2 min read

The Rap Ap: A Look at Rapchat

Julian Thomas : March 09, 2015

If you obsess over the latest trends in start-ups, technology, social media innovations, and all things “millennial-inspired,” then you may be familiar with Rapchat. Founded in March 2013 by entrepreneurs, Max Yankee and Seth Miller, the concept of Rapchat is just like Snapchat, except that instead of photos, users bust out a free-style rhyme and send to one another. Naturally, I volunteered to test out Rapchat as a means to dust off my gangsta rap skillz. After I downloaded the free app via the Apple’s App Store, I connected the app to my Facebook to see which of my FB friends are hip to the latest digital trends. Turns out that I only had one FB friend (out of 1k+) who was also connected to the app. That “friend” happened to be my high school bully, so I wasn’t exactly inclined to express my true feelings for her via iPhone generated free-style raps, though it would have been appropriate. I was able to convince my friend Michael, aka Cas (who is a self-proclaimed lyricist) to download the app and connect the app to his Facebook as well. After he did so, Cas still didn’t show up as a friend within my contacts. We closed the app and then reopened. Disconnected and reconnected to Facebook via the app, and the contacts still wouldn’t refresh! After 10 minutes of trying to troubleshoot, we gave up. The fact that I was not able to challenge my friend to the impromptu rap battle as planned, did allow for me to practice my shelved rap skills with myself. One great feature to the app is its sole asset -- the beats. Some were really impressive and easy to rap along to, even for the most hip-hop novice. The concept and interface of Rapchat is nothing short of unique and entertaining. However, unlike its successful predecessor, SnapChat, you can’t save any of the works of art you manage to produce. #Bummer First reviews I read of the app mentioned that the app was supporting branded content. I was really looking forward to seeing how brands were integrated in to the app. I figured that advertisers can create their own beats or something to the similar. However, there is no distinction between original and sponsored content on the app. Even though my initial experience to Rapchat wasn’t exactly what I have hoped for, I do plan to continue to troubleshoot and recruit more friends to download and connect to the app as well. In the meantime, feel free to take a gander at Cas and his impressive lyrical skills via his Soundcloud and Instagram. Round 2 coming soon – get ready Cas! - Julian

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