The way to really tell if a rap is good or not is to actually read the lyrics like poetry and not listen to the song. You'll know then if the rap is good or not. You'll find that the vast majority sucks. I do really respect Eminem.
Though I understand where you're coming from, I respectfully disagree. I think something which needs to be taken into consideration, is the intent of the artist, which without the vocals, isn't always clear. Written words are sometimes meant to be poetic (
rather broad label), while other times, they are meant to achieve another goal. There are many artists who write, then chop various words, to better synergize with the beat or an aspect of their persona, and you'll largely (
or even completely) miss this by simply reading their work-- some aim for an unorthodox sound, for example, and there are others who change voices during a performance, which again, just doesn't read as well.
Extracting the literary portion does a disservice to the artist, IMO, as it doesn't offer enough insight into the purpose/intent of the music.
Bob Maxey said:
I find most rappers lacking in musical knowledge and not many can play an instrument. It is a terrible form. I think rap appeals to (mostly) blacks because it offers then a way out of a terrible life.
To offer some perspective on this, some would argue that the voice was the first musical instrument. At the very least, we can argue that it was the oldest-- it's sort of narrow to suggest that you're not musical (
subjective), because you don't play an instrument. That's a very formal understanding/interpretation of music, which largely lends to a western idea that has long disregarded other forms of music as valid.
Also, a great portion of commercial rap music is purchased and embraced by suburban white kids. There is a gross over-representation here, when it comes to who rap appeals to. It's effectively been mainstream, for some time now, for just this reason.
shawn1224 said:
This has gone from "Lil Wayne is bad" to straight up bigotry and damn near borderline racism.
I can understand if rap music isn't your thing but to sit here and make condescending statements regarding the entire genre is ignorant at best. It's 2010, you need to grow the f*ck up.
... and yes I'm looking at you Maxey and half of your nonsensical posts
