Rap: An Analysis

Rap, or "Hip-Hop", is arguably the most influential thing in a white, suburban teenager's life. It is only obvious that we must come to grips with this phenomenon, for it doesn't seem to be going away, no matter how much we politely ask it to. This is meant to be an examination into the history of Rap, important terms rappers use, and what the Internet has declared the "greatest rap lyrics ever", per Google search. Before we delve into this world of "flows" and "beats", we must take a look at the most basic elements of the world of Rap.

HOW RAP STARTED

Rapper - A combination of the Anglo-Saxon words "rap" and "perr", meaning "intimidating" and "minorities".

Rap, as it is widely understood was invented by a notorious street gang named Sugarhill in 1979. This Sugarhill Gang was led by Wonder Mike, who was experimenting with his hands and mouth one day when he noticed by utilizing them together, a stupendous noise could be made. Within a week, he was producing "sick beats", or pleasant sounding noises. Fellow gang members Big Bank Hank and Master Gee, former choir boys, asked Mike if he could use his new found talent to make music. With this, Wonder Mike created the basic sound for the first song in Rap history, "Rapper's Delight." Later that year the song made it on the radio, likely through intimidation, and a new culture was born.

IMPORTANT TERMS

Due to the long history of this movement, a few words have sprung up from the Rap community that are now commonplace in schools and businesses. We shall list a few.

"Wanksta" - One who speaks as though they have lived a "hood" life but in fact have never participated in a robbery/murder/manslaughter/mugging. This term was made popular by the artist Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson and can now be widely heard in inner-city schools by students exposing those who talk with a criminal accent but are in fact "whack ass gangstas."

"M****rf**kin'" - A complicated adjective that can mean something is deplorable, wretched, and disgusting. Conversely, it can exemplify the greatness of a bar, prostitute, or blunt. Rumored to have been created by Biz Markie but popularized by Will Smith and later the "Gangsta" Rappers. Today it is used by my 5 year-old daughter, and I'm sure many other young ladies, when doing her impression of Chris Rock.

"N***a" - A friendly name for a friend. Similar to "buddy", "pal", "chum", or "good fellow". This was the most ingenious move that came out of Rap, the taking of a term that was used to offensively describe the African-Americans and make it a term of endearment. Because of the disestablishment of its former meaning, both whites and blacks can now use it to each other without repercussions.

"God" - A faceless being who grants Rappers with Grammy, B.E.T., and Hip-Hop Honors awards. Through research, God seems to have been first quoted by Tupac Shakur in an acceptance speech in 1994, therefore making him the inventor of this imaginary giver of prizes.

"-izzle" - A suffix that can be added to any word, such as "atmospherizzle", and instantly make it a rap word. Credited to Snoop Dogg, a West Coast artist who used his speech impediment of finishing all his words with the same nonsensical ending and making it into the thing that he is best known for, aside from marijuana use.

GREATEST RAP LYRICS EVER

so after school, i take a dip in the pool
which really is on the wall
i got a color TV so i can see
the knicks play basketball
-Sugarhill Gang, "Rapper's Delight"

The first great lyric ever. This is packed with deep meaning about a poor youth with dreams of having nice things. He imagines swimming in a wall pool and owning a television with color. This inspirational piece is an obvious comment on Carter-era politics.
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I'm the king of rock, there is none HIGHER,
sucka MCs, should call me SIRE,
to burn my kingdom, you must use FIRE,
I wont stop rockin till I RETIRE!
-Run DMC, "King of Rock"

The "Godfathers of Rap" wrote this as a shout-out to "haters", those who discriminate against the talented. Sucka MCs are being told to show respect to Run DMC because of their higher status in the social hierarchy. The third line is just a basic rule of thumb from 13th-century kingdom-burning procedure manuals, displaying this group's extensive knowledge of history. The final line is quite simply a declaration that they will play music loudly until they have enough money stored away to stop the Rap "game".
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it ain't about black or white cuz we're human,
i hope we see the light before its ruined."
-Tupac Shakur, "Ghetto Gospel"

This is on the list not for its depth or critiques on modern culture as most Rap lyrics are, but because it shows that even the greatest rappers can produce the most meaningless lyrics.
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Reading for the chumps on the wall
The chumps acting ill because they're so full of eight balls
Gunshots rang out like a bell
I grabbed my nine all I heard were shells
Falling on the concrete real fast
Jumped in my car slammed on the gas
-Vanilla Ice, "Ice, Ice, Baby"

Vanilla Ice, voted by MTV as the greatest Caucasian rapper (1991), quickly shot to the top of the charts all around the world for his true to life rhymes about his dealings with gun violence and gang activity in his native Dallas. This is but a slice of the immense pie that is Vanilla Ice's bakery of lyrics.
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Let's talk about this ice I'm carrying
All these carats like I'm a fucking vegetarian
-'Lil Wayne, "Shine"

The most accomplished little person of color, 'Lil Wayne has sold millions of albums because of lyrics like this. He is known for his packed CDs with 50+ songs. He is able to do so because most of his songs are just beats, and his lyrics are a scant eight lines or less. The lyrics sampled above, for example, make up the entire song "Shine". His accomplishments as a lyricist and artist has allowed him to overcome his stature and rise above the "m****rf**kin' wankstizzle n***as" that he competes with in the Rap Game.

OVERVIEW

Rap is something that should be taken seriously, for its presence has lasted over 25 years and looks to maintain its rule. Scientists have predicted that by 2015, all rappers will be replaced by self-aware, voice-emulating computers, allowing producers to be the new rappers. Timbaland [sic] is a visionary in this regard as he puts out albums or makes frequent collaborations despite his lack of singing on the tracks. Geniuses like this artist are the way of the future for Rap. Eventually, the "streets" will lose all cred and many more will finally be paved. 50 Cent and Kanye West are predicted to retire by age 35 and their proteges, Canadian Nickel & Kanye West's Protege (actual rapping name), are likely to try and take their place. If this analysis can do anything, it is to suggest homeowners invest in double-paned windows, for the bass from slow-driving Escalades are sure to continue rolling down your streets for years to come.