The Case Against (C)Rap: Volume III
I dedicate segment III to lyrics.
The fact of the matter is, rap doesn't have any. All they do is make up their own words and call each other n*****s. Other tracks have stuff about screwing some cheap whore and smoking crack. And their videos have no concept behind them either. These "lyrics" and electronic drum beats should not constitute a song. Warren and Annush could both vouch for this fact.
Although I am not a much of a fan, however I like it better than rap, the classic folk songs all have lyrics and most of them tell a story. My dad's favorite, Harry Chapin, did a lot of this in his brief time on this planet. There are also countless others like Simon and Garfunkel who did this also.
Then you've got rock. Some songs try to send a message, others are part of a concept album and tell a story, and others are mostly music. You've also got some songs that last 1 week-infinity. It is inevitable that some songs are going to have that timeless effect while others are going to define a career (1 hit wonders).
Green Day has had countless hits, most of them on International Superhits, one of my favorite albums. The song "Good Riddance (Time Of Your Life)" originally on Nimrod, is one of those acoustic songs that will last forever. The sound is catchy and has a pretty timeless message, although it wasn't their intention.
The group from my home state, Thursday, has lyrics that are very deep and take some analyzing, but all portray a message.
Some groups have rhyming songs, others do it in free verse. However, they write lyrics. No making up words, no n-words. There maybe something about a whore and drug use.
ROCK OUT! LONDON, AMERICA MOURNS WITH YOU!
The fact of the matter is, rap doesn't have any. All they do is make up their own words and call each other n*****s. Other tracks have stuff about screwing some cheap whore and smoking crack. And their videos have no concept behind them either. These "lyrics" and electronic drum beats should not constitute a song. Warren and Annush could both vouch for this fact.
Although I am not a much of a fan, however I like it better than rap, the classic folk songs all have lyrics and most of them tell a story. My dad's favorite, Harry Chapin, did a lot of this in his brief time on this planet. There are also countless others like Simon and Garfunkel who did this also.
Then you've got rock. Some songs try to send a message, others are part of a concept album and tell a story, and others are mostly music. You've also got some songs that last 1 week-infinity. It is inevitable that some songs are going to have that timeless effect while others are going to define a career (1 hit wonders).
Green Day has had countless hits, most of them on International Superhits, one of my favorite albums. The song "Good Riddance (Time Of Your Life)" originally on Nimrod, is one of those acoustic songs that will last forever. The sound is catchy and has a pretty timeless message, although it wasn't their intention.
The group from my home state, Thursday, has lyrics that are very deep and take some analyzing, but all portray a message.
Some groups have rhyming songs, others do it in free verse. However, they write lyrics. No making up words, no n-words. There maybe something about a whore and drug use.
ROCK OUT! LONDON, AMERICA MOURNS WITH YOU!
posted by Anonymous at 7/08/2005 05:12:00 PM
9 Comments:
While I am no fan of rap, your claims are irresponsible and downright wrong. In case I, your overall argument is "rap is not music". First of all, music is defined as "Vocal or instrumental sounds possessing a degree of melody, harmony, or rhythm." Key here is "a degree of... rhythym". To refute your point rap is defined as "A form of popular music developed especially in African-American urban communities and characterized by spoken or chanted rhyming lyrics with a syncopated, repetitive rhythmic accompaniment." Notice the words "music" and "rhythmic" in the definition. Clearly, rap qualifies as a type of music because it has beat and rhythym. I will skip the physics of sound and beats to prove it further. While you may not like it, saying that it is not "music" is a ridiculous notion.
netsjets28:
first- what is your definition source?
so let me get this straight, if music is defined as something with a beat, that means if my 6 year old cousin just starts banging things in a constant rhythm, then it is music? Hey, if she talks to that beat she can become a rich white rap artist. LMAO.
Next- what are the physics of sound and beats?
In case II, you talk about live shows and concerts. While your passion for rock shows is evident, your arguments against rap are little to none. I'm sorry, but "even Steve Harvey agrees" is not a plausible argument. Your only 2 arguments against rap are 1. they bring their entourage and 2. they are "yelling the same shit". First of all, most rock bands have roadies which equate to an entourage. Secondly, I've been to rock concerts and the crowd sings along with the band as well. Haven't you ever seen a rock singer hold the microphone to the crowd during a hit song? It seems as if the things you complain about in rap are also present in rock, except they have different names. You are unable to comprehend the African American culture and rap society and refuse to look at the facts. I dislike rap as well, but bias is no substitute for argument. Do your homework and think.
netsjets28
and for the record, he has never seen a live rap concert. Some facts you have.
netsjets28
my definition source is dictionary.com and if you're unhappy with that definition, you can use a different source. It's a standard definition. Secondly, the example with your 6 year old cousin is music. It has beat and rhythym. While you may not like that music, the 6 year old may find that pattern of sound pleasurable and musical. Again, you use a lot of bias. your arguments are: if I don't enjoy it, it's not music. Pattern of sound is music. Thirdly, the way sound is created and beat is the essential part of music. It is the combination of frequencies that makes the sound we hear. Rap clearly abides by these rules of sound.
netsjets28
netsjets28:
i haven't been to a rap concert in person, but I have seen live footage from rap shows. thats where my source is.
the difference between rock roadies and rap roadies is that the rap entourage actually goes out and says the crap. that means there are at least 5 people saying the same thing. rock roadies help set up the equipment. some do go up and sing for a brief period while others go crowd diving.
about a ton of people yelling the same shit, i was referring to the entourage on stage, not the crowd.
netsjets28:
for the record, i would much rather listen to my cousin bang on stuff than listen to rap. no matter what anyone says, i will forever believe (know) that rap is not music.
If it ain't rap, it ain't shit!
Therefore, it follows...
;^)
warren:
couldn't agree more.
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