Ok, lets talk about rap music. Rap and its overuse of the "N-word" as we discussed in class is obviously not a good thing, it's a misuse of such a terrible word. That isn't what I want to talk about though; what I want to talk about, is how rap as a genre is typically associated with "gangsta" and "ghetto" themes. This association given to rap walks hand in hand with a negative connotation. Yes, rap does have roots in tough urban streets, yes rap often uses many expletives, yes rap does typically objectify women, yes rap is often vulgar and violent. Despite all these negative things, rap can still teach us a lesson. It is inspired by the struggle, the work and the rough times faced by rappers. Rap is inspired by passion and yeah, sometimes that passion causes rappers to swear, or say vulgar things, but that doesn't mean we should count out rap as a genre. Lets examine the song "Runaway" by Kanye West. Runaway was released shortly after the Taylor Swift incident at the VMAs. While Kanye uses vulgar language in the chorus such as "a***ole" and "scumbag" and "do*****ag" he still wrote this song as an apology to Taylor. He uses such harsh language to highlight how he feels about his actions. "I I I I did it, alright alright I admit it, now pick your next move you can leave or live with it." Kanye, does his best to apologize in this line (he is highly egoistic and can't just say sorry but that's a different story) and he succeeds in not only merging a meaningful message of sorrow but also creating a chart topping song. Kanye is a prime example of how rappers can mix foul language and insightful messages, showing that there is more to the genre than the words themselves. Much like an analysis of an essay, it is necessary to ask why the author uses certain rhetorical devices just like it is necessary to ask why a rapper uses certain curses and lines. Looking past the base level will reveal a deeper meaning that is trying to be conveyed. So give rap a second chance and look past the foul language, and find what the artist is really trying to tell you.
Sunday, October 26, 2014
Rap Music Messages
Ok, lets talk about rap music. Rap and its overuse of the "N-word" as we discussed in class is obviously not a good thing, it's a misuse of such a terrible word. That isn't what I want to talk about though; what I want to talk about, is how rap as a genre is typically associated with "gangsta" and "ghetto" themes. This association given to rap walks hand in hand with a negative connotation. Yes, rap does have roots in tough urban streets, yes rap often uses many expletives, yes rap does typically objectify women, yes rap is often vulgar and violent. Despite all these negative things, rap can still teach us a lesson. It is inspired by the struggle, the work and the rough times faced by rappers. Rap is inspired by passion and yeah, sometimes that passion causes rappers to swear, or say vulgar things, but that doesn't mean we should count out rap as a genre. Lets examine the song "Runaway" by Kanye West. Runaway was released shortly after the Taylor Swift incident at the VMAs. While Kanye uses vulgar language in the chorus such as "a***ole" and "scumbag" and "do*****ag" he still wrote this song as an apology to Taylor. He uses such harsh language to highlight how he feels about his actions. "I I I I did it, alright alright I admit it, now pick your next move you can leave or live with it." Kanye, does his best to apologize in this line (he is highly egoistic and can't just say sorry but that's a different story) and he succeeds in not only merging a meaningful message of sorrow but also creating a chart topping song. Kanye is a prime example of how rappers can mix foul language and insightful messages, showing that there is more to the genre than the words themselves. Much like an analysis of an essay, it is necessary to ask why the author uses certain rhetorical devices just like it is necessary to ask why a rapper uses certain curses and lines. Looking past the base level will reveal a deeper meaning that is trying to be conveyed. So give rap a second chance and look past the foul language, and find what the artist is really trying to tell you.
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I agree with you that it is important to try to understand what the rapper's message is rather than just listen to the lines. Also, you have a good comparison between an author's use of rhetorical devices and a rapper's use of of certain curse words.
ReplyDeleteWow you bring up a great point on how cursing may just be the way rappers express their emotions and ideas. However, considering how many rappers do this, would you say that rappers curse to fit in?
ReplyDeleteI always tell my friends when listening to my choice of music with them that the screaming has some sort of good meaning along with it. I think that rap always has had a bad connotation and I think your analysis of this song puts it into a better light.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you that rappers just use cursing as a way to express their message, and it was nice how you used an example to convey this. But Andrew also brings up an interesting point; swearing has become so common in rap songs that it is considered normal for rappers to curse.
ReplyDeleteGreat job presenting another perception! Your example is not only extremely supportive but entertaining as well. I agree that the cursing is not really intended to be offensive; rather, it is for emphasis.
ReplyDeleteI think that rap has two sides that you explored in you post. When it comes to the amount of cursing in rap I can't help but wonder if there is more pressure from peers, listeners, or if the artist chooses to use those specific words to express their message.
ReplyDeleteI agree that often times rappers use foul language as a means of getting their point across and truly showing their emotions. Sometimes it is easier to understand someone's meaning when they use words that people will listen to (but sometimes it might be taken a bit far).
ReplyDeleteIt is true that many times rappers talk about harsh and disturbing things and use questionable lyrics to get a deeper point across, but many rap songs are simply disgusting. Some songs by Eminem and Tyler the Creator feature some of the most graphic descriptions of bad things I've had the bad luck to hear. Rap as a genre teaches some lessons but it is still a genre to be wary of in my opinion.
ReplyDeleteIn my blog, I talked about how Kendrick uses foul language to get his points across; interesting ideas happen when we sit next to each other. To me, cuss words are interesting because of the amount of power they hold with only a few letters. Something about that intrigues me and helps to understand their use in the music industry.
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