Does it not matter if a rapper is lyrical to you...

[Wreck]

do they have to be lyrical in their songs and rhymes, for people in general to consider them as an excellent musician, artist and rapper?

I say this because I love lyrics, metas, lyrical rappers but I don't care if a good rapper isn't, or if every rapper isn't. I feel listeners and people that listen to music, and love hip hop rely too much on lyrics, and instead don't look at topics and things being said. Like I said, don't get me wrong, I love lyrical rapper and somebody can put together a ton of metaphors and punchs but I don't think it's a must that a rapper be lyrical, if he/she wants to be considered good nowadays.

I am a rapper, or musician myself and while I try to use metas, punchs, I want to try to make music that makes people feel good, or encourages good things, or for better things to become good. I think and know that's why 2pac was so successful and inspired so many. He was lyrical sometimes but wasn't even close to being considered a lyrical rapper. He had GREAT lyrics, but wasn't full of punchlines, like Biggy and Big L were. I'm not trying to turn this into another 2pac thread, or how he inspired people. Plain and simple, Pac did make great inspiring records like Changes, Keep Ya Head Up, Brenda's Got A Baby, Baby Don't Cry and much more. What are some other rappers that did this or were like this, and do you appreciate them as much as you or others appreciate the so called lyrical ones?

Also, I think people should start focusing on topics like getting good grades in school, becoming independent, getting people out of poverty and helping out- instead of talking about the same shit EVERY song. Even Dr. Dre said that he got tired of the same concepts he was forming, about drugs, cash, the streets, hoes etc.

[BlaqReaper]

I agree with everything you said. First of fall, a rapper has to be lyrical, but I always feel like the content of the rap is the most important. I mean I do understand that rappers need to produce club bangers and singles for the radio that have a catchy tune and simple/catchy lyrics, but I feel that the content of a song is extremely important. Especially in the case of rap, where the artist doesn't play an instrument or anything, he/she must have something interesting to tell to keep me interested. I mean it's fine if you grew up in a bad neighborhood and you experience the drugs, violence, the streets, etc. and put them in your songs, but you can't rely on that forever and grow out of it. That's the problem with 50 cent imo. If his newest rap isn't another club banger, it's about him being tough in the streets or hustlin' or w.e., but he's past that stage now (it's been what like 10 years since he's become rich and famous?) That's one reason I like to listen to Eminem. His current work may not be as lyrical as his older albums, and some songs are just retarded, but a lot of his songs keep up with the times and give insight to his new experiences (such as politics/raising a daughter/being a father/etc.) Sadly few rappers are like that anymore and most are just in it for the quick cash .

[Wreck]

I agree with everything you said. First of fall, a rapper has to be lyrical, but I always feel like the content of the rap is the most important. I mean I do understand that rappers need to produce club bangers and singles for the radio that have a catchy tune and simple/catchy lyrics, but I feel that the content of a song is extremely important. Especially in the case of rap, where the artist doesn't play an instrument or anything, he/she must have something interesting to tell to keep me interested. I mean it's fine if you grew up in a bad neighborhood and you experience the drugs, violence, the streets, etc. and put them in your songs, but you can't rely on that forever and grow out of it. That's the problem with 50 cent imo. If his newest rap isn't another club banger, it's about him being tough in the streets or hustlin' or w.e., but he's past that stage now (it's been what like 10 years since he's become rich and famous?) That's one reason I like to listen to Eminem. His current work may not be as lyrical as his older albums, and some songs are just retarded, but a lot of his songs keep up with the times and give insight to his new experiences (such as politics/raising a daughter/being a father/etc.) Sadly few rappers are like that anymore and most are just in it for the quick cash .

Yeah I agree with you, especially as far as the "grew up poor in a bad neighborhood" goes. Big L was a perfect example of that. He talked about and perfected the storytelling of the streets- how he lived it, street violence, guns, drugs, etc. everything. Then again, he was very much so lyrical. He was so talented, he could easily and with great skill put together metaphors and punchlines, and also make them multis. Perfect example of that lyrical talent is the 7 minute freestyle he did with Jay-Z. I don't know if it has an official name for a song, but Big L lyrical ability is shown right their. I think if they came up bad, and like that, which most rappers did, it's fine to talk about it at a certain point or for a good while, but nothing can be dwelled upon on forever. I agree that Eminem is like that as well- makes lyrical songs, club songs, street savy songs and just tries to make good music. I think Beanie Sigel is like this as well. He talks about the street life, yet he has some really good, lyrical and deep songs. I'm trying to think of who else falls under this category. I listen all types of rap but it's sad more artists can't make good songs, and instead people like Souljah Boy are ruining everything with their stupid dances and horrible music. I enjoy club songs and hits, deep lyrical shit & street anthems of music, but an artist that has the balls to put out meaningful songs message wise, can make things amazing and maybe can set things straight message wise for everybody listening to (their) music.

[Urban Punk]

I think like blaq said above, artist’s who doesn't play instrument’s have got to make up for that in other way’s and being lycril really help’s I myself pride good lyric’s and we must remember at the end of the day hip hop’s a culture. Don’t you just love it when someone rip’s up a beat or drop’s a good punch? I do…

[James R.]

Lyrics will always matter to an extent, but to me what really counts is flow and message. A rapper can be lyrically dope all day, but if his flow is off I wouldn't even consider listening to him. And if the message isn't smtn I can relate to I won't listen to them either. The Jay-Z's and Biggies aren't the most lyrical rappers on the face of the earth, but they spit shit that you can relate to no matter who you are and their flow is immaculate. That's why I'd prefer them over Rakim (who's far more lyrical) any day.

[Kez]

Lyrics will always matter to an extent, but to me what really counts is flow and message. A rapper can be lyrically dope all day, but if his flow is off I wouldn't even consider listening to him. And if the message isn't smtn I can relate to I won't listen to them either. The Jay-Z's and Biggies aren't the most lyrical rappers on the face of the earth, but they spit shit that you can relate to no matter who you are and their flow is immaculate. That's why I'd prefer them over Rakim (who's far more lyrical) any day.

I agree with this except for the preferring Biggie over Rakim part

To me, they don't have to be lyrical 24/7, on every track. Even if the singles aren't lyrical (which most aren't), if they display lyrical skill in other tracks it shows they're not just pop rappers who do it just for money. Like Eminem did Just Lose It, yet Encore had Yellow Brick Road on. Whereas Soulja Boy, well...

[DrRapid]

It does matter to me if a rapper is lyrical but in not to much of an extent. I think that with some average lyrics, OK flow and a good beat the song is good enough to me. Usually the theme of the song, the actual topic they're talking about makes me like the song more than perfect lyrics. I think Rakim is very lyrical but I don't find him as catchy as others but I find some of his songs interesting by what he has to say and how he rhymes with it.

[Urban Punk]

I agree with what you’ve all said and your all right, though take Eminem when he raps... he makes it sound so easy and to do that you’d have to be good with lyrics, so when he writes a song like “without me” it’s not over the top lycril, though the flow and punch lines really make the track and he’s only able to do that cause he’s cover a lot of different styles of writing... and therefore is a very diverse artist that will appeal to most people...

[Wreck]

I agree with what you’ve all said and your all right, though take Eminem when he raps... he makes it sound so easy and to do that you’d have to be good with lyrics, so when he writes a song like “without me” it’s not over the top lycril, though the flow and punch lines really make the track and he’s only able to do that cause he’s cover a lot of different styles of writing... and therefore is a very diverse artist that will appeal to most people...

Very true

[theJFKshow]

yes.

[<Stiiccy>]

As long as they have a good flow and voice...and a good message then its find for me

[mcZu]

Yes it does, I could never listen to songs that have no topic, concept or punchlines...
But I do consider having a message in your songs as being lyrical. It takes a creative mind and skills to convey a good message in your lyrics. Ofcourse the flow and delivery is important aswel, just take papoose for example. He is lyrical but his flow sucks imo.... So as has been said before, a mc has to cover all the aspects of being an mc. That means he/she has to be lyrical, knows how to flow, knows how to deliver, has to put some emotion in his/hers songs and a has to have a listenable voice.