile-ing/ Also spelled: Freestyling Related: Freestyle, Freestyled, Freestyle Rap, Freestyle Rappin’ What does Freestylin’ mean? To be rapping off the top of your head. Freestylin’ Synonyms: Freestyle Rappin’ Example sentence: “We stay freestylin‘ in the yo.” Freestylin‘ in songs: “Freestylin’ while I got kush in my lung” – Future, […]
Freestyling (slang) Type: verb, slang Pronunciation: /free-st-aile-ing/ Also spelled: Freestylin’, Free styling Related: Freestyle, Freestyled, Freestyle Rap, Freestyle Rappin’ What does Freestyling mean? To be rapping off the top of your head. Freestyling Synonyms: Freestyle Rapping Example sentence: “What we doing? We freestyling.” Freestyling in songs: “I’m on the train headin uptown, freestyling” – 2Pac, […]
Funky drummer (slang) Type: noun, slang Pronunciation: /funk-e-drum-err/ Also spelled or known as: Funky-drummer What does Funky drummer mean? A popular drum track by Clyde Stubblefield, James Brown’s drummer. Funky drummer is often sampled in hip-hop. Example sentence: “We were listening to some songs with funky drummer in it.” Funky drummer in songs: “When the […]
Ghostwriters (slang) Type: noun, slang Pronunciation: /ghost-ry-ters/ Also known as: Ghost writers, Ghost-writers, Ghostwriter’s Singular: Ghostwriter Related: Ghostwrite, Ghostwrote, Ghostwriting What does Ghostwriters mean? Uncredited writers on a song or album. Example sentence: “That album was filled with ghostwriters lowkey.” Ghostwriters in songs: “Niggas having ghostwriters, stripes like I’m Tony Tiger” – Quavo, Commando. “So […]
Ghostwriting (slang) Type: verb, slang Pronunciation: /ghost-ry-ting/ Also known as: Ghost writing, Ghost-writing Related: Ghostwriter, Ghostwritten What does Ghostwriting mean? Writing uncredited lyrics. Example sentence: “The camp was in the studio ghostwriting.” Ghostwriting in songs: “Ghost-ride the whip like I’m ghostwriting verses” – Evidence, Strangers. “From collabos, ghostwriting for assholes” – Cam’ron, I Really Mean […]
Gold album (certification) Type: noun, slang, music Pronunciation: /gold-al-bum/ Also known as: Gold selling, Gold status, Gold single, Certified Gold, Went Gold What does Gold album mean? 500 thousand (500,000) copies of an album or project sold. Gold album Synonyms: Gold Other music certifications: Diamond, Platinum Example sentence: “He got a gold album in his […]
Gold single (certification) Type: noun, slang, music Pronunciation: /gold-sing-ull/ Also known as: Gold selling, Gold status, Gold album, Certified Gold What does Gold single mean? 500 thousand (500,000) copies of a song or a single sold. Gold single Synonyms: Gold Other music certifications: Diamond, Platinum Example sentence: “I finally got my first gold single.” Gold […]
Gold status (certification) Type: noun, music Pronunciation: /goold-stat-us/ Also known as: Gold selling, Certified Gold, Gold album, Gold single, Went Gold What does Gold status mean? A musical song or album achieving a milestone of 500 thousand units sold total. Gold status Synonyms: Gold, Gold album, Gold single Other music certifications: Platinum, Diamond Example sentence: […]
Hip-Hop (slang) Type: noun, slang Pronunciation: /hip-hop/ Also spelled: Hip Hop, HipHop Related: Hip-Hopper What does Hip-Hop mean? 1. A culture consisting of the four elements; DJing, MCing, breakdancing, and graffitiing. 2. Rap music. Hip-Hop Synonyms: Rap Example sentence: “I love listening to hip–hop it makes me feel good.” Hip-Hop in songs: “Is hip–hop just a euphemism for a new […]
Hook (slang) Type: noun, slang Pronunciation: /hook/ What does Hook mean? The repeated section of a song, intended to “hook” the listener. Hook Synonyms: Chorus, Bridge Example sentence: “Yo that hook is fire, play it again.” Hook in songs: “Put that hook on her, now she got love in the south” – Future, Thought It […]
Instrumental (music) Type: noun, slang Pronunciation: /in-stru-mental/ Plural: Instrumentals What does Instrumental mean? The instruments or music on a song without lyrics. Instrumental synonyms: Beat Example sentence: “The rapper downloaded the instrumental off YouTube.” Instrumental in songs: “Uh, detrimental on any instrumental” – Lil Wayne, President Carter. “Your hood love you ’cause you on the […]
Label (slang) Type: noun, slang Pronunciation: /layb-el/ Plural: Labels What does Label mean? A record label. Label Synonyms: Record label Example sentence: “I’m turning the album in to the label today.” Label in songs: “Shoutout my label, that’s me” – Lil Baby, Freestyle. “Started a label, the album is comin’ September, Just wait on it” – […]
Line (music) Type: noun, slang Pronunciation: /lie-n/ Plural: Lines What does Line mean? 1. A line/sentence of lyric. Line Synonyms: Rhyme, Verse 2. Line of cocaine. Line Synonyms: Bump 3. A phone. Line Synonyms: Celly, Beeper, Jack, Pager Example sentence: “My favorite line in rap is sill from Kanye.” Line in songs: “Insult me in […]
Loop (music) Type: noun, slang Pronunciation: /loooop/ What does Loop mean? 1. A repeating sound or instrumental. Loop Synonyms: Beat 2. To repeat a sound or instrumental. Example sentence: “Loop that beat out, i’m about to go in.” Loop in songs: “You gotta loop the beat up right now though cause it can’t” – J. […]
Lyrics (noun) Type: noun Pronunciation: /lee-ricks/ Singular: Lyric What does Lyrics mean? The words written in a song. Lyrics Synonyms: Lines, Words Example sentence: “He forgot the lyrics to his own song on stage.” Lyrics in songs: “I put my faith in these lyrics, hoping I make a band” – Kendrick Lamar, PRIDE. “You can […]
Mainstream (music) Type: noun, slang Pronunciation: /main-stream/ Also spelled: Main stream, Main-stream Also known as: Mainstream rap What does Mainstream mean? Something that is very popular and liked by masses. Mainstream Synonyms: Popular, Commercial, Radio Example sentence: “You know an artist is mainstream when they are performing in arenas.” Mainstream in songs: “I went mainstream […]
Metaphor (noun) Type: noun Pronunciation: /meta-for/ Plural: Metaphors What does Metaphor mean? A figure of speech that makes a comparison which is not literal. Similar to Metaphor: Simile Example sentence: “His day one fan didn’t understand the metaphor in the song but it was fire.” Metaphor in songs: “Livin’ my life in the margin and […]
Mixing (slang) Type: verb, slang Pronunciation: /mix-ed/ Also spelled or known as: Mixin’ Related: Mix, Mixed, Mixer, Remix, Mixtape What does Mixing mean? To be combining and blending sound recordings. Example sentence: “I was mixing the album then Jay-Z walked in the studio.” Mixing in songs: “The love is lost and the drugs they cost, […]
Mixtape (music) Type: noun, slang Pronunciation: /mix-tape/ Also spelled or known as: Mix-tape, Mix tape Plural: Mixtapes What does Mixtape mean? A collection of songs featuring original or unoriginal/remixed songs released for free. Mixtape Synonyms: Tape Similar to Mixtape: Project, Album Example sentence: “No Ceilings is one crazy mixtape by Lil Wayne.” Mixtape in songs: […]
Music (music) Type: noun, slang Pronunciation: /mew-zik/ Also spelled or known as: Musiq, Musik Related: Songs, Albums, Song, Album, EP, LP What does Music mean? An arrangement of vocal or instrumental sounds (or both) with melody and rhythm. Example sentence: “I love listening to music.” Music in songs: “I know Top will be mad at […]
Music video Type: noun Pronunciation: /mew-sik-v-deo/ Related: Shoot What does Music video mean? A video recording performance of a song. Music video Synonyms: Song video Example sentence: “Let’s direct your next music video, we have a crazy idea.” Music video in songs: “My first music video Rakim, I was the extra” – Wyclef Jean, Hip […]
Payola (slang) Type: noun, slang Pronunciation: /pay-yo-lah/ What does Payola mean? 1. Paying a DJ to spin and promote a record. 2. Money. Payola Synonyms: Bread, Cake, Racks, Cheese, Guap, Guala, Bacon, Lettuce Example sentence: “Payola was a big thing in the 2000s.” Payola in songs: “Got her addicted to payola” – Quavo, Drip. “But […]
Plaque (slang) Type: noun, slang Pronunciation: /plahk/ Plural: Plaques What does Plaque mean? A physical certificate that signifies a musical accomplishment or milestone. Example sentence: “We received a plaque for going gold.” Plaque in songs: “So much plaque up on my wall I need a dentist From Maryland to Venice, this shit is worldwide” – […]
Platinum album (certification) Type: noun, slang, music Pronunciation: /Platinum-al-bum/ Also known as: Platinum selling, Platinum status, Platinum single, Certified Platinum, Went Platinum What does Platinum album mean? 1 million (1,000,000) copies of an album or project sold. Platinum album Synonyms: Platinum Other music certifications: Gold, Diamond Example sentence: “It didn’t take long for it to […]
Platinum single (certification) Type: noun, slang, music Pronunciation: /plat-num-sing-ull/ Also known as: Platinum selling, Platinum status, Platinum album, Certified Platinum, Went Platinum What does Platinum single mean? 1 million (1,000,000) copies of a song or a single sold. Platinum single Synonyms: Platinum Other music certifications: Gold, Diamond Example sentence: “Oh you’re hating? When’s the last […]
Platinum status (certification) Type: noun, music Pronunciation: /plat-num-stat-us/ Also known as: Platinum selling, Certified Platinum, Platinum album, Platinum single, Went Platinum What does Platinum status mean? A musical song or album achieving a milestone of 1 million units sold total. Platinum status Synonyms: Platinum, Platinum album, Platinum single Other music certifications: Gold, Diamond Example sentence: […]
Pre-hook (music) Type: noun Pronunciation: /pre-hook/ Related: Hook What does Pre-hook mean? A section before a “hook” intended to “hook” the listener. Sometimes also known as a bridge. Pre-hook Synonyms: Bridge Example sentence: “The pre-hook was mad catchy.” Example(s) of a Pre-hook: 1: “I got my mind made up, come on; get in, get into […]
Producer tag (slang) Type: noun, verb, slang Pronunciation: /pro-duce-er-tahg/ Related: Taggin’, Tagging What does Producer tag mean? A producer’s sound mark on a beat or song. Producer tag Synonyms: Tag Example sentence: “Let me hear the producer tag again, shits hard.” Producer tag in songs: “I be making hits with my producer tag” – TV […]
Project (music) Type: noun, slang Pronunciation: /praw-ject/ Plural: Projects What does Project mean? A collection of songs either original or unoriginal. Project Synonyms: Mixtape, Album, Tape Example sentence: “Joe Trufant’s Guest Room is such a fire project.” Project in songs: “Made a deal for my project; just give me ten mil’, I’m gravy” – Rick […]
Punchline (slang) Type: noun, slang Pronunciation: /punch-line/ Also spelled: Punch line, Punch-line Plural: Punchlines What does Punchline mean? A witty follow up to a previous line of lyrics. Example sentence: “Big L always had a good punchline.” Punchline in songs: “To that punchline, feelin’ just fine, Let the abyss of my mind, my mind consume” […]
Rap (music) Type: noun, verb Pronunciation: /rah-app/ Plural: Raps Related: Rappin’, Rapper, Rapped, Rap Game, The Game What does Rap mean? 1. To rhyme and flow. (verb) Rap Synonyms: Spit, Freestyle, Flow, Rhyme 2. Hip-Hop music. (noun) Rap Synonyms: Hip-Hop Example sentence: “Lemme hear you rap if you wanna get signed.” Rap in songs: “I […]
Rappers (music) Type: noun Pronunciation: /rap-errs/ Singular: Rapper Related: Rap, Rappin’, Rapping What does Rappers mean? People who rap or make rap/hip-hop music. Rappers Synonyms: Hip-Hoppers, MCs Example sentence: “My list of top 5 favorite rappers changes all the time.” Rappers in songs: “Most rappers‘ taste level ain’t at my waist level” – Kanye West, […]
Rappin’ (music) Type: verb Pronunciation: /rah-app-ing/ Also spelled: Rapping Related: Rap, Rapper What does Rappin’ mean? To be rhyming and flowing. Rappin’ Synonyms: Rhymin’, Flowin’, Spittin’ Example sentence: “Who’s is this rappin’? i like his flow.” Rappin’ in songs: “Bills can get paid off of rappin’, still I keep to trappin’” – Da$h, Fetti. “See, […]
Reggae (genre) Type: noun Pronunciation: /reg-ay/ What does Reggae mean? A popular music genre that originated in Jamaica by combining native styles with elements of rock and soul music. Example sentence: “We’re having a reggae listening party in the studio.” Reggae in songs: “I done went from rapping to reggae” – Young Thug, Makaveli. “Really steal with no […]
Rhyme scheme (music) Type: noun Pronunciation: /rhym-skeme/ Plural: Rhyme schemes Related: Rhyme, Rhymes, Rhymin’, Rhymmed, Rhymer, Complex rhymes What does Rhyme scheme mean? A pattern of rhyming words and lines on a song. Rhyme scheme synonyms: Lines, Rhymes Example sentence: “The Bronx rapper had the best rhyme scheme.” Rhyme scheme in songs: “Pardon the rhyme […]
Rhyme schemes (music) Type: noun Pronunciation: /rhym-skemes/ Singular: Rhyme scheme Related: Rhyme, Rhymes, Rhymin’, Rhymmed, Rhymer, Complex rhymes What does Rhyme schemes mean? A pattern of rhyming words and lines on a song. Rhyme schemes synonyms: Lines, Rhymes Example sentence: “I was impressing her with my rhyme schemes.” Rhyme schemes in songs: “I can’t fade, […]
Rhymes (music) Type: noun Pronunciation: /riy-iams/ Singular: Rhyme Related: Rhyme, Rhymin’, Rhymed, Rhyme scheme, Rhymer, Complex rhymes What does Rhymes mean? Words that sound the same or similar to a word. Rhymes Synonyms: Lines, Verses Example sentence: “To write a good rap song you need fire rhymes.” Rhymes in songs: “Rhymes rugged and built like […]
Rhythm (music) Type: noun Pronunciation: /rith-em/ Related: Riddim, Rhythmic, R&B What does Rhythm mean? A pattern of combined sounds. Rhythm Synonyms: Riddim, Beat Example sentence: “Yo, give me a rhythm to start the song.” Rhythm in songs: “When I ride it’s a murderous rhythm” – Kendrick Lamar, “Like I gotta focus up in my rhythm […]
RIAA (acronym) Type: noun, acronym Pronunciation: /r-i-a-a/ or /r-i-double-a/ Also spelled: the RIAA, R.I.A.A., R-I-A-A What does RIAA mean and stand for? Recording Industry Association of America. Example sentence: “The RIAA certified the album platinum.” more terms starting with “R”
SESAC (music) Type: noun, acronym Pronunciation: /see-sak/ What does SESAC mean and stand for? Society of European Stage Authors and Composers. What is SESAC? Founded in 1930, SESAC is an invite-only Performing Rights Organization that represents and collects royalties for the world’s biggest songwriters, composers and music publishers. in the United States. SESAC Website: www.sesac.com Similar […]
Signed (slang) Type: verb, slang Pronunciation: /sigh-eyend/ Related: Sign, Signing, Co-signed, Co-sign What does Signed mean? To be under a contract with a label or someone. Example sentence: “Last time I checked, he was signed to Foredise Records.” Signed in songs: “When I get signed, homie, I’ma act a fool” – Kendrick Lamar, Wesley’s Theory. “Now a nigga signed […]
Simile (noun) Type: noun Pronunciation: /see-me-lee/ Plural: Similes What does Simile mean? A figure of speech comparing two “unlike” things and their similarities. Typically includes “like” or “as”. Similar to Simile: Metaphor Example sentence: “He wrote 16 bars without using a simile.” Simile in songs: “Thank you Jesus, whoever you are, I know you gifted […]
Single (music) Type: noun Pronunciation: /sin-gul/ Plural: Singles What does Single mean? A musical recording; 1 song. Single Synonyms: EP Example sentence: “The single came out two weeks before the album.” Single in songs: “I’m still the highest sellin’ female rapper, for the record Man, this a 65 million single sold” – Nicki Minaj, Truffle […]
Song (noun) Type: noun Pronunciation: /sawng/ Plural: Songs What does Song mean? A short musical composition with words and music. Song Synonyms: Cut, Music, Track, Tune, Chune Example sentence: “I can’t tell you what my favorite song is right now.” Song in songs: “Try to play your song, it ain’t move me” – Lil Uzi […]
Spit (slang) Type: verb, slang Pronunciation: /sp-it/ Related: Spittin’, Spitter What does Spit mean? To rap; rhyme and flow. Example sentence: “Lemme hear you spit jit.” Spit in songs: “So spit that shit from the heart, you didn’t write like you wrote it” – Eminem, Notorious Thugs. “I spit the pain, that’s why these young […]
Spittin’ (slang) Type: verb, slang Pronunciation: /sp-it/ Also spelled: Spitting Related: Spit, Spitta What does Spittin’ mean? To be rapping; rhyming and flowing. Spittin’ Synonyms: Rappin, Freestylin Example sentence: “Kendrick Lamar was spittin’ on Control.” Spittin’ in songs: “I’m spittin’ this shit for closure” – Jay Electronica, Control. “Switchin’ lanes, spittin’ game in my new […]
Stanza (music) Type: noun Pronunciation: /stan-za/ Plural: Stanzas What does Stanza mean? Lines of lyrics that eventually form a verse. Stanza synonyms: Verse Example sentence: “I’m about to record my stanza, that’s a verse.” Stanza in songs: “The second stanza even deadly than the first” – Action Bronson, Brunch. “Seldom wait for stanza” – RiFF […]
Tempo (music) Type: noun Pronunciation: /tem-poe/ Plural: Tempos What does Tempo mean? The speed that music is played. Tempo Synonyms: BPM Example sentence: “The engineer is wondering the tempo of the song.” Tempo in songs: “This for shorty up on Glengrove who love when I catch my tempo” – Drake, Tuscan Leather. “You shoppin’ from […]
Tone (music) Type: noun, slang Pronunciation: /toewn/ Related: Watch your tone What does Tone mean? The sound & pitch of something. Example sentence: “I don’t like your tone when talking about us.” Tone in songs: “Whack sauce, I can hear it in your tone” – Nicki Minaj, No Flex Zone (Remix). “I really hate using […]