R&B Soul Meets Hip-Hop Royalty
Ready or Not is a defining track from the Fugees' 1996 masterpiece The Score. Blending a haunting sample from Enya's "Boadicea" with Lauryn Hill's soulful vocals and sharp lyrical verses, this song tests both your singing ability and your rhythmic flow.
To perform this well, you need to master the switch between the smooth, breathy texture of the chorus and the articulate, aggressive delivery of the rap verses. Let's break down exactly how to tackle it, section by section.
AI Coach Tip: Watch Your Breathing
The chorus requires a lot of air to maintain that breathy, soulful quality. Take a deep, low breath before "Ready or Not" so you don't chop the phrase "Here I come" in half.
Phase 1: The Chorus (Lauryn's Melody)
The hook is iconic. Lauryn Hill sings in a comfortable Mezzo-Soprano range (F#3 - C#5). The key here is legato—smooth, connected notes.
The Technique: Don't belt the chorus. Use a "mix" voice with plenty of head resonance to keep it light and mysterious. On the line "You can't hide," allow a little vocal fry or rasp to creep in at the end of the phrase for emotional texture.
Phase 2: The Verses (Flow & Diction)
Whether you are tackling Wyclef's verse or Lauryn's verse, rhythm is king. The beat is a steady boom-bap, and you must lock in.
- Wyclef's Verse: Draws heavily on Reggae influences. Focus on the downbeat. "I play my enemies like a game of chess" requires sharp consonant articulation.
- Lauryn's Verse: Her flow is melodic. She rides the beat slightly behind the snare. Keep your jaw relaxed to maintain speed without tripping over words like "defecating" or "monastery."
Phase 3: The Ad-libs and Outro
Towards the end of the song, the vocals become more improvisational. Lauryn adds runs and melisma on "Ready or Not." This is where you can show off your range. Ensure you hit the C#5 clearly without straining your neck muscles.
Practice the humming sections as well. A resonant hum (feeling the vibration in your lips and nose) sets the pitch center for the whole track.
Frequently Asked Questions
The main melody stays relatively low, but ad-libs reach up to a C#5. It is very accessible for Altos and Mezzo-Sopranos.
Absolutely. Think of rap as "spoken percussion." Focus on the rhythm of the syllables rather than melody. Use the Singing Coach AI app to visualize the timing of the words.
Use more air than usual in your tone (breathy phonation) and keep the volume at a medium level (mezzo-piano). Do not push or shout.
