Ab-Soul, Sauce Walka & A$AP Ferg discuss the importance of lyricism in hip-hop

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As a seasoned hip-hop enthusiast who’s seen the genre evolve from its humble beginnings to the digital age, I must say that the shift in barriers to entry has undeniably reshaped the landscape of hip-hop. On one hand, it’s democratized the industry, giving everyone a chance to showcase their talent without the need for expensive studios or record labels. However, on the flip side, it’s also flooded the market with a plethora of rappers who may lack the lyrical dexterity and creativity that once defined the genre.

Today, compared to when hip-hop first emerged, the main transformation lies in the ease with which new artists can break through. Previously, a rapper aspiring for recognition needed to demonstrate exceptional lyrical ability; otherwise, producers, DJs, and record labels would be reluctant to work with them. Nowadays, thanks to technology and independent platforms, anyone with talent has more opportunities to gain visibility and build a career in hip-hop.

With the advent of social media, an aspiring rapper can easily introduce themselves to the music industry. All they need is affordable recording equipment, perhaps even just their smartphone, to record their tracks. They can then create a video using their phone and share it across platforms like TikTok, Instagram, or other social networking sites, thereby making themselves accessible to potential fans and industry professionals.

A notable advantage of this novel approach is that it bypasses gatekeepers and reduces the reliance on costly music studios. However, one potential drawback is an abundance of rappers who lack the ability to truly rap well. While they may be adept at stringing rhymes together, when it comes to originality, intricate lyricism, and conveying meaningful messages, many contemporary rappers fall short. Remarkable wordsmiths such as JID or Nick Grant frequently find themselves overshadowed.

In the segment known as “Cypher Lab” on XXL, A$AP Ferg, Sauce Walka, and Ab-Soul shared insights on the significance of lyrical skills, each offering intriguing perspectives. Specifically, Ferg elaborated on why lyricism may not receive the same recognition as in past times.

“More people are driven by the feeling and the emotion of the beat and the vibes and the melodies rather than the lyrics. So, sometimes lyrics can feel like it can be a lost art,” he explained.

Walka explained, “I believe that not enough people truly appreciate the depth and complexity of hip-hop and its lyrics. There are various elements involved: wordplay, rhythm, delivery style, vocal tone, topic selection, and content. Mastering all these aspects is what it takes to reach an elite level.

In his view, Ab-Soul thinks that lyricism isn’t straightforward to define as its interpretation varies depending on the listener’s perspective.

Soulo expressed, “Being creative or an artist, whether in hip-hop or any other field, is a matter of personal taste.” He went on to say, “People will debate endlessly about why their favorite artist is superior, and this is what makes it so fascinating. It’s all about perspective, community, collaboration, sparking dialogue, and fostering ongoing conversation.

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2024-10-29 22:23