I could be iconic in my conquest?
That's word to Phife Dawg from A Tribe Called Quest
Eminem - Legacy
The breakdown room
Slant Rhyme
A slant rhyme, also known as an imperfect rhyme, is a rhyme where the sounds are similar but not identical to each other.
Slant rhymes are great! They give artists more freedom with their choice of vocabulary. It’s a great way to maintain flow without forcing in words that sound unnatural. They’re less obvious than their counterpart; their subtlety rewards focused listeners (like you).
You’ll find it’s used a lot in conscious rap and storytelling because of its more natural, conversational sound.
- Rhymes that almost match
- Rhymes that give you that “close enough” feeling
- Natural flowing sound that feels raw but smooth
You might not notice a slant rhyme immediately – they feel smooth but not over-polished or overly thought of.
- It’s not a mistake! They’re often intentional and skilfully placed, not an overlooked accident.
- Overusing it – if every rhyme is a slant rhyme, it loses its effect, and lyrics can begin to sound vague and disconnected.
- Earl Sweatshirt – subtle, off-kilter rhymes that feel natural
- Childish Gambino – slant rhymes that enhance conversational delivery
- Joey Bada$$ – uses near-rhymes to create a laid-back, effortless feel