WHAT MAKES AN MC GREAT?

I recently had a great conversation with a young up and coming emcee. While talking about our latest projects and having a brief listening session I pointed out some things I noticed in his rhyme schematics, delivery and flow that I have always consciously or subconsciously analyzed in the rappers I have liked or disliked. 

Which got me thinking. Why do we like certain emcees more than others? What makes one rap verse better than another? And what makes an emcee great?

I believe there are 5 things that make an emcee stand out and set them a part from the rest of the crowd.

1. Their ability to tell stories 

Usually the story is their own but even when told through the eyes of someone else they have an ability to paint vivid pictures of details and emotions that translate and ring true. This is something I believe Lecrae is doing so well at right now. Christian rappers have often been dull. Preaching at you instead of to you. In essence, Bible-Bashing. In my eyes what Lecrae has done is elevate Christian hip hop by telling you his story. And his story is an interesting one. Most people have interesting stories but how you tell them makes a huge difference.

If you think you don't have an interesting story then learn to tell other peoples stories.  

2. Their ability to make it rhyme 

It's one thing to be able to tell a story. It's another thing to make that story rhyme. Rhyme has that sticky ability to make something new sound true and stick to you like glue. That's why we Love Dr. Seuss.

Legend has it, that when rapper Rakim use to write his rhymes he would draw a line down the middle of the page. And when he got to the line he would try to make the words rhyme. This helped him perfect his internal rhyme style that made him famous. And also added a new flavour to Hip Hop.

3. Their dedication to the craft

Continuously practicing what they do makes them formidable even on their worst days.

When Tupac was in the zone he would write 3 songs a day. Even writing while he was on the toilet. Jay Z use to read a rhyming dictionary every night. 

4. Their desire to connect

Most have a strong desire to connect with their audience which make them really good at breaking down barriers to your heart and mind. Making you feel a personal connection, even though you may have never met them in real life. 

I have never met Eminem, but through his music I know that his daughter (who he loves dearly) her name is Hailie, His Ex-wife's name is Kim and they have a love/hate relationship. He has battled drug addiction and can be painfully insecure. So basically, he is a human being trying to make the most out of life and therefore we can connect with his tragedies and triumphs.  

5. Their boldness to constantly ship 

"Great artists ship." it may not be perfect but at least it was put out there for the world to see. Instead of fading into obscurity.

Question: Who are some of your favourite Emcees? Leave a comment in the section below

And the Grammy for Best Rap Album goes to...??

Why Macklemore & Ryan Lewis should, but probably won't, win this Grammy.

The Grammy for Best Rap Album:

Okay, so I'm gonna come out and say it. In my humble opinion (which often means I'm probably not being very humble about it) I think J. Cole - Born Sinner was the best Rap Album of 2013. Hands down, if he was nominated in this category , he would have been my first choice. Lyrically and as a producer, he is stepping up his game big time and needs to step out of Jay Z and Kanye's shadow.

Great, now that that's off my chest and I've said my piece let me get on with it and forget about the fact that they snubbed my man for the more popular but more inferior albums of Jay Z and Kanye. (Politics man!)

Eminem - He released an interesting album. And what I observed from his album was intriguing. Eminem seems to have almost made peace with who he is. For listening fans this is a good and a bad thing. It's good because he is now writing and rapping better than I have ever heard him rap. But hear is the catch, he seems to have run out of ideas and doesn't know where to go next. I guess if you have insulted everyone's mother including your own there is not much else you can say to shock people. Calling the album "Marshall Mather's 2" kind of confirms that theory. While listening to the album you get the feeling that he is rhyming to be rhyming and the songs aren't actually going anywhere. 

Kanye West - Sadly, like the saying goes "If you have nothing nice to say..." Wait, him and Kim have a really cute kid. Kanye is a true artist though and he is allowed a dud every now and again. 

Jay Z - He had a Brilliant marketing campaign that literally changed how record sales are calculated. However, this does not a good album make. Great production by Timberland, but there were few note worthy songs on the album and the lyrics sounded lazy and rushed. 

Drake - I like this album and I've listen to it a lot of times. But Drake's previous albums are actually better in my opinion. And the money talk is getting played out. Yes, he is rich, yes he gets the women...and?? Besides the song Too Much, Drake doesn't get any deeper on this record. He is still someone to watch for at the Grammy's.

Macklemore & Ryan Lewis - I think Maclemore & Ryan Lewis should win the Best Rap Album of 2013, but they probably won't. Don't get me wrong, I'm totally rooting for them! 

I'm all for the independents. Dynisty Entertainment is an indie label too. So for me seeing an indie label that's not backed by majors performing at this level of art is always inspiring. They are the underdog's in this category for Best Rap Album. And I do love to cheer for the underdog. Their album really pushed the envelop of what a rap album should talk about. 

They even have a song that blatantly disses Jimmie Iovine called Jimmie Iovine. Eish...Not looking to make friends with the big guns, but that makes them even cooler.

Apparently he doesn't have any hard feelings and would even appear in their video but we'll see about that. Mr Iovine seems like the type that can hit back in other ways. 

Songs against consumerism and fighting for gay rights are pretty radical in the hip hop game. I take my hat off to them for having the guts to do that. 

And the Winner is...

Kendrick Lamar - His album is different and yet the same. So it is not to far removed to what people are used to. Not my favourite rap album of 2013. However, the buzz he has created and his unique voice that sounds like but isn't Andre 3000, has caused huge waves in the rap game. Even at SXSW 2012 he was causing quite a stir and the industry taste makers were loving him and couldn't stop singing his praises.

I hope I'm wrong but the Industry is still very much a popularity contest. And Kendrick Lamar is more popular than Macklemore & Ryan Lewis therefore Kendrick will probably walk away with the award for Best Rap Album.  For the record, I say again, I hope I am wrong. Good luck to all the Nominees! 

Question: 

Who do you think should win the Grammy for Best Rap Album? Leave a comment below.