Department of Education

National Capital Region

Division of City Schools - Manila
MANILA SCIENCE HIGH SCHOOL
Taft Avenue corner Padre Faura, Ermita, Manila

The Poetic Screen: Understanding the Distinction Between Rap and Slam Poetry

Written Report on Presentation about Rap and Slam Poetry

Group 4: Lil shakespeare

Dapitan, Ayessa Pascual
Cabal, Yuri Nishi
Hayag, Kaizer
Jose, Noah
Lariosa, Kyra
Nang, Sophia Kyle
Suan, Joshua Benedict
Short Description of the Activity:
RAP:

Rap is a type of vocal art in which a performer known as a rapper, chants or speaks
rhyming lyrics, typically with a rhythmic musical beat. It is known for its wordplay, rhythm, and
flow and is a key component of hip-hop culture (Augustyn, 2024). Rap began as a component of
the growing hip-hop culture in the Bronx, New York City, in the 1970s. Early rap originated
from DJs who played beat loops while emcees entertained the audience by speaking over the
music, a practice influenced by oral traditions from the Caribbean and African America. Afrika
Bambaataa, Grandmaster Flash, and DJ Kool Herc are important pioneers. Rap became widely
accepted in the 1980s, and thanks to artists like Tupac Shakur, The Notorious B.I.G., and Nas, it
shot to international fame in the 1990s. Seen below is the timeline of how rap evolved through
time:
● August 11, 1973 - The Birth of Hip-Hop. DJ Kool Herc Throws a Party in the
Bronx, New York.
● September 11, 1973 - The Rhyme to the Rythm
● 1974 - DJ’s of New York
● 1975 - MCing and Breaking
● 1979 - Rap becomes Mainstream; The Sugarhill Gang Releases "Rapper's
Delight".
● 1984 - Marks the start of “The Golden Era”
● 1986 - “Raising Hell” Album of Run-DMC becomes a Hit.
● 1988 - West Coast Rap
● 1990 - Rivalries
● 1992 - "The Chronic" by Dr.Dre Was Released
● 1995 - Women Arise in Rap
● 1998 - Combination of Rap and Pop
● 2000 - 2000s Rap

Rap differs from other musical and poetic genres due to a number of unique
characteristics that define it as an art form. Its rhythmic delivery, which is frequently combined
with a beat created using a mix of traditional instruments and digital software, is one of its main
characteristics. Rap performances are driven and given their unique energy by this rhythmic
foundation. Rap is renowned for its complex rhyme schemes in addition to its rhythm. Lyrics are
made richer by intricate patterns that include end rhymes, internal rhymes, and imaginative
variations. When performed well, these rhymes improve the experience of the listener and
highlight the rapper's command of language. Rap also stands out by what is referred to as "flow,"
which is the smooth blending of rhythm, rhyme, and delivery style. Rappers can be identified by
their flow, which determines how they move through verses, playing with timing and pauses for
impact. Wordplay, a defining characteristic of rap that involves the use of metaphors, similes,
puns, and other literary devices, frequently accompanies this flow (Mdlbeast, 2023).

Rappers can communicate layered meanings and interact with the audience on several
levels thanks to the depth and complexity these tools provide. Additionally, a lot of rap lyrics
revolve around storytelling. Whether talking about social issues, personal hardships, or entirely
made-up stories, storytelling fosters a bond between the performer and their audience. Finally,
cadence and delivery play crucial roles. The ability to control one’s voice—its speed, tone, and
volume—is essential for impactful performance, turning simple words into powerful expressions
of emotion and thought. Each subgenre of rap has its own unique vibe and message, making it a
rich and diverse genre. Old-school rap, which is based on simple beats and lively, party-oriented
themes, adds a nostalgic simplicity. On the other hand, gangsta rap immerses listeners in the
harsh realities of urban life, where musicians such as Tupac Shakur and N.W.A. exposed the
hardships and unvarnished realities they encountered. Artists like Common and Kendrick Lamar
use their voices to advocate for change and stimulate deeper thought, bringing greater societal
and political issues into the spotlight. Artists like Future and Migos capture the essence of trap
rap, which has its roots in the Southern United States and is pulsating with heavy 808s and fast
beats. It frequently tells tales of ambition, hustle, and the struggle to overcome obstacles (Lavoie,
2024).

Alternative rap breaks away from the mold, blending different sounds and experimenting with
new ideas, pushed by creative pioneers like Childish Gambino and OutKast. Rap is primarily
more than just music; it's an effective tool for social criticism, narrative, and self-expression. In
addition to providing entertainment, it maintains the spirit of hip-hop culture. Rap holds
reliability in high respect; being sincere and remaining loyal to one's experiences are
unavoidable. Lyricism, which displays deft wordplay and a command of language, is just as
significant. While cyphers and memorable hooks create community and make songs memorable,
freestyling, battle rap, and sampling keep the genre alive and inventive. Rap continues to be a
major, influential force in both music and society thanks to its unique blend of deep roots and
ongoing reinvention.

According to Brunotts (2022), rap includes a variety of types, including:

● Old school Hip Hop: the style of the music for this type of rap follows the style done
from the earlier years of hip hop.
● Conscious Hip Hop: A type of rap in which the focus of the music is to raise attention
and awareness about a specific issue. These can encompass politics, religion, culture, and
even economics.
● Hyphy: This style of rap music originated from and is associated with the Bay Area of
the United States. Unlike other types of rap, this is characterized as enjoyable, energetic,
playful and often categorized as a humorous form of rap. Because of it, dancing is a
common reaction once you listen to this type of genre (Hasrshaw & Allen-price, 2021).
● Commercial rap: A kind of rap in which the rapper's sole purpose was to only promote a
future or existing album through the music and lyrics (Brian, n.d.).
SLAM POETRY:

Slam poetry is a poetic performance that incorporates elements of writing, competition,

and audience participation altogether. The term slam is derived from both audience impact and
powerful deliveries set by the poets (Banales, n.d.). This style of literary work is seen as a type of
medium that captures the five P’s of writing, comprising the ability of becoming poignant,
profound, personal, persuasive, and powerful. Furthermore, Slam Poetry is an art form where the
poet’s point of view and personal emotions are expressed (BBC, n.d.). The origins of such
oral-poetic compositions can be traced back thousands of years and were significantly influenced
by the negritude movement, which emerged in the 1930s, driven by French-speaking black
writers from the Caribbean and African French colonies (Ravenscroft, 2023).

Back in 1984, a construction worker from Chicago, Marc Smith, hosted poetic readings at the
Get Me High Lounge jazz club. During the event, Marc invented a gimmick that would shed light
to what’s currently known as Slam Poetry, which allowed poets to fight (compete) publicly using
spoken-poetic pieces. The owner of the club soon promoted the idea of hosting the competitions
every sunday night (Burrows, 2001). Notably, Slam poetry is characterized by metaphors,
similes, rhythmic patterns, originality, and intensive emotions. Though some of these aren't
necessary (like rhyme), having such features could enhance the overall quality of the poem
(Lotter, 2021). Not only are the written components evaluated, but the characteristics integrated
in each performance, including the poet’s voice range, styles, and cultural traditions, are
significantly emphasized due to its role embedded on the rubrics (PoetrySoup, n.d.).

The different types of slam poetry are made up of topics that are typically used in
competitive performances. Such poetry provides for a wide range of topics and addresses societal
concerns. Examples of themes include racism, mental health, human rights, poverty, freedom,
and, primarily, politics (McDaniel, 2021). The evolution of slam poetry throughout the years has
resulted in diverse objectives when competing with such compositions. Aside from raising
contemporary and societal issues, performing such pieces is intended to tell a story, relieve
stress, boost confidence, and simply have fun. (Power Poetry, n.d.).

Types (topics) of Slam Poetry:

● Emotional health
Addressing life's challenges and offering guidance through personal experiences is
relatable and impactful.
● Overcoming fears
Exploring how overcoming fears can lead to growth and achievements is motivational
and empowering.

● Love- Delving into the complexities of love and forgiveness, which resonate universally
with audiences.

● Protest
 Highlighting protests as a tool for expressing dissatisfaction and striving for change ties
into the themes of activism and social justice.

● Social media

● Debating the pros and cons of social media and its impact on society offers a
contemporary angle.

● Fake news and the media

Addressing the spread of misinformation and its consequences is timely and calls for
awareness.
● Money

Reflecting on the influence of money in society can reveal the different ways it shapes
lives and relationships.

● Karma

Exploring the idea of karma and how actions affect outcomes provides a reflective and
philosophical topic.
● Gangs/Cults

Bringing attention to the dangers of gangs and cults can raise awareness of these issues in
communities.

Slam poetry, known for its emphasis on self-expression and freedom, must follow these
rules:
● Firstly, the performance should encourage audience interaction. To successfully
convey thoughts and ideas, the audience is expected to vocally react and show
appreciation through clapping and cheering. This creates an atmosphere where
everyone can enjoy.

● Secondly, No Props (typically). Props are not required and participants are highly
encouraged not to exert effort for props as poetry slams are just about the poetry.
Slam poets shouldn't have costumes or musical accompaniment.

● Thirdly, Original Content. When performing, the poetry being presented should
be an original composition of the poet. Even if the poetry is original, poets cannot
perform other’s compositions.

● Fourthly, Slam Poetry is Judged. Slam poetry is judged by the audience or real
judges by rating between 0.0 and 10.0. Judges judge the poets by their content,
delivery, and impact of the poems performed.
 ● Fifth and last, Time Limit. Slam poems are usually limited to 3 minutes.
Because some poets tend to extend in the heat of the performance, they can get
carried away, which is why they’re given a ten-second grace period. (Daniel,
n.d.).

Assessment Mechanics:
The overall concept of the group’s performance will be based on television skits and
commercials, tackling both rap and slam poetry per concept. Because of this, the group agreed
that the assessment will take inspiration from DepEd's online lectures posted in YouTube, where
mini quizzes are done to check the learner’s comprehension. The entire assessment will be
divided into two parts, the first one occurring in between the entire performance, while the
second will occur at the very end of all the skits.
● The quiz is prerecorded, and the questions will be multiple choice.
● Quizzes will contain 10 items each
● By the end of the performance, the quiz scores will be combined, resulting in a total of 20
items for the overall assessment.
● Students will be required to bring a ¼ piece of paper.
● Any student who’s caught cheating will receive a score of 0 on both quizzes.
● The passing score is 80% of the total score: 16.

Examples of rap:

Milo
This will be a commercial that emphasizes Rapping, it is accompanied by the “Energy Gap”
music by Jame Reid. The actors/performers for this set are Noah Jose, Kyra Lariosa, and Yuri
Cabal. They will be performing a short skit in the commercial that shows how Energy Gap can
affect one's performance, but with Milo it will nourish and energize you back up to be able to
conquer your challenges. After that the music will play and the “Wellness Dance” segment will
begin.

Actors here will be wearing Green/White clothing to keep the Brands color and aesthetic
(Jerseys, Shirts, Jogging Pants). The music will be pre-recorded by the 3 performers, so with
filming it will be overlaid.

Sequence/Script:
Noah and Kaizer are playing basketball. Noah keeps losing and falling, failing to shoot the balls
into the hoop. When Kyra, the coach, notices, she makes them take a break. After a while, Yuri
then comes in…

Yuri: Hey man! Feeling low on energy? I've got just the thing for you! Here, drink this!

Noah drinks milo from the mug.

Noah becomes energized.
Noah: MILO! (zoom in mug)

Yuri: It gives enough nutrients for you to finish the day!

music start

Every Chorus part, Noah, Kyra, and Yuri will showcase dance steps to motivate others to be
energized by drinking milo.

Original Lyrics Parodied Lyrics

Energy, energy, oh Milo's the drink, making champs in town!

Energy, energy, oh Packed with vitamins, iron, and more,
OoOoh Gives you the strength for what’s in store!
HEY!
Low energy
Matamlay Wake up in the morning, get that power,
Low focus ka A cup of milo makes you stronger by the
Baka Energy Gap 'yan hour.
Four out of five kids have it
ENERGIZE! Energy, energy gap
Start your day the champion way Beat energy gap
Drink Milo everyday
Help beat energy, energy gap Milo everyday
Beat energy gap Energy, energy gap
Drink Milo everyday Beat energy gap
Milo everyday Drink Milo everyday
With your 3 balanced meals Milo everyday
Beat energy gap
Drink Milo everyday Milo keeps you going, keeps you feeling
Milo everyday right,
Energy to play from morning till night!
Get winning energy With every sip, feelin’ tough and steady,
Ready for school and play Milo, champs are ready!
Be a champ every day
Energy, energy gap
Help beat energy, energy gap Beat energy gap
Beat energy gap Drink Milo everyday
Drink Milo everyday Milo everyday
Milo everyday Energy, energy gap
Help beat energy, energy gap Beat energy gap
Beat energy gap Drink Milo everyday
Drink Milo everyday Milo everyday
Milo everyday
Oh-woh-oOoh,
Oh-woh-oOoh, oh-woh-oOoh
 oh-woh-oOoh Oh-woh-oOoh,
Oh-woh-oOoh, Milo Everyday
oh-woh-oOooh Oh-woh-oOoh,
Oh-woh-oOoh, oh-woh-oOoh
oh-woh-oOoh Oh-woh-oOoh,
Oh-woh-oOoh, Milo Everyday,
oh-woh-oOooh Milo Everyday

Nescafe
This commercial emphasizes the power of Nescafe to energize when faced with everyday
challenges, especially for a student. This showcases Kaizer’s journey from exhaustion to
motivation with the help of nescafe coffee. This commercial emphasizes resilience that fuels us
to keep going.

The actors, Kaizer Hayag and Joshua Suan, will be wearing casual everyday clothes fitting to the
scenes. The rap will be pre-recorded by the performer as it will be used to overlay while filming.

Sequence:
The commercial opens with Kaizer Hayag waking up early, with evidently tired eyes, surrounded
by scattered textbooks and an alarm clock reading 5:30 am. His tired expression and messy room
convey the stress caused by MaSci, capturing the feeling of exhaustion.

Joshua narrates; "Nescafé Original, wake up with delicious coffee and aroma. When you need
the courage to rise, Nescafé Original."

As a rhythmic beat kicks in, Kaizer slumps over his desk, feeling overwhelmed by deadlines and
assignments. He then will rap his current state with a seemingly tired and husky voice.

Joshua enters the scene, offering Kaizer a steaming cup of Nescafe Original. Kaizer takes a sip,
and his face lights up with renewed energy. Kaizer, spirited, will then rap the effectiveness of the
nescafe coffee.

A quick montage follows, showing Kaizer —highlighting notes, doing schoolwork, and
socializing with friends. Simultaneously, it can be observed that the rap is now lively compared
to the previous raps, symbolizing Kaizer’s energetic mood.

After the rap, Kaizer steps out into the morning light of masci, school bag on his back, confident
stride. The screen displays “Babangon Tayo” with the Nescafé logo.

Joshua delivers the closing line; "For every challenge and every goal, rise with the courage to
face it all. Babangon tayo. Nescafé Original."

Rap 1
 Yo, 5 AM grind, the sun ain't up,
Eyes heavy, brain feels stuck,
Exams, assignments, deadlines in sight,
Ain't no sleep, it was a battle last night.

Stress piling up, heart on the race,

Pages and pages, can't keep the pace,
Need a moment, need a break,
What’s that scent? It's the call I take.

Rap 2

One sip, warmth flows through the soul,

Bitterness fades, I’m regaining control,
Heartbeat steadies, the mind aligns,
Suddenly, life don’t feel so confined.

Rise up, spirits lift, pressure subsides,

Each challenge now, I take in stride,
From dawn to dusk, through each fight,
With Nescafé, I’m fueled, I’m upright.

Rap 3

Days may be tough, the path might bend,

But with strength in a cup, I can contend,
From early dawn to the late night glow,
Nescafé keeps me ready, ready to go.

So when life gets rough and the road is tight,

Remember, we rise, we fight the plight,
Take a breath, take a sip, keep the vibe alive,
‘Cause with Nescafé, we don't just survive, we thrive.
Bonakid
This commercial emphasizes the importance of providing children with the strength and
resilience they need to grow up healthy and active. The actors/performers for this set are Sophia
Nang, Yuri Cabal, and Joshua Suan. They will be depicting the storyline of kids showcases how
Bonakid helps build strong bones and immunity, giving kids the confidence to tackle everyday
adventures, most especially as students.
This commercial involves a specific type of rap wherein instead of known fast-paced rap, here
we are going to use the slow-paced rap also known as Chopped and screwed rap to match the
vibe of the overall commercial.

Sequence:
The sequence of this commercial is based from the music video of the song itself, the flow goes as
followed:
The three actors for this part will start the commercial by simply dancing the choreography of the
song.

A quick montage follows, here, it is shown that the mom gave the kid a glass of milk (Bonakid).
After drinking, the child goes wild and becomes energized continuing the dance steps.

After the 2nd verse of the song is finished, in the part of “Oh What’s next to 3?” that will then be
quickly followed by the rap.

Chorus 1

PAG 3 PATAAS, MAG BONAKID

PRESCHOOL 3 plus
MAS PINATATAG, NA BONAKID
PRESCHOOL 3 plus

Verse 1

Strengthened now with Triple Boost formula,

Building strong kids, tough like no other,
Been powered up with nucleotides inside,
Building strong kids, tough with pride!

Chorus 2

PAG 3 PATAAS, MAG BONAKID

PRESCHOOL 3 plus
MAS PINATATAG NA BONAKID
PRESCHOOL 3 plus

Verse 2

Fueled with vitamins and minerals,

Growing up strong, unstoppable!
Sip by sip, for strength each day,
Bonakid kids, lead the way!

BATANG MAY LABAN!

OKAY KIDS, START COUNTING!

1..2..3...

Oh What’s next to 3?
Overview of Rap

Rap is defined as a vocal art form that combines rhythmic speech and rhyme, forming one of the
cornerstones of hip-hop culture. Originating in the Bronx, New York, in the 1970s, rap has
evolved significantly, influenced by pioneers like DJ Kool Herc and Grandmaster Flash. Known
for its complex rhyme schemes, rhythmic beats, and diverse flows, rap allows artists to explore
storytelling, social commentary, and self-expression. Various rap genres have emerged, from
old-school hip-hop to trap and conscious rap, each offering distinct themes and musical styles.
Artists like Tupac Shakur, Nas, and Kendrick Lamar have used rap as a platform for addressing
social issues, while others have incorporated elements of mainstream pop and regional sounds,
such as hyphy and trap, to reach wider audiences.

Overview of Slam Poetry

Slam poetry, a spoken word performance art, combines writing with powerful vocal expression
and audience interaction. Initiated by Marc Smith in Chicago in the 1980s, slam poetry
emphasizes originality and the poet’s unique voice and perspective. It often explores themes like
racism, mental health, and social justice, reflecting the poet’s experiences and emotions. Slam
poetry is known for its lack of props, original content, and timed performances. Unlike rap, it
does not require musical accompaniment, allowing poets to connect with the audience directly
through their words and delivery.

Group Presentation

The group creatively presented these distinctions by incorporating rap and slam poetry
through familiar commercials, using brands like Milo, Nescafé, and Bonakid to create parodied
lyrics. Each skit, accompanied by rhythmic rap and dance, reinforced the themes of energy,
resilience, and growth. The group will also present parodies of popular film trailers like she's
dating the gangster and Kita-Kita, which will incorporate parts and elements of slam poetry in
the script to add more drama and humor to the presentation For the main acts, the group will
perform a talk show rap battle, an Maaala mo kaya slam poetry parody, and O-shopping. To
enhance audience engagement, the presentation included quizzes inspired by online DepEd
lectures, assessing comprehension on the differences between rap and slam poetry.

SOURCES:
Augustyn, A (2024, October 23), Rap | History, Artists, & Facts. Encyclopedia Britannica.
Retrieved from:
https://www.britannica.com/art/rap

Banales, M. (n.d.), slam poetry, Britannica. Retrieved from:

https://www.britannica.com/art/slam-poetry
Brunotts, K. (2022, November 8), Types of Rap: Exploring the Genres of Rap Music, EMastered.
Retrieved from:
https://emastered.com/blog/types-of-rap

Burrows, A. (2001, July 16), Slam Poetry: A Brief History from Chicago to Seattle, HistoryLink.
Retrieved from:
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uLBK0IrvA

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Harshaw, P., Allen-Price, O. (2021, July 22), ‘It’s Pure Energy’: How Hyphy Came to Define
Bay Area Hip-Hop, KQED. Retrieved from:
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Hip Hop | History Timeline. (n.d.). History Timelines. Retrieved from:

https://historytimelines.co/timeline/hip-hop

Lavoie, A. (2024, September 11). 22 rap genres that defined the 50 year evolution of rhyme and
beat. LANDR Blog. https://blog.landr.com/rap-styles/

McDaniel, C. (July 24, 2021), Check Out These Incredible Slam Poetry Title Ideas, Adazing.
https://www.adazing.com/slam-poetry-ideas/

Mdlbeast. (2023, October 11). History of Rap: a powerful voice of expression. MDLBEAST.
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Poetry Soup (n.d.), Poetry Slam. Retrieved from:

https://www.poetrysoup.com/dictionary/slam

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Ravenscroft, J.-F. (2023, November 24), What Is Slam Poetry? – The Power of Poetry in Protest,
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