through the wire

"But I'm a champion. So I turned tragedy to triumph. Make music that's fire. Spit my soul through the wire."

So what if he's cocky? All rappers are. But instead of having confidence about his ability to sell drugs on the corner, he is sure that he is smart, talented, and worthy of being listened to. Is he wrong?

To most of us, he emerged on the rap scene after a near-fatal accident. His first hit was recorded while his jaw was still wired for recovery. And we all knew it was amazing.

He followed with songs that made us think, laugh, and celebrate. He changes moods between lines. He creates beats with moods. He is attempting to revolutionize hip hop.

And he has. He is mainstream but real. His music is catchy enough to grab the attention of the thug. But his songs are a reflection of my life. He talks about identity crisis, religion, and the pitfalls of fast-living. Then he talks about club-hopping and reminisces on college days.

Yes he is a bit rough around the edges. He knows he has a voice, and I suspect he's still learning how to express that voice appropriately but uncensored. But he gives his soul every time he opens his mouth. I think its encouraging, and wish I had more of his confidence.

mosh

"Let me simplify the rhyme just to amplify the noise."

Becoming music without words and thought. Now I'm from the South, so I enjoy a good beat. And that's great for the club scene. But in my car and in my home, it doesn't do much for me. Remember the days of rap that spoke the voiceless blacks in the projects. Or the music that came with a strong political purpose.

There are folks who don't believe in rap because all they hear is the noise. But maybe they forget about the numerous rock and bubblegum pop songs that are nothing but sound without real lyrics.

There are folks who've given up on rap because all they hear is the noise. I would challenge both to respect the ability to flow in Jay-Z and Lil' Wayne. To see evolution in Kanye and Lupe. To recall the thoughtful lyrics of Common and Talib. To embrace the diversity of Eminem and M.I.A. To acknowledge growth by T.I. and Jeezy. Not to mention the dozens of artists rarely seen or heard by the masses but inspire the superstars we know.

This is rap music. It is alive. It is beautiful. It is complex. And true fans want the rhymes and can live without the noise.