Plain Old Rap Isn't Music

While listening to the radio this weekend, I came across a song, if you can call it that. It had beats and lyrics, so I guess it was technically a song, but it didn't feel like a song. There was no singing period. Just all talking, or rapping.

Now I have nothing against rap. I like all kinds of music, and have various genres on my ipod. But when there is no singing, I cannot consider it a song. Now if you mix singing and rapping, then I consider that a song, and I probably would very well like it, but plain old rap isn't music. You can feel free to argue with me. I don't know why you would. I'm not going to change my mind, but feel free.

I'm willing to bet that someone will say, "Oh music is just poetry with melodies in the background."

Well, maybe not those exact words, but you get the picture. Sure rapping is great and very interesting. But to listen to four minutes of pure spoken word, is extremely boring and I don't consider it music. Anyone can rap but it takes talent to sing or sing and rap. I know not a lot of "songs" are like this, but I just feel that I need to separate pure rap from music.

If you are just free styling in person mono-on-mono, then that is fantastic. I'll probably watch and cheer along with all the others. It is actually very entertaining to watch and funny at times as well. But the radio is for music and songs not plain old rap.

Even if the lyrics to a song are the greatest lyrics you have ever heard, it is not music until they sing some of it. Do you consider reading "Paul Revere's Ride" while soothing music is playing in the background music? I don't think so. That is the same point I am trying to make about how plain old rap isn't music. Now if you mix in some singing and rapping, and put an interesting spin to a certain poem or song, you have something going. Or maybe you still don't, depending on your singing/musical abilities. But that's an argument for a different day.

All I'm trying to say is leave the radio to actual music, and plain old rap to freestyle battles with your arch-nemesis or your friend. Whatever floats your boat.

"Above: Stereotypical Rapper, http://rap.about.com"