Rap To The Future

Missing in Hip Hop music today, in my opinion, are two types of rhymes. Before I tell you what they are in a question, I want everyone to understand this is a simple message for up and coming MCs, rap artists, and rappers. If you know one please send him this message. If you are one, I want you to be honest with yourself meanwhile thinking about your future.

Now first ask yourself this, when was the last time you’ve gone on an ego trip or even told a story in a rhyme? Must we depend on rap artists such as Eric Sermon, KRS One, RedMan or Method Man to ego trip for us? Must we depend only on Slick Rick the Ruler to tell us stories?

As you should know to lyrically project visions is not just a gift. Having someone to see the picture that you’re painting with your rhymes is an art form. This is why, in my opinion, Slick Rick is forever held as the very best of storytellin’ in Hip Hop music.

Other rap artists have told stories once before. Excellent stories like Mahogany written by Rakim on his Let the Rhythm Hit ‘Em album. Miss Fat Booty written by Mos Def on his Black on Both Sides album. It Was a Good Day written by Ice Cube on his album, The Predator. Then of course we mustn’t leave out Cinderfella written by Dana Dane on his Dana Dane with Fame album. However, when it comes to storytelling, Slick Rick is the main one to look up to, and if possible, the one to try to surpass!

The one true thing that I have noticed when a skilled rap artist tells a story is that crafty details are the key to a good story. Especially when it’s a fictional one. My personal favorite short story was written by DLB the Microphone Wizard from the rap group, The Fearless Four. They did a hit rap song called Problems of the World Today. It was the third verse about child abuse that truly touched me with its style and details, and it still does affect me when I listen to it today.

Another great thing about storytellin’ is that it has the greatest chance to become an instant classic. Hip Hop classics, such as Grandmaster Caz‘s Yvette and Slick Rick’s La Di Da Di. Then there are the ultimate classics such as Adventures of Super Rhymes written and performed by Jimmy Spicer. The other ultimate classic is Rhythm Rap Rock written and performed by James Minor a.k.a. Count Coolout.

Now allow me to turn your attention to the other type of rhymes that I feel we all need to hear more of and that is ego-trippin’. In my opinion, for some reason ego-trippin’ seems to have been sent upstairs to its bedroom. It is as if its been told to go stand in the corner and take a time out. To me personally I could never get tired of hearing ego-trippin’ rhymes, and I am not sure why. Is it the way that everybody flows with his or her egotistical rhymes? To be honest I couldn’t straight up tell you! All I can tell you is that I just love hearing them!

Furthermore, you now must understand what I’m about to tell you next, and that is, ego-trippin’ rhymes and materialism rhymes are not the same thing.

Egotistical rhymes are about bragging how much skill your character displays on the microphone; how skillful your character is rockin’ a Hip Hop audience; or how treacherous your character’s DJ is on wax. I say the word character because, for the most part, that is what you will be portraying up on stage.

Now materialism rhymes are simply bragging about what your character has and that’s it! Keep in mind that when you are writing materialism rhymes, after a real short while, the Hip Hop audience will not care for who you are on the microphone. Therefore, do your best to avoid writing this type of content for your respect and career. Story tellin’ and ego-trippin’ rhymes need to be written more often within the near future. Why? They are highly important to maintain the balance and variety in Hip Hop music.

Imagine if everyone was to rap only skirt chasing rhymes. The rap world would without doubt be six feet under. So always keep in mind that there are other types of rhymes to write about and perform. Although, you must admit, ego-trippin’ and storytellin’ rhymes are especially the most enjoyable to listen to!