Rappers already have to compete with each other in their neighborhoods and on a global level, but they may soon have to contend with computers, too.
A group of Finnish researchers published a paper titled DopeLearning: A Computational Approach to Rap Lyrics Generation and described the development of DeepBeat. According to CNET, it is an algorithm-based rap lyrics generator whose output is based on a deconstruction of what makes a great rap lyric, lyrical “density†and a database of rhymes culled from the “dopest†rappers.
To provide some context to the density aspect, multisyllabic rhyming skills gained hip-hop artists higher scores. This led to ranking Inspectah Deck No.1, Rakim at No. 2 and. Redrama at No.3, while lower down the list were The Notorious B.I.G. (No. 30), Lil Wayne (No. 31), Nicki Minaj (32), 2Pac (33), Eminem (39), Nas (40), Jay Z (50), the Wu-Tang Clan (63), Snoop Dogg (77), Dr. Dre (78) and The Lonely Island (94).
“Rap lyrics require both creativity, to construct a meaningful and an interesting story, and lyrical skills, to produce complex rhyme patterns, which are the cornerstone of a good flow,” the paper says.
[Related:Dr. Dre is Forbes’ Highest-Paid Hip-Hop Act]
DeepBeat was asked to put together a song based on the keyword “love.” The Verge broke down the originating artists of the lyrics used to create the somewhat coherent but in parts choppy verse:
“For a chance at romance I would love to enhance (Big Daddy Kane – The Day You’re Mine)
But everything I love has turned to a tedious task (Jedi Mind Tricks – Black Winter Day)
One day we gonna have to leave our love in the past (Lil Wayne – Marvin’s Room)
I love my fans but no one ever puts a grasp (Eminem – Say Goodbye Hollywood)
I love you momma I love my momma – I love you momma (Snoop Dogg – I Love My Momma)
And I would love to have a thing like you on my team you take care (Ghostface Killah – Paragraphs of Love)
I love it when it’s sunny Sonny girl you could be my Cher (Common – Make My Day)
I’m in a love affair I can’t share it ain’t fair (Snoop Dogg – Show Me Love)
Haha I’m just playin’ ladies you know I love you. (Eminem – Kill You)
I know my love is true and I know you love me too (Everlast – On The Edge)
Girl I’m down for whatever cause my love is true (Lil Wayne from Sean Kingston’s I’m At War)
This one goes to my man old dirty one love we be swigging brew (Big Daddy Kane – Entaprizin’)
My brother I love you Be encouraged man And just know (Tech N9ne – Need More Angels)
When you done let me know cause my love make you be like WHOA (Missy Elliot – Dog in Heat)
If I can’t do it for the love then do it I won’t (KRS One – Take It To God)
All I know is I love you too much to walk away though†(Eminem – Love the Way You Lie)
Real rappers may not have to give up their mics to computers just yet, but it’s not a bad idea to start keeping an eye on the cyber-competition.