Perhaps this term might be unfamiliar to people who aren’t interested in hip-hop.
Especially the “verse” and the “hook”Hip hopofTechnical terms used in rapYou know, that's why!
Hip-hop has lots of unique expressions—it’s fun, isn’t it?
This time, I’ll be talking about the hip-hop terms “verse” and “hook.”
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What do the words “verse” and “hook” mean?
![[Hip-hop terminology] What are a verse and a hook?](https://media.ragnet.co.jp/img/580_326_png__/files/2024/08/59a54b0573557a4abd4850eb650642fd.webp)
verse
“Verse” in Japanese would be something likeIn rap, the A-melody and B-melodycorresponds to; is equivalent to; falls under
In most cases, this comes at the beginning of the song, making it a key point to leave an impression on the listener with your rhyme and flow.
It’s no exaggeration to say that your first impression is decided right here!
Somehow, I think you’re starting to get the picture, aren’t you?
Next, I will talk about hooks.
hook
A hook is what you would call, in Japanese,the hook in a rap songIt is.
In the memorable, hook-like phrases that define a track, rappers put extra effort into the lyrics and composition of this part.
That said, verse is crucial too.
Explain it using an actual song!
That's right!
If it were an actual song, which part would it correspond to?
SALU / WALK THIS WAY
Hip-hop that’s not aggressive, catchy, and enjoyable even if you’re not a B-boy or B-girl.
If it’s this song by SALU that was released on May 1, 2017, the verse is0:36〜1:15until.
Hook1:15〜1:42Up to that point, right?
A laid-back, easy-to-listen track with a flat flow that hardly feels like rap.
Anarchy – Fate
If it's Anarchy's song released on September 10, 2008, the verse is0:14〜1:00until.
Hook1:00〜1:20Up to that point, right?
By the way, Anarchy is an artist who grew up in a ghetto—a very poor environment—which is rare in Japan.
rep, represent (slang; short for “represent,” as in representing one’s crew, area, or identity)A rapper from Mukōjima Danchi in Kyoto, his no-money blues carries a real message based on lived experience and has been highly praised by hip-hop listeners.
Lastly
![[Hip-hop terminology] What are a verse and a hook?](https://media.ragnet.co.jp/img/580_326_png__/files/2024/08/49a577f6b1ec136fed0863fbe4a945d4.webp)
In the hip-hop industry, I don’t think artists and producers often use terms like “A-melody,” “B-melody,” or “chorus.”
For those of you who compose music and are reading this article.
If you plan to arrange a hip-hop-based track or outsource the rap, I’d appreciate it if you could read this article again and use it as a reference during production.


![[Hip-hop terminology] What are a verse and a hook?](https://media.ragnet.co.jp/img/1200__png__https://www.ragnet.co.jp/files/2024/02/c9bb3ce7d8cd57c51068d4bce79e59f6.webp)
