You've long been able to use a computer to program your beats. Soon you might be able to use one to generate your bars.
MIT Technology Review reports that Finnish researchers have developed an algorithm that can write coherent rhyming rap tracks.
DeepBeat uses a database 10,000 different songs by 100 different rap artists to structure new songs. The users plug a line in and pick a topic, and then the machine writes a song about it.
Here is a track DeepBeat wrote on the subject of love:
For a chance at romance I would love to enhance But everything I love has turned to a tedious task One day we gonna have to leave our love in the past I love my fans but no one ever puts a grasp I love you momma I love my momma – I love you momma And I would love to have a thing like you on my team you take care I love it when it’s sunny Sonny girl you could be my Cher I’m in a love affair I can’t share it ain't fair Haha I’m just playin' ladies you know I love you. I know my love is true and I know you love me too Girl I’m down for whatever cause my love is true This one goes to my man old dirty one love we be swigging brew My brother I love you Be encouraged man And just know When you done let me know cause my love make you be like WHOA If I can’t do it for the love then do it I won’t All I know is I love you too much to walk away thoughYou probably recognize some if not most of those lines. That's because they're all pre-existing bars from the database. The program can't generate its own fully original lyrics yet, and instead makes new compositions from existing bars.
What the researchers say it can do is rhyme 21 percent better than the "top human rappers."
Of course the ability to rhyme is just part of what makes an emcee's flow. So those human rappers aren't going to be replaced anytime soon. Learn more about DeepBeat here.