Christmas+Carol+Rap




 * __ Purpose __**


 * To demonstrate knowledge of a key character in a creative way by using the RAP (Rhythm and Poetry) genre **


 * __ Character Choices for RAP __**

Ghost of Christmas Past (First of the Three Spirits)

Ghost of Christmas Present (The Second of the Three Spirits

Ghost of Christmas Future (The Third of the Three Spirits)

Scrooge

Marley

Belle

Fezziwig

Fred

Portly Gentleman

Joe

Bob Cratchit

Tiny Tim


 * Rapping ** (also known as emceeing, MCing, spitting (bars), or rhyming refers to "spoken or chanted rhyming lyrics". The art form can be broken down into different components, as in the book __ [|How to Rap] __where it is separated into “content”, “flow” ( [|rhythm] and [|rhyme] ), and “delivery”. Rapping is distinct from [|spoken word poetry] in that it is performed in time to a beat. Rapping is a primary ingredient in [|hip hop music] and [|reggae], but the phenomenon predates hip hop culture by centuries. Rapping can be delivered over a [|beat] or without accompaniment. Stylistically, rap occupies a gray area among speech, prose, poetry, and song. The use of the word to describe quick speech or repartee long predates the musical form, meaning originally "to hit". The word had been used in [|British English] since the 16th century, and specifically meaning "to say" since the 18th. It was part of the [|African American dialect of English] in the 1960s meaning "to converse", and very soon after that in its present usage as a term denoting the musical style. Today, the terms "rap" and "rapping" are so closely associated with hip hop music that many use the terms interchangeably. (**Source: Wikipedia)**


 * __ Literary technique ( Wikipedia): __**

Rappers use the Literary techniques of double entendres, alliteration, and other forms of wordplay that are also found in classical poetry. Similes and metaphors are used extensively in rap lyrics; rappers such as Fabolous and Lloyd Banks have written entire songs in which every line contains similes, whereas MCs like Rakim, GZA and Jay-Z are known for the metaphorical content of their raps. Lil Wayne is also known for his frequent use of similes and metaphors.


 * __ Delivery/performance (Wikipedia): __**

To successfully deliver a rap, a rapper must also develop vocal presence, enunciation, and breath control. Vocal presence is the distinctiveness sof a rapper’s voice on record. Enunciation is essential to a flowing rap;some rappers choose also to exaggerate it for comic and artistic effect. Breath control, taking in air without interrupting one’s delivery, is an important skill for a rapper to master, and a must for any MC. An MC with poor breath control cannot deliver difficult verses without making unintentional pauses.

Raps are sometimes delivered with melody. Popular rappers such as 50 Cent and Ja Rule add a slight melody to their otherwise purely percussive raps whereas some rappers such as Cee-Lo are able to harmonize their raps with the beat.

“Ebenezer is my name,

---being greedy is my game”

C.D. wrote me, down into fame—

And the spirits taught me, I was to blame!

Ignorant of man and his needs—

Greedy and insensitive were my deeds!

It all started one bleak cold night---

Jacob Marley, sure gave me a fright!

Told me it was time to come to the light.

Said I needed to be a new man,

Said I do not think that I can---

Marley cried

Kindness, forbearance, and generosity

These should have been my antiquity!

Now it’s too late, I have to pay—

For you Ebenezer, there’s a new day.

Heed my message, on this date-

Start right now or it’s too late!

Author: Probably a cool reading teacher!