In poetry and music, relating to syllables or notes that fall outside the regular metrical pattern or beat structure.
From Latin 'extra' (outside) + 'metrical' (from Greek 'metron' measure). The term originated in prosody (the study of poetic form) to describe variations that break the expected rhythmic rules.
Rappers and poets have always known that breaking the meter is powerful—when you step outside the expected beat, your words hit harder. Shakespeare did this constantly, which is why some lines feel like they punch you in the gut.
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