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Does it Matter what Artists say Nowadays?
Feb
Does it Matter what Artists say Nowadays?
This question goes back as far as the “Rick Ross being a prison officer” conversation my buddy and I were having during a heated domino game. We came to the conclusion that it doesn’t matter their background or what they have to say, if they have a great beat…people will listen.
Say what you want about Officer Ricky’s character or background, are you telling me that “No Games” doesn’t make you want to turn up? What about “Box Chevy”? I don’t know about you but when he says ‘Bounce’ in “Lay it Down” and the drums kick in, it just about makes me want to pull a Kool-Aid Man through my front door. I’m getting charged up just thinking about it….maybe it’s the Jack and Sprite, eh whatever. Plain and simple, the beats and production on his songs is top notch and I could care less about his street tales.
Here is another type of example: Lord Steppington by Step Brothers (Evidence and Alchemist). I have yet to skip a track since purchasing the album. I bought the itunes, vinyl and instrumental versions. I love it. What are they talking about? Who knows!! There are great features and verses but the beats and production are the selling point in my humble opinion. Here is a piece of Action Bronson’s verse on “Mums in the Garage”: “I want the yen in the envelope, cookies from the girl scout; dead man’s wings spread whispering the furs out; Chew my food, spit it out into a bird’s mouth;” What is he talking about? I don’t know and I don’t care because the beat is BANGING!
Bottom line, music is entertainment. Whether they’re telling lies or talking about absolutely nothing, the majority only listen to the beat and the hook. As a producer, would you hold an artist you’re working with accountable for the things they say? Or would you just let them step in the booth and freestyle over your masterpiece? Let us know what you think.
@crazy4bayou
I used to get caught up in what the artist was talking about because I come from the school of skills. You had to have skills because nobody really cared about the beat… We were all rocking over good times (good times mardi gras or apache). As time went on and production started to become more advanced I started to care less about what was being said and more concern as to how the emcee was riding the beat because now to me the beat was equally important. Now a days dI could care less as about what the rapper is talking about unless it’s from an emcee that has lyrical skills like a Nas or Kendrick then I prefer the best to as simple as possible. So to answer the question at hand… No it doesn’t matter what the artist say now a days. Peace
I definitely feel you, artist have to step their game up to be considered these day delivery is everything but, that beat thooooo……..
if its hot its hot.
Hmm. I’d like to say that I would try and take the moral high road on this one and hold them responsible for actually being good and saying something meaningful but I know at the end of the day the bills gotta get paid… I would really like to hear rap get back to the days of truly meaningful rhymes or really fun music even if just to get everyone off this “harder the better” style. But that’s just me. I know that bottom line is that if people buy it then it will continue to thrive. I’ll just keep doin my boombap!