Complete recording amateur needs serious help

[Tekdino]

Hi everybody,
This is my first post so please don't blame me if I wrote in wrong place or something. Also don't blame me if my english isn't perfect, I'm from Finland.
Ok, I'm a 17 years old freestyle rapper and I'm currently writing my 4th song. I've also made background beats for them. However I have no idea how I will record my songs. First, my equipment is very poor; I have only computer mic, mp3-player mic and a computer of course. (2,93GHz) I fear that I can't get any better computer external equipment so if possible I will use my mp3 player mic.
How should I record so that the sound soungs even semi-good? Is it better to rap to the mic in silence and then add it to the track or to put the track on in the speakers and rap near the speakers? Also, how much mastering can make the sound better?
Please help me, I'm desperate because I must send my demo in 5 weeks!!

 

[andyhix]

I'll just touch on one aspect. Get some headphones. Listen to your backing track on those whist you rap. That way your mic doesn't pick up the sound of your speakers, only your voice. Otherwise, get a real mic, and consider getting a real audio interface, and you will have made a huge stride.

 

[Tekdino]

Thanks for the quick answer Andyhix but I've tried that already.
I can't afford any new equipment.
Anybody else?

 

[XLR]

Get some headphones. Listen to your backing track on those whist you rap. That way your mic doesn't pick up the sound of your speakers, only your voice.

Yep.

That's how it's done.

But given the limitations in experience and gear the OP is describing, he's not likely to get a result that has good sound quality. Recording well is complicated. The good news, though, is that if the performance is really good, that always matters more than recording quality.

 

[Tekdino]

The good news, though, is that if the performance is really good, that always matters more than recording quality.

That conforts me a lot.
So I will make like this?:
1)Rap on the loop so that the mic doesn't record the loop
2)Add the recorded thing on the beat with for example Audacity
Right?
Would it be stupid to ask here hints about making the sound better? Just simplest things like "don't hold the mic too near your mouth".

 

[XLR]

Would it be stupid to ask here hints about making the sound better? Just simplest things like "don't hold the mic too near your mouth".

Make a few test recordings, trying the mic at different distances. The room you record in, and where you're situated in it, has a big effect on the sound.

 

[Tekdino]

Ok, in acoustic music the books and rugs affect a lot. Is there something I could try to make the sound better in this kind of recording?
Thanks for helping me guys and/or ladies! I appreciate every hint!

 

[XLR]

http://www.tweakheadz.com/acoustic_room_treatment.htm

https://homerecording.com/bbs/forumdisplay.php?f=20

 

[Tekdino]

Thanks XLR! I will wonder around in those links.