Lyricism

[mcZu]

Lyricism, it's a vital aspect of song writing, without it a song wouldn't be half as good as it's supposed to be. Some even believe that song writing in it's essence is in fact lyricism, something I fully agree with. Poetry is maybe the most known form of art to utilize lyricism, and since rap is a form of poetry, though written to a specific rhythtm, lyricism has become the most important factor of rap music. Along side the instrumentals and the melody that accompanies such a song, however I believe that lyricism, if utilized properly, breeds the melody of a song.

First of all, let's see what the dictionary defines as lyricism.

lyr·i·cism (lr-szm)
1.
a. The character or quality of subjectivity and sensuality of expression, especially in the arts.
b. The quality or state of being melodious; melodiousness.
2.
An intense outpouring of exuberant emotion.

Taking that into account, together with the well known aspects people in Hip Hop use to define the quality of rap music lyrics, we would come to a definition that is most likely to be as follows:

''The art of utilizing the writers tools -which are metaphors, wordplay, puns, similes, nameplay, punchlines, multi syllable rhyming, internal rhyming, abstract rhyming, conceptual creativeness and poetical tendencies- to express oneself in the form of a song. While making sense to the point of being able to channel ones emotion and thoughts into a conglomerate of rhymes and rhythm.''

Now, if we agree on this defintion of the term ''lyrical'', how come some of you still think that Eminem is the most lyrical emcee out there, when there are plently of other emcees that manage to utilize all of the above named tools to construct a lyrical song, whilst making sense to the point of not rapping about killing people and eating them up?

Note: let's keep this debate clean and respectfull people. Everybody is entitled to post his or hers opinion, leave the name calling for another time. I believe that this could turn out to be an interesting debate if everybody manages to behave.

[EminemBase]

^ Because nobody I've heard is better at conveying their thoughts than him.

Regardless of what technique he's using. Whether he's being literal, ironic, metaphorical, nobody does it clearer, nobody... Creates such a perfect window into the mindset.

Also, nobody arranges and writes as perfectly as him. I don't think I've really ever heard him flow rhymes out of place, the delivery is part of the art and he always makes the flow as interesting as the lyrics themselves. Nobody is as meticulous.

Just because he doesn't use metaphors that much now doesn't mean he's not lyrical. It also doesn't matter what you're writing / rapping about. So what if it's about killing people. Nobody I've heard do I think could write like on "Buffalo Bill".

Nothing's ever obvious with him, constantly second-guessing, staying one step ahead. Ahead of his demographic, ahead of the times, ahead of the metaphor... Just, so far in front.

He is also so good, lyrically, that it often sounds like he's just talking and rhymes are 'just happening'. With the amount of rhyming he does, you would think it impossible for the sentences to not sound contrived. But, he always manages to make them seem real. Sounds like he's constantly just talking, telling a story, narrating and the rhymes are spontaneously happening.

Also in like "Kim". I don't know of anybody again who I think could make such an intense song seem so natural and real-time. You could listen to that song anytime, 50 years after it was made and it still feels like you're in the car with him and witnessing a throat-cutting. It feels truly spontaneous and in the moment like the real situation would. Everybody else's attempts at this type of thing always feels futile and forced. This is just another reason I think he's the best.

He also uses novelist techniques and genuinely hard writing techniques like they're nothing. He's a truly organic lyrical genius. Such as switching between 1st and 3rd person with a seamless transaction. Again, other rappers make this sound obvious, forced... Em does it like sleight of hand. An example... In "Buffalo Bill" it goes...

"How the hell did he fit them all in such a small place"

Now here he's still the narrator. He's still referring to the killer as if he's informing you about the situation. Then he goes...

"Hide em in the wall well how long will the dry wall take?"

Then...

"Well fuck it then >I< got nothing but time, I'll wait..."

Now he's used a question as the tool to divide the link between 3rd and 1st person. I mean he doesn't just use it to separate the perspectives he actually uses the question to tactically answer it AS the killer and allow a totally seamless switch into 1st person. That's beautiful writing. Very few match that level of skill.

But whatever, it's opinion and posts like this aren't likely to change anybody's mind. You just have to accept some people think he's the best and you don't. But I don't go making posts stressing why I think he's the best. Think what you like. Just don't expect me to think it too.

[dR3]

^ Because nobody I've heard is better at conveying their thoughts than him.

Regardless of what technique he's using. Whether he's being literal, ironic, metaphorical, nobody does it clearer, nobody... Creates such a perfect window into the mindset.

Also, nobody arranges and writes as perfectly as him. I don't think I've really ever heard him flow rhymes out of place, the delivery is part of the art and he always makes the flow as interesting as the lyrics themselves. Nobody is as meticulous.

Just because he doesn't use metaphors that much now doesn't mean he's not lyrical. It also doesn't matter what you're writing / rapping about. So what if it's about killing people. Nobody I've heard do I think could write like on "Buffalo Bill".

Nothing's ever obvious with him, constantly second-guessing, staying one step ahead. Ahead of his demographic, ahead of the times, ahead of the metaphor... Just, so far in front.

He is also so good, lyrically, that it often sounds like he's just talking and rhymes are 'just happening'. With the amount of rhyming he does, you would think it impossible for the sentences to not sound contrived. But, he always manages to make them seem real. Sounds like he's constantly just talking, telling a story, narrating and the rhymes are spontaneously happening.

Also in like "Kim". I don't know of anybody again who I think could make such an intense song seem so natural and real-time. You could listen to that song anytime, 50 years after it was made and it still feels like you're in the car with him and witnessing a throat-cutting. It feels truly spontaneous and in the moment like the real situation would. Everybody else's attempts at this type of thing always feels futile and forced. This is just another reason I think he's the best.

He also uses novelist techniques and genuinely hard writing techniques like they're nothing. He's a truly organic lyrical genius. Such as switching between 1st and 3rd person with a seamless transaction. Again, other rappers make this sound obvious, forced... Em does it like sleight of hand. An example... In "Buffalo Bill" it goes...

"How the hell did he fit them all in such a small place"

Now here he's still the narrator. He's still referring to the killer as if he's informing you about the situation. Then he goes...

"Hide em in the wall well how long will the dry wall take?"

Then...

"Well fuck it then >I< got nothing but time, I'll wait..."

Now he's used a question as the tool to divide the link between 3rd and 1st person. I mean he doesn't just use it to separate the perspectives he actually uses the question to tactically answer it AS the killer and allow a totally seamless switch into 1st person. That's beautiful writing. Very few match that level of skill.

But whatever, it's opinion and posts like this aren't likely to change anybody's mind. You just have to accept some people think he's the best and you don't. But I don't go making posts stressing why I think he's the best. Think what you like. Just don't expect me to think it too.

Wow, you can impress.