Hip Hop - What is Your Definition of Flow

[CMH]

I don't think I've seen one thing in Hip Hop be described so differently amongst a large fan base then this term.

Honestly, I don't understand the confusion. But perhaps I am wrong and maybe I've misunderstood the definition of the term myself.

To me, flow means you can rap to the beat. It means that your words don't fall off the flow of the beat. It means you can stop yourself mid-sentence and pick it back up at the right moment according to the beat.

When you hear a guy like Twista rap fast, he raps more words but he does it to the beat. When you hear an amateur attempt to be Twista, their words just continue without any real flow. They either stop at the wrong time or just continue into the next bar without hesitating. It sounds garbled.

I mention this because I just read a comment from someone talking about Fabolous' flow not being good anymore. And it irked me because in this song (by the way, it's the Britney Spears "Break The Ice" Remix) his flow is actually just fine. Now maybe his words aren't as impressive. Or he isn't using multis like he once did early in his career. But, his flow? No, it's still one of the best in the business.

So, what is your definition and can we both clear the air on this and educate the listeners?

[jerseyboi2284]

Re: Hip Hop - What is Your Definition of Flow

I think you are right on the money.

[SageInfinite]

Re: Hip Hop - What is Your Definition of Flow

I think you are right on the money.

Co-Sign.

[stewaat]

Re: Hip Hop - What is Your Definition of Flow

Flow is just having everything coming together and sounding smooth.

There are many different styles that I would consider to have a great flow.

My favorite is Slug and his flow is absolutely unique.

Then you have the absolute chill flow right here...

<object width="425" height="355"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/gnOJ_eBo3qg&hl=en"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/gnOJ_eBo3qg&hl=en" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="355"></embed></object>

[jerseyboi2284]

Re: Hip Hop - What is Your Definition of Flow

Flow is just having everything coming together and sounding smooth.

There are many different styles that I would consider to have a great flow.

My favorite is Slug and his flow is absolutely unique.

Then you have the absolute chill flow right here...

<object height="355" width="425">

<embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/gnOJ_eBo3qg&hl=en" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" height="355" width="425"></object>

Man....that song takes me somewhere....

[CMH]

Re: Hip Hop - What is Your Definition of Flow

See in that song, you get a great example of controlling your flow.

In certain bars, Slug finds it necessary to use more syllables than in others. However, as he uses more syllables he picks up the pace of his flow so that it fits the bar. Some words are rapped faster but he keeps a nice pronounciation. Then when he finds himself using less syllables in a bar he ever so slightly slows down the pace of his flow, even hesitating a bit in between certain words.

Never does he break the bar. He keeps everything nicely confined in it's own space. That's good rap.

And it's something not many people can do. Lots of people that say, "Rap is easy. I can do that," always break the rule of flow. Always. It's like the biggest crime they commit. They just don't get it.

[CMH]

Re: Hip Hop - What is Your Definition of Flow

Bad flow is also one of the biggest keys to finding out if someone wrote lyrics prior to hearing a beat. It's also a good way to find out if someone pre-wrote their freestyle.

Obviously, lots of good rappers write lines before hearing the beat they rap it over. But, good rappers instantaneously know how to change the pace of the flow to fit the beat. What was slow in their head the first time may become faster as a result of the beat they've now given those lines too.

Bad rappers that don't understand flow almost always mess this up. They feel that if it was written like that the first time then it must always be said like that no matter what the beat forces.

The beat is the most important part of music. Never ever break the beat. Never ever treat it second fiddle. The beat will make you look bad if you do.

Flow is rap's music.

[jerseyboi2284]

Re: Hip Hop - What is Your Definition of Flow

This is my definition of "FLOW"

Pharaoh Monch - Mixing it up Quick/Slow/Sing Song

<object width="425" height="355"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/nvevupLi6hk&hl=en"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/nvevupLi6hk&hl=en" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="355"></embed></object>


One.Be.Lo - Laid Back/Lazy (this throws people off IMHO)

<object width="425" height="355"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/-mw_75MKtQo&hl=en"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/-mw_75MKtQo&hl=en" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="355"></embed></object>

And last but certainly not least.....

Lord Finesse and Percee P - Two of the best in the flow dept. IMHO

<object width="425" height="355"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/DZmT3tOIn9k&hl=en"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/DZmT3tOIn9k&hl=en" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="355"></embed></object>

[DiceMan]

Re: Hip Hop - What is Your Definition of Flow

I'd agree with your definition of flow Yankee but I will also add to it. In addition to what you said, I would say that flow applies more toward the individual emcee. To me an emcee's flow is his identity or how he chooses to attack a beat. It's things like rhyme structure, wordplay, style, cadence and diction.

[Flyboy]

Re: Hip Hop - What is Your Definition of Flow

You need to send me that remix, YP.

[hndavis]

Re: Hip Hop - What is Your Definition of Flow

my def of flo is how fast a sucka can spit..i think bizzy bone and twista have the best flo.

[KG]

Re: Hip Hop - What is Your Definition of Flow

I'd agree with your definition of flow Yankee but I will also add to it. In addition to what you said, I would say that flow applies more toward the individual emcee. To me an emcee's flow is his identity or how he chooses to attack a beat. It's things like rhyme structure, wordplay, style, cadence and diction.

I would agree. I think it's more how the artist adapts to the beat rather than the opposite although that too can be true sometimes. To me the definition of flow was Mos Def's early days. He has some verses where everything seems so smooth, natural, and effortless. It's get to the point where you start thinking you could flow like that becuz of how easy he made it look.

Ohmega Watts and o.n.e.b.e.l.o at times remind me of a younger Mos

[ProfessaPackMan]

Re: Hip Hop - What is Your Definition of Flow

I don't think I've seen one thing in Hip Hop be described so differently amongst a large fan base then this term.

Honestly, I don't understand the confusion. But perhaps I am wrong and maybe I've misunderstood the definition of the term myself.

To me, flow means you can rap to the beat. It means that your words don't fall off the flow of the beat. It means you can stop yourself mid-sentence and pick it back up at the right moment according to the beat.

When you hear a guy like Twista rap fast, he raps more words but he does it to the beat. When you hear an amateur attempt to be Twista, their words just continue without any real flow. They either stop at the wrong time or just continue into the next bar without hesitating. It sounds garbled.

I mention this because I just read a comment from someone talking about Fabolous' flow not being good anymore. And it irked me because in this song (by the way, it's the Britney Spears "Break The Ice" Remix) his flow is actually just fine. Now maybe his words aren't as impressive. Or he isn't using multis like he once did early in his career. But, his flow? No, it's still one of the best in the business.

So, what is your definition and can we both clear the air on this and educate the listeners?

Man I wish you could come down where I live and explain this to these Lil Wayniacs out here man.

[CMH]

Re: Hip Hop - What is Your Definition of Flow

You need to send me that remix, YP.

I don't really download much so I don't have it.

You can find it on youtube.

[CMH]

Re: Hip Hop - What is Your Definition of Flow

I would say that flow applies more toward the individual emcee. To me an emcee's flow is his identity or how he chooses to attack a beat. It's things like rhyme structure, wordplay, style, cadence and diction.

I would agree. I think it's more how the artist adapts to the beat rather than the opposite although that too can be true sometimes.

I totally agree. I didn't get to actually describe every aspect of flow. I just pointed out a few instances in my initial post and the ones following.

A great emcee always finds a way to make a beat work under his flow. He knows how to dominate the music and make it his/hers. That's important.

I say beat is important and flowing to it is important but you can separate yourself if you can find a way to make the beat adapt to you. But that's just another level. That's not even basics anymore.

I'm really just trying to talk about basic rhyme/flow structure. If you can't figure that out then you'll never be able to even talk about putting yourself on the level of a Mos Def.

It's like film or anything else in life. You need to master the basic rules before you can break them properly.