Do Lyrics matter anymore?
- Thread starter Lil Rebel
- Start date
The problem is, a lot of rappers are setting their standards lower these days, which in turn dumbs down the buying public. There is no doubt that one needs to keep commerce in mind, but an artist needs to maintain their integrity. When you start making music in accordance to the latest market trends, you end up with garbage like Laughy Taffy and Bow Wow.We need to set the standards here...we, as musicians, should not be following sales trends. We should be setting them. You don't have to dumb down your lyricism to gain commercial success...Pac didn't.
^^^ Good looking. I'm glad you noticed Infamous J.Davinci's talents. Don't worry, he's gonna stay bringing it.
^^^ Good looking. I'm glad you noticed Infamous J.Davinci's talents. Don't worry, he's gonna stay bringing it.
^^ Good points. ^^
But you have to admit that Pac was the exception to the rule...he was a lyricyst's lyricyst but at the same time still knew how to make hit records and was working w/ people who knew the same. I love listening to a wordsmith at work as much as the next man...but if it doesn't sound good...than I lose interest quick.
Artists today need to find that middle ground IMO...and Zion-I is one of the examples to me that are in tune with that.
But you have to admit that Pac was the exception to the rule...he was a lyricyst's lyricyst but at the same time still knew how to make hit records and was working w/ people who knew the same. I love listening to a wordsmith at work as much as the next man...but if it doesn't sound good...than I lose interest quick.
Artists today need to find that middle ground IMO...and Zion-I is one of the examples to me that are in tune with that.
Yes, lyrics do matter. While D4L and Dem Franchize Boyz had the 2 biggest singles of the year (thanks to payola), they have no long term career viability, nor do they have critical acclaim. They are one hit wonders (maybe they will have another 1 or 2 albums), and will be dropped in no time. Vanilla Ice also had one of the top singles in 1992 with Ice Ice Baby. How far did that take him? What about Sir Mix-a-lot, or even Hammer (no disrespect)? A hot single can only take you so far.
On the other hand, take a guy like Bun B. for example: an artist who has true mastery of his craft, and has lasted a long time now due to critical acclaim (respect from his peers). Another example could be Nas, also and artist who has not built his career on the success of commercial radio singles. In fact, most of his singles are rather unsuccesful...yet still, he has lasted over 10 years now and has numerous platinum and gold plaques.
On the other hand, take a guy like Bun B. for example: an artist who has true mastery of his craft, and has lasted a long time now due to critical acclaim (respect from his peers). Another example could be Nas, also and artist who has not built his career on the success of commercial radio singles. In fact, most of his singles are rather unsuccesful...yet still, he has lasted over 10 years now and has numerous platinum and gold plaques.
dig dis n i kno sum can agree...most of the muzik iz watered down n diluted due 2 drugz...i dont kno about u but most people that listen 2 hyphy muzik(like me) listen 2 shyt drunk n high...all of that shyt makez muzik better...i personally think dat lyricz iz wut matterz (when im sober and want 2 hear some real shyt ex. San Quinn n Jacka) but most muthafuccaz juz want some shyt 2 slap 2 intensify the affect uv da shyt n dey system...2 keep it real nyggaz like F.A.B. and Keak make me mad with recycled lyricz and simple ass lyricz but dat shyt sure du make a nygga wanna open a car door at a intersection and act a foo