Hip Hop: Why I Love Lyrics

I am a self proclaimed "Hip Hop Head." Music has always played a prominent role in my life. Growing up, my parents played music in their home almost every day. My father played the classic artists of his era such as The Isley Brothers, The Temptations, Al Green, Marvin Gaye, James Brown, Otis Redding and the list goes on and on. My house was certainly full of soul and funk. My dad still has a collection of albums that is probably worth a small fortune. Without a doubt, my love of music comes from my father's love of music and my desire to emulate him as a child. 


When I discuss music with my friends or with strangers, I am interested in hearing their opinions about certain types of music. Some people are in love with great beats, while others, such as myself, are in love with the lyrics. I have always enjoyed a challenge and if I can understand a song, in detail, from the very first listening, chances are that it is not heavy in lyrical content. Songs such as these are good to listen to in a social setting such as a club or a lounge. These songs are heavy in beats and light in lyrics. 


A few of my favorite artists are Jay-Z, Nas, Biggie, Tupac, Talib Kweli, Common and Mos Def. All of these artists have different styles, but there is one common thread that connects them all, which is strong lyrical content. On Jay-Z's song, Allure, he tells a story about his battles with addiction, which is something most people can relate to. Whether your addiction is music, money, women/men, or alcohol, the battle against addiction is a dirty secret most of us have experienced. 


On Talib Kweli's album, Reflection Eternal, he delved into topics ranging from slavery to politics. His use of imagery, alliteration, storytelling and overall flow were impeccable on that album. On my favorite song on the album, Expansion Outro, he remade a song called "Four Women" by Nina Simone. The experience Kweli describes is captivating, to say the least. In one verse, he discusses his reaction to meeting a woman who was over 100 years old and how she had lived from "nigger, to colored, to negro, to black, to afro, to African American then right back to nigger..."


On Biggie's, I Got a Story to Tell, B.I.G. tells a story about a wild experience he had as a young man. Affectionately, he has described as Hip Hop's Alfred Hitchcock for his strong propensity to tell stories. The stories he painted with his words are so vivid, you can actually see the characters doing the actions he rapped about. This is truly a skill that not many people possess and he mastered it. 


Music transcends race, bias and even religion in certain contexts. There is no other force on the planet that can peacefully bring together such diverse groups of people in one place at one particular time. When the artist's lyrics are stellar. it creates a platform for an unforgettable experience.  This is why I love lyrics. 


Peace