rap flow, rhythm theory, and the intersections of music and culture.

The mission is to inspire and empower through dynamic presentations and workshops that engage audiences and spark creativity.

I’VE SPOKEN AT

  • NYU Steinhardt

    2024

  • HARVARD UNIVERSITY

    2023

  • BERKLEE COLLEGE OF MUSIC

    2023, 2024

  • LOUISIANA STATE UNIVERSITY

    2023

  • SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY

    2023

  • B.M.C.C

    2024

  • BIGSOUND FESTIVAL

    QUEENSLAND, 2023

  • SXSW SYDNEY

    2023

  • BOXHILL INSTITUTE

    MELBOURNE, 2024

KEYNOTE SPEAKER

THINGS DONE CHANGED (2026)

The ninth annual European Hip Hop Studies Conference, based in Groningen, the Netherlands, encouraged reflections and responses to Hip Hop in times of crisis. Participants focused on its many transnational expressions, from European Hip Hop (situated within complex colonial histories and political tensions), its American origins, towards wider global manifestations of the form. Hip Hop scholars were invited to respond to the present moment of locally experienced but globally interconnected inequalities vis-a-vis Hip Hop as a potentially revolutionary form.

I delivered an interactive keynote bringing music theory to life through the rhythmic language of hip hop. Designed for educators, musicians, scholars, and hip hop enthusiasts alike, audiences were able to experiment with vocal rhythm patterns together, exploring how three-beat rap flows sit over four-beat grooves, how triplet accents shape feel, and how lyrical stress influences flow. Brave volunteers even had the opportunity to test polymetric exercises live.

The Science of Rap challenged assumptions about the genre while equipping attendees with practical rhythmic tools they are now able to immediately apply in classrooms, studios, and performances.

  • Mazbou Q's artistry is educational! His unique fusion of music artistry and music science not only captivates the audience but also inspires, leaving a lasting impact on all who have the opportunity of experiencing his dynamic and enlightening sessions.

    Rodney Alejandro, Chair of Songwriting, Berklee College of Music

  • From his deep well of experience as a rapper and producer, Mazbou Q has devised a remarkable method for analyzing rap flows. He is able to explain complex rhythmic patterns aurally, visually, and through performance, opening up these ideas to musicians with wide ranges of experience.

    Dr. Kevin Laskey, Adjunct Professor & Department Administrator, NYU Steinhardt

  • We loved your work! I'm teaching Pop Music Analysis next semester, and we're already thinking about ways to incorporate your material into our required readings for our Hip hop/Rap unit.

    Stephen Tian-You Ai - PhD Candidate, Harvard University

  • When Maz visited us at Louisiana State University, he showed his ability to work with all levels of students. The students were deeply engaged and loved his demos of different rhythmic techniques in rap. I believe that Mazbou Q’s teaching will have a lasting impact on our students, inspiring them to explore new avenues in their artistic and scholarly pursuits.

    Dr. Olivia Lucas, Assistant Professor of Music Theory, Lousiana State University

  • Glad to have our students see people who look like them spittin relatable knowledge at such a high level

    John Gray, Instructor of High Brass, Southern University

  • Mazbou Q delivered a transformative workshop that was both engaging and culturally impactful for our students at BMCC. His innovative notation system allowed students to grasp complex polyrhythmic techniques—and, in some cases, even perform them—without getting bogged down in traditional Western classical notation.

    Dr. Quentin Angus, Associate Professor of Music, BMCC.CUNY Department of Music

PRESENTATIONS

  • In-depth explanations of rap flow and rhythm theory with live demonstrations

  • Engaging analysis of culturally relevant commercial music

  • Fun, interactive exercises that bring the concepts to life

WHAT TO EXPECT

I offer a presentations up to 90 minutes, with some extra time for discussion / Q&A. The duration and level can be adjusted according to requirements. These are based on one or more of the following theses:

  • Rap flow can be used to demonstrate and teach music theory.

  • The application of music theory to rap generates creative ideas.

  • We can conceptualise and develop rap specific music theory ideas.

“The Science of Rap” at Berklee College of Music, October 2023. A general presentation outlining the three main theses.

A RANGE OF SUBJECTS

The application of foundational rhythm theory to rap flow

  • Tempo and time signature and how they influence flow

  • Beat subdivisions and syllables

Popular rhythmic devices in modern rap music

  • Triplets, hemiola and accent patterns

  • Displacement


  • Polymetricism


  • Common patterns - tresillo, scotch snap etc

Introduction to rap-flow specific concepts

  • The Four Bar Cadence framework

  • The “Bar Heel” and its transposition

EXTRA WORKSHOPS

As an experienced mentor, I specialize in guiding young people, from high school to college age, to unlock their creative potential in music.

  • As an experienced Logic Pro X user and self-produced artist, I bring real-world music production expertise to my workshops. Specializing in Hip Hop, Pop, and Rock, I guide students through the process of creating professional-quality tracks, from initial ideas to final mixing and mastering. Drawing from my experience producing for both artists and brands, I design engaging, hands-on sessions that teach students how to unlock their creativity and develop practical production skills. My workshops empower young artists to take control of their sound and build confidence in their abilities.

  • With extensive experience as a performing artist—having toured nationally and internationally as both a metal band frontman and a Hip Hop artist—I bring unique insights to my live performance workshops. As a mentor working both independently and alongside local and international organisations, I regularly work closely with a range of students to prepare them for assessments and competitions, providing tailored coaching to help them shine on stage. Additionally, my experience judging competitions like Rockquest, NewFoundSound, and Battle of the Bands allows me to guide young performers on what it takes to captivate an audience and leave a lasting impression. My workshops focus on stage presence, musicality, and confidence, giving students the tools to deliver standout performances.

  • With over 500,000 followers across YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok, I bring firsthand experience and in-depth knowledge of social media to young, independent artists. As an artist who has been in the industry for over eight years, I understand the importance of mastering content creation to build a brand and connect with audiences in today’s fast-paced, ever-changing landscape. In my workshops, I share insights into the function, history, and purpose of social media, as well as the facets of effective content creation. From shooting and editing to grading and posting, I create all my own content and can teach tips, tricks, and strategies to help artists make compelling content that stands out, promotes their music, and grows their presence online.

GET IN TOUCH.