Is Rap Music? Is It Good? Plethora of opinions here!! Bling Bling!

[CichliSuite]

..and what the hell is this new rap on the radio. Like Missy Elliott (the only name I know to sow as an example). This "new" rap has an assymetrical overly syncopated beat, and of course, a child-level "tune" laid over it.

Its even WORSE than the older rap, which although a simple drum loop, was at least that, a flowing drum loop. I guess perhaps this is oh so trumpeted magical divide between rap and hip-hop? In either case it sucks up there right along with the rest of rap nowadays.

 

<< I guess perhaps this is oh so trumpeted magical divide between rap and hip-hop? In either case it sucks up there right along with the rest of rap nowadays. >>


Statements like this prove your ignorance. If you do not know the difference between rap and hip-hop, please don't speculate.

 

[Ryan]

<< I don't like (C)rap and I don't like country for the same reason.
I think they both breed (to some extent) hate and intollerance towards other's.

Rap= hate the white man & smack your B!TCH around. (Plus I guess I'm old fashion, but shouldn't music have some MUSIC in it?)

Country= Hate anyone who isn't like you. (hippys, gays, liberals, etc.)

But maybe I would be more acurate saying they both breed the propencity for violence. IMHO

(SORRY MY spell checkers broke) >>



You have got to be the most musically ignorant person I have ever run into. You don't know what you are talking about.

 

[Deeko]

I don't feel like reading the thread...but if rap isn't music, then what is freakin random-sounding chords repeatedly slammed on a way too overdriven guitar while some guy shouts about how much he hates things?

*note, this post is not inflammatory towards that type of music. Rap is music, so is that. Each person has their own taste.

 

[Kev]

Here are lyrics to a great rap song. I gain new insights into my life and the human condition every time my ears experience this carefully woven tapestry of lyrical genius


"Ugly" By bubba sparks

[Timbaland:]
Uhh uh-oh, uh-oh
Tch, tchka, tchka, tchka, tchka
Uh
Uh-oh, uh-oh
Tchka, tchka uh
Uh-oh, uh-oh
Say what, say what?
Freaky freaky uh
Tchka, tchka, tchka, tchka
Bubba
[Bubba Sparxxx:]
Sh*t I ain't choose to rhyme
Rhymin' chose me
So I hit the track runnin'
Like a nosebleed
Life ain't great now
But it's much improved
Yo' album droppin' this summer?
That sucks for you
'Cause this is Bubba's moment
I put my mother on it
I said my momma
It seems as if
I love her don't it?
So buckle up, 'cause
It's gon' get bumpy
I call my girlfriends Betty's
And my sh*ts grumpies
That Bubba talk
Gotcha open wide
I giggle outside the booth
But ain't no joke inside
This is complicated
At least to y'all it is
Just let me sell fifty million
Then I'll call it quits
But until that day
Y'all in deep doo doo
I never once saw
You crank it 'cause
I just leap through you
What you need to do
Is just admit you love me
The South has
Always been Dirty
But now it's gettin' ugly

[CHORUS:]
Ugly-in here
Huh, in here
Huh, in here
It's gon' get ugly in here
Huh, in here
Huh, in here
It's gon' get
Ugly, ugly, ugly
In here
Huh, in here
It's gon' get ugly in here
Huh, in here
Huh, in here
Uh-oh

Though I am country
Don't get the wrong idea
My ego's gettin' bigger
With every song I hear
'Cause y'all been bullsh*ttin'
Spittin' that booty chatter
Out here for two days and
Came with somethin'
That truly matters
On goes the saga
Of Bubba's plight
She won't see tomorrah
If I don't cut tonight
That's just my mood now
I hate it came to this
How else can I say it
I don't speak
No other languages
I'm fairly ripped now
So this the jimmy talkin'
You hear that beat don'tcha?
That's just Timmy talkin'
Go 'head throw dem bows
F*** it, break a bottle
Let's be honest none of us
Will ever date a model
So let's just cut it loose
Ignore the repercussions
If you scared, then just
Forget what we discussin'
This that new South
Take a picture of me
'Cause I'm a f***in' legend
And this is gettin' ugly

[Repeat chorus]

Now this thang is jumpin'
Ain't it somethin'?
What makes it special
This whole moment
Came from nothin'
Now you see it triples
I bet she slurp tonight
Lames hide your wallets
Hatin' broads
Clutch your purses tight
If you ain't tryin' to live
You with the wrong crowd
And if you feelin' brave then
Better sport that thong proud
And if you finally breathin'
Then sing this song loud
I'm glad I got you wet
I know you had a long drought
Don't worry about the law
They can't arrest us all
I had to crank couldn'ta done
Nothin' less for y'all
Forget your inhibitions
I wanna see you whylin'
And if Bubba dies tonight
Know he was smilin'

[Repeat chorus]

[Timbaland:]
Ha ha, it's gon' get
(Ugly-in here)
Thck, thck
(Huh, in here
Huh, in here)
It's gon' get
(Ugly-in here)
(Huh, in here
Huh, in here)
It's gon' get (ugly)
Say what?
(Ugly, ugly)
Say what?
(Ugly) In here
Huh, in here
(It's gon' get ugly in here)
(Huh, in here
Huh, in here
Uh-oh)
Thcka, thcka, thcka, thcka
Thcka, check switch uh

Switch it one time
Now switch it back baby
Switch it one time
Now switch it back baby

"Holla ain't no stoppin' me
Copywritten so"
(So what?)
"Don't copy me"

I want you to

"Holla ain't no stoppin' me
Copywritten so, don't copy me"

C'mon Bubba, let's go

----------------------------------------------------------

Now come on, THAT's NOT EVEN ABOUT ANYTHING. Read it. It says NOTHING. It is just a bunch of stupid words. This is what comprises 90% of rap today.

The exceptions I know of that I like: DMX and Eminem. Eminem says a lot of funny things and his wordplay is genius, but once you get past that the novelty wears off. DMX is great to this day IMO, expet when he gets some horrible-voiced woman to sing the chorus in his songs (and there was too much of that going on in his last cd).

 

[Ryan]

Yes, bubba sparxx does have the mental abilities of a termite - but many people fail to notice better artists - IE, Lauryn Hill, Wyclef, Tupac, Nas, The Roots, etc. Most people who don't listen to Rap only know about the Rappers who cause controversy, and the ones that EVERYONE knocks on.

Everything Is Everything

Everything is everything
What is meant to be, will be
After winter, must come spring
Change, it comes eventually
(2x)

I wrote these words for everyone
Who struggles in their youth
Who won't accept deception
Instead of what is truth
It seems we lose the game,
Before we even start to play
Who made these rules? We're so confused
Easily led astray
Let me tell ya that
Everything is everything
Everything is everything
After winter, must come spring
Everything is everything

I philosophy
Possibly speak tongues
Beat drum, Abyssinian, street Baptist
Rap this in fine linen
From the beginning
My practice extending across the atlas
I begat this
Flippin' in the ghetto on a dirty mattress
You can't match this rapper / actress
More powerful than two Cleopatras
Bomb graffiti on the tomb of Nefertiti
MCs ain't ready to take it to the Serengeti
My rhymes is heavy like the mind of Sister Betty
L. Boogie spars with stars and constellations
Then came down for a little conversation
Adjacent to the king, fear no human being
Roll with cherubims to Nassau Coliseum
Now hear this mixture
Where hip hop meets scripture
Develop a negative into a positive picture

Now, everything is everything
What is meant to be, will be
After winter, must come spring
Change, it comes eventually

Sometimes it seems
We'll touch that dream
But things come slow or not at all
And the ones on top, won't make it stop
So convinced that they might fall
Let's love ourselves then we can't fail
To make a better situation
Tomorrow, our seeds will grow
All we need is dedication

Let me tell ya that,
Everything is everything
Everything is everything
After winter, must come spring
Everything is everything

Everything is everything
What is meant to be, will be
After winter, must come spring
Change, it comes eventually

 

[Desturel]

Okay then since you list a song I don't like, I'll list another song I don't like.

Limp Bizkit
Gecha Groove On

Yes, millenium sh!t
Limp Bizkit, hah, X to the Z, yeah, hah
Bringing it live to you and yours
Ladies and gentlement
Hahaha, my home boy
Yo, get at 'em dog

You don't wanna f*ck with me today
Cause a little somethin' somethin'
Didn't go your way
So try not to feel like that today
Cause I'm a real mutherfvcker from
Round the way

Come on

We don't give a f*ck when we're rockin' the place
We're only giving a f*ck
If you're invading this space
Gotta getcha groove on (Gotta getcha groove on)
Don't keep us waiting too long (keep us waiting too long)

Don't you treat me like a toy kid
Are you enjoying this?
Every second I'm alive I'm a mess
Got these laser beam mic checks
Communicating through the genelect
High tech
Kick you on the run now
Don't wanna be that guy
Every single second I'm alive
I'm alive
I don't understand why
I've got control for the candy in ya soul
I'm bumpin' up the sweetness
This is what you need
Another little piece of me
Inside of you
Cause you that I always keep it true
And that's exactly what I do
It's what I do
Yeah, it's what I do

You don't wanna f*ck with me today
Cause a little somethin' somethin'
Didn't go your way
So try not to feel like that today
Cause I'm a real mutherfvcker from
Round the way

Come on

We don't give a f*ck when we're rockin' the place
We're only giving a f*ck
If you're invading this space
Gotta getcha groove on (Gotta getcha groove on)
Don't keep us waiting too long
(Don't keep us waiting too long)

I've got breakneck delivery
No time for chivalry
Extraordinary ability
Sh!t longevity
Dig deep in your soul
And find yourself
Cause mind control
Can turn y'all into someone else
So fast you'll hear the party spin the f*ck right off
Me and Fred about to go half of Microsoft (yeah)
Burning twenty percent
Your little half @ss, direct hits
Aint even making a dent
Running the red
All hell Xzibited lick
As we attempt to bring home the championship
It's all in the rist
I still lead the league in assist
Give me the fifth
I'm drinking while I'm taking a piss

You don't wanna f*ck with me today
Cause a little somethin' somethin'
Didn't go your way
So try not to feel like that today
Cause I'm a real mutherfvcker from
Round the way

Come on

We don't give a f*ck when we're rockin' the place
We're only giving a f*ck
If you're invading this space
Gotta getcha groove on (Gotta getcha groove on)
Don't keep us waiting too long
(Don't keep us waiting too long)

I've got untapped material
I serial kill sh!t
Give me the real sh!t
X finish him off quick
Making your jaw split
When I'm touching the mosh pit
Constant conflict
Knock you faggots unconscience
Nauseous, raising the stakes
Increasing the weight
Got homies I can lay down
And lift their plate
So quit trying to invade my space
Before I call for a face to face
And gotta rest my case

This is how we do it
Just recognise
We can get you right to it
Look into these eyes
Look into these eyes
And you'll see the size of the fame
Then you might despise
The size of my game
Step the f*ck back
Xzibit's on the track
You shoulda buckled up
Before your head hit the dash
You gotta hate that
A demo from an eight track
Brought me to a place
Where platinum comes in eight stack, bitch

You don't wanna f*ck with me today
Cause a little somethin' somethin'
Didn't go your way
So try not to feel like that today
Cause I'm a real mutherfvcker from
Round the way

Come on

We don't give a f*ck when we're rockin' the place
We're only giving a f*ck
If you're invading this space
Gotta getcha groove on (Gotta getcha groove on)
Don't keep us waiting too long
(Don't keep us waiting too long)



If you think that all rap is like Ugly then I guess all rock is like Gecha Groove On by Limp Bizkit. One example does not make a genere. If you want to keep listing rap lyrics, I'll keep listing rock lyrics. Believe me, there are alot more bad rock bands around than there are bad rappers.

 

[j0lly]

I like Roots Manuva.

rootsmanuva.net

 

Those Limp Bizkit lyrics was the worst crap I ever read in my life.

 

[dude8604]

<< Ahhh rap - the music for those without musical talent and the poetry for those who can't read, write or spell. Neil >>

 

[Kev]

<<Believe me, there are alot more bad rock bands around than there are bad rappers. >>

not only do i not consider limp bizkit to be a band, i don't even consider them members of the human race. i dislike LB more than all "bling bling" rappers combined.

But here are some more retarded rap songs/artists, I'm not gonna list the lyrics because that will take up too much room.

- Fabulos - don't even know what it's called
- P-diddy - We ain't goin nowhere, the one where he spells his name and acts like he can sing, and public enemy number 1 (tell me you could watch the video for PE1 and not bust out laughing). i hate basically everything p-diddy has been involved with post-biggy.
- ja-rule - everything he has ever done
- jay-z - everything he has done after meeting jumaine dupri
- jumaine dupri - someone should kill him

rbloedow mentioned: Lauryn Hill, Wyclef, Tupac, Nas, The Roots. I like them all except for Wyclef, so don't think I'm biased against all rap. Is Lauryn Hill even rap though?

 

[Ryan]

I know lauryn hill raps a lot - but she also sings - so she is a rapper/singer.

 

[ATLien247]

"But enough of that everyone can rap unless they ain't supposed ta
I use my gift of gab to boast and brag in every rhyme I
compose won't y'all get sick of that, cause I know I do when I hear those
Flows that ain't hip-hop, you find that sh(i)t in the gift shop
But to each his own, my speech is gon', keep that sh(i)t up outta my zone
Long as you happy then I'm happy
Even if you just hate my f(u)ckin' guts go 'head and doubt me
Cause I'm gon' doubt you anyway and then go home and pray for yo' ass later
Cause we might need you in this war, I'm wailin' on you traitors
Like that..."

This was the first thing that sprang to mind when I read through this thread. I'm not going to tell you what song, or what artist this came from because, honestly, I think those who claim to like quality rap should know who it is. That, and the other's who dislike rap probably don't even care. Or maybe I'm giving both parties too much credit...

I digress.

What I mean to say is rapping takes as much natural talent as does classical, or any other form of "music" for that matter. I'm pretty sure that Mozart or Beethoven or Bach could not lyricize at the level of Tupac or Chuck D. Conversely, I don't think that Tupac or Chuck D could compose a decent symphony either. Each artist is a genius in their own right. But to compare different genres of music with the sole intent of proving which has the most merit is completely nonsensical.

To summarize, a common phrase: "Apples to oranges."

 

[agnitrate]

Lots of anger in this thread.

I will be the first to say I don't enjoy rap or pop. Maybe it's cause my sisters like it and I try to rebel from the things they tend to like to make myself feel more of an individual I honestly have no clue why.

I just find something lacking in the rap of today where the bass overdrives the overall tone of the song. I really can't form an opinion about the 'good' rap everybody talks about because I lack the true ambition to hear what the real rap everybody listens to since the few songs I have heard on the radio are utter crap compared to regular stuff I listen to. This is most likely the 'Media' trying to shape our musical influences as somebody mentioned previously in this thread and they have managed to do so, but not in an advantageous way for themselves.

Do I dislike rap purely out of ignorance? Maybe. I'm not sure.

I know some people like it and they enjoy listening to it. If it works for you, go ahead and do it.

Let me just tell you what I look for to constitute something as 'real' music:

1. Melody -- I can't stand pop songs today where MULTIPLE artists use the same beat for all the dance music. I would really qualify dance music as real music though as it is to be used in dancing and not purely for recreational listening ( I also suck @ dancing Ignorance again? You tell me.)

2. Lyrical content - one of the most important criteria in my eyes, if not THE most. I always hear the stereotype that rap is about 'b!tches, money, drugs, and cars' and from the little I have heard, this would seem to be correct, but I'm POSITIVE this is not the correct representation of rap at its best. If you have nothing to tell or get across, why say anything at all?

3. Acceptance of themselves - This is what I don't understand. Most rap artists I see try to maintain an image of a 'hardcore gangbanger', etc, etc, you know how it goes. I always ask myself why?

Usually, key word being usually here, you get enjoyment from doing things you like? Basic enough right. I would imagine a gangster or ANY person that they try to represent themselves as, is not a very happy individual. I am also assuming these artists are writing freely and nobody is putting a gun to their head and saying 'Write!'.

Therefore, these artists MUST be enjoying writing their music and performing it so they should be happy and not trying to hold an image of hatred/poverty/ignorance when it isn't the case. This fact is compounded when other people enjoy their music! I don't know about all of you, but when I do something that somebody appreciates, it makes me feel good!

4. And finally, passion for music. Yes, most artists of today work soley for the money that it produces. I am not speaking only towards rap in this area, it's across every genre you can think of. When was the last time artists gave some of their money to a good cause that wasn't purely for show/politics. I find it very easy to tell when an artists has true passion for their work and those who are simply going through the motions.

I apoligize for this extremely long post.

To conclude, I think rap is music. I don't enjoy it, yet... There was a time when I hated lots of music I listen to now.
People enjoy rap. Let them listen to what they like.

In the words of a band who truly cares:

"Over thinking, over analyzing separates the body from the mind
Withering my intuition, leaving opportunities behind" -- tool, lateralus

Don't get so caught up in the statistics of it all that you forget what music is all about: gaining a new sense of perception and realization.

-silver

p.s. again, I apoligize for the long post

 

[Kev]

<< "Over thinking, over analyzing separates the body from the mind
Withering my intuition, leaving opportunities behind" -- tool, lateralus
>>



Best Tool song ever. And one of my favorite songs ever. Must go listen again.

Too bad they had to release it as a single and chop it in half.

 

[CichliSuite]

Statements like this prove your ignorance. If you do not know the difference between rap and hip-hop, please don't speculate.

And why can't I speculate? Your assumption about me is a product of sheer speculation as well, my dear friend. However, I do warn you. If there is a situation in this world where intellectual arrogance is justified, it sure as hell isn't in a discussion about subtleties of the rap "music" genre.
Go try and learn about something of value, and then perhaps your superior knowledge of it may be something worth showing off.

There's nothing funnier than an intellectual treatment of stupid things.

 

[CichliSuite]

Read the following lyrics by The Smiths in _That Joke Isn't Funny Anymore_.
This is poetry my friends.


Park the car at the side of the road
you should know
time's tide will smother you
and I will too
when you laugh about people who feel so
very lonely
their only desire is to die
well I'm afraid
it doesn't make me smile
I wish I could laugh
but that joke isn't funny anymore
it's too close to home
and it's too near the bone
it's too close to home
and it's too near the bone
more than you'll ever know

Why must you....kick them when they fall down?
Why must you....kick them when they fall down?
Why must you....kick them when they fall down?
Why must you....kick me when I fall down?


It was dark as I drove the point home
and on cold leather seats
well, it suddenly struck me
I just might die with a smile on my
face after all


I've seen this happen in other people's lives and now its happened in mine.
I've seen this happen in other people's lives and now its happened in mine.
I've seen this happen in other people's lives and now its happened in mine.
.......

 

[Xenon]

Doesn't Limp Bizkit have alot of rap influences? To label them the voice of "rock" doesn't make much sense.

PS. No one has accepted my challenge above. If you want to really prove your point, let's hear some examples. Let's hear something, anything.

 

[ATLien247]

<< There's nothing funnier than an intellectual treatment of stupid things. >>



Says you? Are you to tell me what should be considered stupid? And if so, what gives you that right?

Also, while your quote from The Smiths may fit your description of poetry, it may not be so for another.

 

[ViperVin2]

<< mu·sic (myzk)
n.
The art of arranging sounds in time so as to produce a continuous, unified, and evocative composition, as through melody, harmony, rhythm, and timbre.

Rap is music >>

 

[Martin]

<<

<< "Over thinking, over analyzing separates the body from the mind
Withering my intuition, leaving opportunities behind" -- tool, lateralus
>>



Best Tool song ever. And one of my favorite songs ever. Must go listen again.

Too bad they had to release it as a single and chop it in half. >>




Man, I love Tool too

As far as Lyrics go, I think the entire Lateralus album is amazing, but Reflection stands out the most!



<<
And in my darkest moment, fetal and weeping.
The moon tells me a secret. "My confidant.
As full and bright as I am, this light is not my own
A million light reflections pass over me
It's source is bright and endless.
She resuscitates the hopeless
Without her we are lifeless satellites dreaming dreams."

And as I pull my head out I am without one doubt
Don't want to be down here feeding my narcissism
I must crucify the ego before it's far too late
I pray the light lifts me out before I pine away.
before I pine away.
>>



Amazing stuff....of course, I like all their songs....

 

[Brutuskend]

<< The art of arranging sounds in time so as to produce a continuous, unified, and evocative composition, as through melody, harmony, rhythm, and timbre. >>





Well, one out of four isn't TOO bad.
It DOES have rhythm.

 

[Cosmo]

The fact that some musical pieces are repetetive does not make them of lesser quality. Electronica uses that to create hypnotizing, trance-like pieces of music. Rock and Pop music use basically the same format for verse, chorus and bridge over and over again because it's familiar and makes it easier for the listener to appreciate the piece. Classical music contains a lot of repetition where a theme is varied during the song. This doesn't make any of this music of lesser quality but it is a guide to the listener.

It's impossible to compare a classical piece to a single rap tune for example mostly because much more time has been spent on the former. It is also pretty useless to say that classical music is "better" than rap because people have listened to the likes of Mozart or Beethoven for hundred of years. You can be pretty sure that Mozart wasn't the only composer around in Vienna at his time and the fact that his and not their music has lived on has nothing to do with the intrinsic quality of classical music but rather with the fact that he was a genius and they were not. If you listen to a lot of the contemporary classical music you will notice that most of it won't survive longer than a lot of the contemporary rap tunes.

So a classical piece of music has more depth than most rap tunes, or any rap tune I have ever heard or any other pop or rock song for that matter. It provides enjoyment if you are willing to concentrate and learn to appreciate all of it's nuances. It's a piece of music and also a piece of art. At the same time rap is music but mostly not on the level of art. It has the same purpose as most modern pop, rock or soul music - to provide entertainment. Ultimately no form of music can be completely discarded but have to be valued on the merits of individual musicians practicing that form of music.

I listen to a lot of different artists in music forms such as electronica, soul, pop, punk, hip hop, indiepop, singer/songwriter, country, reggae, house and so on. I have played a lot of classical pieces for piano which I appreciate (Bart&ocirc;k, H&auml;ndel, Haydn and more). I would never completely write off some form of music because of what I hear on the radio but rather always keep my ears open for good artistry within any form of music. I used to really dislike country until I was introduced to the music of Emmylou Harris, Gram Parsons and Gillian Welch to name a few and I find that happening all of the time to all different kinds of music.

 

[Maleficus]

I wont go into nearly as much detail as the other people here.

Rap = gay.

 

[hans007]

rap music is good. i am a much bigger r&b fan, but some rap still has some nice beats, and good lyrics. sometimes. i am not a flat out hater or any type of music. some of you guys need to open your minds.