Playing bass and rapping at the same time

pklima · #1 07-03-2011, 06:54 AM

Is it just me, or is it much, much harder than playing and singing at the same time? In one of my current bands I do rap sometimes (for example the third verse here), but I usually either stop playing or do some very simple part like one note per measure or just thumping muted strings. I'm thinking of putting together a new band where I'd need to rap more - maybe an average of one verse per song instead of one verse per set - and I don't want the bass to pretty much drop out every time.

Is this something I could practice and get better at, or would I just be wasting time on an impossible task? Should I just give up now and get somebody else to play bass in this new band?

Floyd Eye · #2 07-03-2011, 06:56 AM

Maybe not quite the same thing, but my singer/guitarist ( we are a 3 piece) sings and plays a ton of RATM at the same time. That seems pretty freakin' difficult to me.

Nurb · #3 07-03-2011, 07:18 AM

Seems difficult, but check this clip: YouTube - ‪Sistars - Hot in here‬&rlm;

JAUQO III-X · #4 07-03-2011, 07:39 AM

Divinity.

YouTube - ‪DIVINITY ROXX LIVE @ SUGARHILL ATLANTA!‬&rlm;

pklima · #5 07-03-2011, 08:15 AM

It does seem difficult, but a lot depends on the flow. I think if I put together a lineup where I don't have to do more than 1/3 of the vocals and generally keep the flow simple it should work. I want to make a hybrid of dancehall reggae and metalcore, just for fun.

Quote:

Originally Posted by JAUQO III-X

Divinity.

YouTube - ‪DIVINITY ROXX LIVE @ SUGARHILL ATLANTA!‬&rlm;

Wow, that's very close to what I'm thinking would be realistic - she doesn't generally play complex parts when stepping up to the mic, though she can do it for a few measures at times, and generally plays busier during the hook. I think something like that is what I can aim for.