Welcome to our fun exploration of rap idioms! These are phrases inspired by rap music that are used in everyday English. Let’s learn what they mean and see examples of how to use them!
Rap Idioms
Here are 20 rap idioms in English with meaning and example sentence for each.
Spit Bars
Meaning: To rap music skillfully.
Example: He loves to spit bars at parties.
Drop a Beat
Meaning: Start playing a rhythmic backing track.
Example: The DJ decided to drop a beat.
Hype Up
Meaning: Excite or energize someone.
Example: He knows how to hype up the crowd.
Throw Shade
Meaning: Subtly express disrespect.
Example: She didn’t hesitate to throw shade at her rival.
Keep it Real
Meaning: Stay true to oneself.
Example: He always tries to keep it real with his friends.
Freestyle
Meaning: Improvise in performance.
Example: He can freestyle for hours without stopping.
Flow
Meaning: The rhythm and rhyme in rap.
Example: His flow is smooth and consistent.
Drop the Mic
Meaning: Perform impressively before exiting.
Example: After his speech, he drop the mic.
On Point
Meaning: Perfect, without any flaws.
Example: Her new song is absolutely on point.
Kick It
Meaning: Hang out or relax.
Example: Let’s just kick it tonight.
Lay Down Tracks
Meaning: Record music in the studio.
Example: They went to lay down tracks for the new album.
Mad Skills
Meaning: Exceptional talent.
Example: He’s got mad skills in graphic design.
Blow Up
Meaning: Become very popular or successful.
Example: Her video just blow up on social media.
In the Mix
Meaning: Involved in an activity.
Example: She’s always in the mix at social events.
Beatbox
Meaning: Create percussion sounds using one’s mouth.
Example: He can beatbox like a pro drummer.
Hook
Meaning: The catchy part of a song.
Example: I can’t get the hook out of my head!
Rock the Mic
Meaning: Perform vocally with great skill.
Example: He’s ready to rock the mic tonight.
Fresh
Meaning: New or cool in a distinctive way.
Example: That new jacket looks really fresh.
Go Hard
Meaning: Put in a lot of effort.
Example: They go hard every single game.
Bump
Meaning: Play loud music.
Example: They like to bump the new album in the car.
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