Let me start by saying that I really like a lot of music. And I don't mean that I listen to "everything" (I hate it when people say that)...I mean that I've really delved into, listened to, researched, and learned about multiple genres of music. I've gone through many phases in terms of my music taste: pop music (anything on Z100), dance music (103.5 KTU BABY), hip hop, grunge, metal, hard rock, r&b...you get the idea. But overall, I'm probably most passionate about alternative rock and rap.
So let's talk about rap. Now don't get me wrong. ASID is a great guy and I have a great deal of respect for him. I too have become a (recently turned) T.I. fan after listening to Paper Trail. But listen bro...T.I. is not the best out there right now, he is not one of the best rappers of the last ten years, and Paper Trail is not arguably the best album in recent years.
There it is. I said it. Don't take this personally, man.
Sure he’s more lyrically sound than a lot of other popular rappers out there today and everybody loves a good story of repentance. But frankly, that’s not good enough to be atop the game. What makes a good rapper? Beats? No…that’s the producer’s job. Catchy and stupid lyrics? Listen…I love “Kiss Me Thru the Phone” as much as the next guy (if not more), but that doesn’t mean I’m ready to start referring to its artist as King Soulja Boy Tell ‘Em.
My criteria for a great rapper? Versatility…great lyricism (powerful yet playful)…using their position of fame to deliver a significant message to the people. Most people that know me are aware that I ride Eminem’s dick…hard. He consistently rhymes words that should never be rhymed together (his ability to write and deliver multies is absolutely ridiculous).
But what’s important is that he doesn’t do this just for the sake of rhyming…he’s always saying something either of importance…whether it’s something humorous (My Mom, The Real Slim Shady, My Name Is, Without Me, Just Lose It, all his skits, etc), something of significance to his background (Brain Damage, Yellow Brick Road, Cleanin’ Out My Closet, Déjà vu, 8 Mile), battling his critics and enemies (pretty much everything…Say What You Say, Criminal, The Way I Am), and what in my opinion makes him amazing, his songs with messages and stories that can appeal to everyone (Beautiful, Mockingbird, Rock Bottom, Till I Collapse, Lose Yourself, Hallie’s Song). Oh and don't forget his insane story telling (Stan, '97 Bonnie & Clyde) and ability to kill it on songs he's featured on (Jay-Z's Renegade and The Notorious B.I.G.'s Dead Wrong).
Throughout his career, Eminem has had to deal with the most controversy and public scrutiny but continued to strive through all of this and deliver hit after hit after hit. He’s unbelievably talented and his critics have been forced to acknowledge it because he’s just that good (countless Grammy’s, #1 Billboard hits, and the only rapper to win an Oscar). Most of the scrutiny he faces is unwarranted and a result of racism (yeah…racism). How many black rappers have said the word faggot, bitch, or that they’re going to kill someone? Pretty much everyone of them except for Will Smith. But somehow the American public is stupid enough to think that he actually means everything he says. The Secret Service admitted to looking into his threats to the President of the U.S…are you kidding me? How many people have said “Fuck Bush”…a lot…really…a lot. Our boys protecting the President might want to use their time a little more productively. It’s insane. You don’t assume that Denzel Washington is actually a gangster/crazy corrupt cop that will kill you. Eminem is an artist who writes stories…some fictional some not…and he’s amazing at it.
And all this scrutiny and attention in the public eye detracts from his talent. Most people would probably admit that they’ve never really paid much attention to Eminem as a serious artist. We’ve all seen his Real Slim Shady music video and heard stories about how he hates gays and women. But how many people beyond real hip hop fans actually understand him to be a great artist? Not enough. Do yourself a favor…if you’re convinced that Lil’ Wayne is by far the best rapper alive…listen to The Marshall Mathers LP, The Eminem Show, or the 8 Mile Soundtrack (really anything will get the point across). Hip Hop listeners and readers of Vibe have crowned Eminem as both “The Best Rapper Alive” and “The Best Rapper Ever”…that means he’s not only better than Weezy, Jeezy, Kanyeezy, Easy Peasy and anyone else out there now…but readers agree he’s even better than those two really famous rappers that were in that big feud and both ended up dead.
I’ll probably come back to talk more about Eminem…there’s tons of stuff I have to say and I’m sure I missed a lot. Oh and let me add that I think Lupe Fiasco is another brilliant lyricist that doesn’t get enough credit…he is a revolution in and of himself. I’m glad Lupe has decided to push Lup.E.N.D back to treat us to more of his great music.
Signing off mothas…
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