The Anthem of the Late 80s
Released in 1988, Let’s Get It Started put MC Hammer on the map before "U Can't Touch This" took over the world. It’s a New Jack Swing classic that demands authority, energy, and impeccable timing. Unlike melodic ballads, the challenge here is rhythmic precision and maintaining the "hype" without running out of air.
Performing this track requires you to lock into the groove. You aren't just reciting lyrics; you are acting as a percussive instrument. The delivery needs to be punchy, confident, and slightly ahead of the beat to drive the song forward.
AI Coach Tip: Breath Control
Rapping requires just as much breath support as opera. Engage your diaphragm to keep your flow steady. Do not gasp for air in the middle of a bar; look for the "catch breath" moments at the end of every second line.
Phase 1: The Pocket & Groove
The beat is infectious, sampled from Rick James, but it's easy to get excited and rush. The most common mistake beginners make is rapping too fast.
The Fix: Listen to the kick drum. Your rhyming words should land precisely with the snare hits. Practice the verses at 75% speed in the Singing Coach AI app to ensure you are "in the pocket" before speeding it up.
Phase 2: Diction and Articulation
MC Hammer's style is clear and declarative. When he says "Turn this mutha out," every consonant is audible. If you slur your words, the energy deflates immediately.
- Consonants: Over-enunciate T's, P's, and K's to make the lyrics pop.
- Vowels: Keep vowels short and punchy (staccato) rather than long and drawn out.
- Volume: You don't need to scream. Use "twang" and forward placement to project your voice without hurting your throat.
Phase 3: The Call and Response
The chorus "Let's get it started" is a chant. It needs to sound like a crowd. Even if you are recording solo, imagine you are shouting to the back of a stadium. Use a "shouting voice" technique—engage your abs and keep your throat open to avoid vocal fry or damage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Not primarily. While there is a musical key (C# Minor), the performance is about rhythmic speech (rapping). Pitch accuracy is less important than timing accuracy.
Map out your breathing spots. Mark your lyrics sheet with a breath mark (’) every two bars. Practice inhaling quickly and deeply through your mouth, expanding your stomach, not your shoulders.
Absolutely. Hip hop is about attitude, not vocal range. Focus on the rhythm and the swagger of the delivery, and the app will score you on your timing.
