The Evolution of Hip-Hop: How Rappers Ditched the Pen and Paper

Many modern rappers have abandoned the traditional practice of writing their lyrics on pen and paper, opting instead to freestyle or "punch in" their verses in the recording studio. This shift in songwriting techniques has been influenced by artists like Jay-Z, who famously stopped writing down his rhymes. While some argue that this approach limits creativity, others see it as a way to produce music more efficiently and explore new topics. The use of ProTools and improvisational techniques has become the new norm, allowing artists to create their rhymes one line at a time. Ultimately, the evolution of rap and the end result of the music are what matter most.