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Center for Curriculum and Transfer Articulation
Introduction to Emcee-Rapping Techniques
Course: MUC139

First Term: 2018 Fall
 Lec + Lab   3 Credit(s)   4 Period(s)   4 Load  
Subject Type: Occupational
Load Formula: T Lab Load


Description: Development of beginning level live-performance and recording emcee-rap techniques. Emphasis on understanding rhyme, structure, breath control, stage presence, and performance. Covers the history of the DJ/emcee and origins of the rapper, song structure, enunciation, vocal delivery, breath control, melody, and pacing while staying on beat.



MCCCD Official Course Competencies
1. Explain the epistemology and history of rap with respect to the relationship between the DJ and emcee. (I)
2. Describe rhyme construction, counting bars, and segments. (II)
3. Explain (freestyle/recitation off the top of the head/improvisation) the art of emceeing. (III)
4. Describe the social impact-battles between East and West Coasts (i.e., LA Riots). (IV)
5. Identify styles and subgenres of rap (East Coast, West Coast/Bay area, Dirty South, etc.). (V)
6. Describe the flow of the emcee, MC, rapper in delivery using the diaphragm breath control and repeating bars. (VI)
7. Explain the difference between commercial and underground styles. (VII)
8. Apply principles of emceeing with DJs, creating a "buzz" as an artist/promotion, soliciting employment, recording contracts. (VIII)
MCCCD Official Course Competencies must be coordinated with the content outline so that each major point in the outline serves one or more competencies. MCCCD faculty retains authority in determining the pedagogical approach, methodology, content sequencing, and assessment metrics for student work. Please see individual course syllabi for additional information, including specific course requirements.
 
MCCCD Official Course Outline
I. Emcee-Rap Epistemology/History
   A. Etomology
   B. Roots
   C. Old School Rap
   D. The Golden Age

II. Understanding Hip Hop Music Composition
   A. Rhyme construction
   B. Counting bars
   C. Segments

III. Delivery/Performance
   A. Freestyle/improvisation
   B. Emcee v. rapping
   C. Performing with projection/breathe control
   D. Cadence/inflection
   E. Stage presence and command
      1. Audience participation
      2. Correctly performing with a live microphone
   F. Recording vocals in a recording studio booth

IV. Social Impact
   A. The relationship between rap and society
      1. Subject matter
      2. Literary technique
      3. Diction and dialect
   B. East Coast
   C. West Coast (LA Riots)

V. Styles (Hip Hop Subgenres)
   A. East Coast
   B. West Coast/Bay Area
   C. Dirty South/Chopped and Screwed
   D. Midwest
   E. Other

VI. Flow
   A. History of flow
   B. Styles
   C. Rhyme

VII. Commercial v. Underground
   A. Crossover (Pop Charts)
   B. Hip Hop (Commercial) backlash
   C. The Cyphers (Back-pack Rappers)

VIII. Applying Skills to the Industry
   A. DJs
   B. Creating a "buzz"/promotion
   C. Soliciting employment
   D. Recording contracts

 
MCCCD Governing Board Approval Date: May 23, 2017

All information published is subject to change without notice. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of information presented, but based on the dynamic nature of the curricular process, course and program information is subject to change in order to reflect the most current information available.