Whether or not you agree with his presidency, the one thing you can take away from Obama is his ability to captivate large audiences through vocal performances. Yes, it's true, he does it in the form of speeches, but the same thing that makes his performance so engaging can also be used to help you become a better rapper.
In addition to using metaphors, similes, and imagery, he uses something called DYNAMICS when performing, both in his content and his delivery. Read below and then watch this video compilation of his speeches and you'll see what I mean.
Dynamics AKA Flow Switch Ups
Modern day rappers use flow switch ups constantly in their work. The basic process is simple: establish a rhythm, and then switch it up a couple times throughout the song.
The most common flow switch up is from verse-to-chorus - there's always that change in rhythm, or delivery (ie. a filter is applied to the voice that normally isn't, or the chorus is sung instead of rapped).
However, great songs make use of flow switch ups even in the verses. The best way to learn this is to look at your favourite rappers and dissect their dynamics.
Pay attention to the differences in delivery throughout the song. How many dynamics do you notice?
Drake establishes the rhythm at the beginning of the song, but then adds dynamics in different spots, and has dynamics even in the chorus. The dynamics end up being the catchiest part of the songs because they're different and stand out. Some example lines that are delivered differently:
Trying to take the waaaaaavve
But my actin’ days are over, fuck them niggas for life, yeah
So they can talk about they Timeline
Well, run up when you see me then and we gon’ see
The key takeaway: Don't think that your verse should just follow the same rhythm over and over again. Do what Obama does - add variations every few lines to keep the listener interested. Like everything else it can be overdone, so make sure to balance it with patterns you establish.
