How I Write My Raps: A Workflow

The simple structure behind how I compose my rap verses

April 26, 2026 · 3 min read

This is the workflow I use to write my rap verses.

I personally write on my computer or phone because it allows me to chop-and-change things quickly.

I create a new note with 3 sections:

1. General Info

The first section. Contains metadata like the composition date, name of instrumental or beat I’m writing to, inspiration behind the song.

I also do a massive brain dump of what it is I want to say. I sometimes collect ideas and observations over days or weeks. This is where I explore the topic, so to speak.

2. Lyrics

This is where the magic happens — where I actually write my rhymes as I listen to some instrumental or beat. I often just write bits of rhymes and accumulate them over time. I’m a slow writer, and this can take days and weeks to write a verse.

3. Discard Pile

This is effectively a recycle bin or trash can, where I put all the discarded rhymes and lines from the second section (where I write my lyrics). Sometimes, I might need to salvage something from this area in a future track.

Example

Here’s a self-referential example — a rap about how I write my raps.

Title: A Rap About How I Write My Raps
Written to: Jinsang - genesis
Aim: To explain my rap writing process

Lyrics

Hey yo, this is how I write my raps
I type ‘cause my pen might slice through the pads
Then I drop that record needle on some wax
And turn it up to 11 like Spinal Tap
Step 1: go solo like Robinson Crusoe
Press that button that creates a new note
Sip on a fresh brew without the sucrose
Take a deep breath and see where the mood goes
Then I split the note into 3 sections
With the first dedicated to notes and questions
With regards to the chosen topic
With thoughts so varied and kaleidoscopic
Section 2 is where all the magic happens
Where I craft the words for all of my rapping
Section 3 is for the bits that don’t make it
But I might need them later so I go and save it
So, there you go
This is how I write most my flows
Hope this plants a seed that starts to grow
And blossoms in your own garden to the brightest rose

Discard Pile

Then I’ll split the note into like 3 sections
With the first dedicated to notes and questions

Then I’ll split the note into like 2 pieces
The first is for notes, no matter how facetious
A box of space for all my brain dumps
A collection of thoughts that aim to say some’ing

‘Cause it’s faster to chop and change

This process could take like days or months
And no, it’s not ‘cause I’m a damn lazy {what}

Sometimes it’s smooth and others Razor Bumps