Facebook’s internal R&D group, NPE Team, has launched a new content creation app, called Bars designed explicitly for rappers to create and share their raps using professionally created beats.
The app lets users choose one of their professionally-created beats then rappers can write their own lyrics and record 60-second rap videos over them. BARS can also automatically suggest rhymes as users are writing out lyrics. The app also provides an auto-rhyme dictionary for those who mark themselves as “beginners” in the app. For those closer to the “Advanced” level, it also promises a Freestyle mode, which gives users eight random words to work into a 16-bar off-the-cuff rap.
NPE Team member DJ Iyler revealed that the pandemic has been one of the major reasons behind the creation of the app. “I know access to high-priced recording studios and production equipment can be limited for aspiring rappers. On top of that, the global pandemic shut down live performances where we often create and share our work,” he says.
Previously, Facebook’s NPE Team released a similar musical app called Collab last year, allowing musicians to make songs together, each providing separate parts. It seems despite the focus on music, Bars can be seen as yet another attempt by Facebook to develop a TikTok competitor.
