PUNCHLINE

A punchline is a one liner or a couplet, which has a bigger impact than the rest of your lyrics. It carries more weight, it shows your style and it’s damn hard to think of one. Some rappers base their whole lyrical content around punchlines. The actual punchline can be a number of things: -Bold Statement: This is the kind of statement which says the truth and nothing else. No filters and no political correctness. Just the truth, tell it like it is. Many people might get offended, but that’s okay. Over time, they will realise that you were right. For example, when Jadakiss said “Bush knocked down the towers”. -Timeless Laws: The punchline can also be from one of those laws of wisdom, that never gets old. Timeless Laws like “I keep my friends close and my enemies closer” is a slick example for a punchline of that type. Not only it shows the ruthlessness of your character, but it shows that you have wisdom and knowledge in you. Traits that your audience is looking for. -Metaphors: You could also use a metaphor as your punchline, however the metaphor has to be pretty deep and unique if you want to get the reaction you wish for. Anything mediocre wouldn’t cut it. In most cases, the metaphor punchine is direct to self glorification, making the character of the rapper seem bigger than it is. Here are some other examples, just so you know what I’m talking about: “I’m out for presidents to represent me.” (Nas-Bold Statement) “I’m a star, when you see me make a wish.” (Lil Wayne-Metaphor) “They say whenever someone dies with his eyes open, he deserved it” (Jadakiss-Timeless Law). “Hili ni jeshi la mtu mmoja” (Fid Q-Metaphor)