Make no mistake. Boom bap rap is dope. But it often times is credited as the foundation of hip hop. Lets not forget that many of the early rap records were party records, i.e "Rappers Delight," "Planet Rock," LL Cool J's "Radio," several of the Run DMC records, almost all of the Beastie Boys records, and the list goes on and on. Even songs that were "conscious" sounded like party records, like "The Message" by Grandmaster Flash and NWA's "Express Yourself." The point is, we don't over criticize old school rap for lacking substance, and today's "lyrical" rap cant rock the party.
There's too much of a divide between lyrical rappers and non-lyrical rappers today. The music either sounds good with little to no substance, or sounds bad with all the substance you could hope for. Being from the south, I need to bounce. I'd rather be turnt up to ignorance than patronized by knowledge.
Not only do our lyrical contemporaries talk down to us, but they also sound dated and boring while doing so. At least the new ones. One example is Joey Bada$$. He can rap, but the lazy, circa 90s production bores me to death. His subject mater, from what I've heard, is heavy and serious all the time. Then there's Kendrick Lamar. I'm getting used to his nasally, staccato flow, which was very off putting at first, and sometimes his production knocks, but he feels so preachy. Rapsody is a DOPE lyricist with a a minor following because she raps so hard, like she's trying to prove she's the illest son. We get it. You're dope. Now make something I can ride to while being impressed by your superior verses.
"The Definition" had a poignant message, but you could still have fun to that song. Dead Prez's "Hip Hop" is a revolution on wax, but that bass line is sick and it sounds like a blast. 2pacs "Wonda Why They Call You Bitch" is conceptual and dance-able at the same time. Don't get me started on Outkast records. Pick one. Many of them are extremely lyrical, yet banging. Lyrical rappers today are so focused on saying something meaningful that they forget to make your head nod.
That's why they're not on the radio.I used to believe that there was some corporate conspiracy to inundate us all with ignorance through music so we could destroy ourselves. Then I realized how pretentious that opinion really is. Truth be told, I like a lot of the records on the radio. Future's "At The Same Damn Time" and "Turn On The Lights" are great songs. Rick Ross makes quality music. Cheif Keef's "I Don't Like" is infectious, and akin to "Knuck If You Buck." Just because I may not agree with a lot of the.messages behind the music doesn't mean I can deny its impact.
Being able to rap isn't even half the battle. Its less than half. Being visible in this game is about what you say, how you say it, how it sounds, how you look saying it, when you say it, and who's behind you. I'm sure many rappers that haven't gotten their due shine are happy where they are. But lets be real. Anybody would want to be successful at what they do. Anybody would want accolades. Anybody would want timeless music that could be played at barbecues and parties from here until eternity. Why wouldn't you? If a rapper says they want to be underground and out of the spotlight, and that they don't care if they don't make money, they're a damn lie. And if they ain't a lie, they a damn fool.
When the more studied linguists of this game stop trying to make records straight out of the 90s, and start saying something meaningful while making your head knock, all those rappers that your favorite blogger deemed underrated will shine. Belee dat. There's my 2 cents on this annoying subject.
