The Best and Worst Rap Lyrics: A Timeless Debate in Music
As I approach the golden years of 50, my love for rap and music has been shaped primarily by pioneering groups like Sugarhill Gang and Run-DMC, who dominated the charts in the 80s and 90s. The evolution of rap has been nothing short of revolution, with each decade contributing a unique flavor to the genre. In this article, we'll explore the best and worst rap lyrics I have ever heard, focusing on the novelty, party, and life/woke categories.
The Worst Rap Lyrics
While rap is celebrated for its raw intensity and storytelling, some lyrics have sparked controversy and criticism. One such example is the song lyric, Superman that Ho. This is not a lyric I resonate with, and I understand why many find it offensive and crass. However, it's essential to remember that artistic freedom fuels the genre, and we must respect the choices of those who appreciate such content. If you enjoy such lyrics, it's crucial to live as ethically as you can, given the reality they represent.
The Best Novelty Rap Lyrics
Novelty rap is a sub-genre that often pushes the boundaries of what's acceptable. One such example is the song White Nerd by Weird Al Yankovic, which is a hilarious take on academic arrogance. The lyrics are cleverly crafted to mock the stereotypes of a clever but socially awkward student. Here's a snippet:
First in my class here at M.I.T.
nGot skills Im a Champion of DDnMC Escher thats my favorite MC
nKeep your 40
nIll just have an Earl Grey tea
nMy rims never spin to the contrary
nYoull find that theyre quite stationary
nAll of my action figures are cherry
nStephen Hawkings in my library
Other notable novelty raps include Haunted House of Rap by Whodini and Paul Revere by the Beastie Boys. These songs are not only entertaining but also clever in their execution, making them stand out in the rap landscape.
The Best Party Rap Lyrics
Party rap is all about the fun and energy that defines a night out. Eric B. and Rakim's album Paid in Full is a masterpiece in this category. The entire album is packed with challenging and high-energy lyrics. Here's a notable excerpt from the track Eric B. is President:
I made it easy to dance to this
nBut can you detect whats coming next from the flex of the wrist
nSay indeed and I’ll proceed ‘cause my man made a mix
nIf he bleed he wont need no band-aid to fix
nHis fingertips sew a rhyme until theres no rhymes left
nI hurry up because the cut will make em bleed to death
nBut hes kicking it because it aint no half stepping
nThe party is live the rhyme cant be kept in
nSide it needs erupting just like a volcanon
nIt aint the everyday style of the same old rhymes
nBecause Im better then the rest of them
nEric b is on the cut and my name is Rakim
The Best Life/Woke Rap Lyrics
Life/woke rap is characterized by lyrics that address real-life issues and societal concerns. One of the most compelling songs in this category is Gnarls Barkley's F**k the Police, a powerful lyric that speaks to the long-standing racial injustices within law enforcement. However, I believe the most poignant lyrics come from The Message by Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five:
A child is born with no state of mind
nBlind to the ways of mankind
nGod is smilin on you but hes frownin too
nBecause only God knows what youll go through
nYoull grow in the ghetto livin second-rate
nAnd your eyes will sing a song called deep hate
nThe places you play and where you stay
nLooks like one great big alleyway
nYoull admire all the number-book takers
nThugs pimps and pushers and the big money-makers
nDrivin big cars spendin twenties and tens
nAnd youll wanna grow up to be just like them huh
These lyrics, written in 1982, have striking relevance even today. They highlight the challenges faced by those growing up in disadvantaged neighborhoods, the impact of systemic issues, and the cycle of poverty and violence that often ensnares innocent young lives. Much of the science today aligns with these lyrics, as research indicates that many young people in such environments experience high rates of PTSD and are more likely to be affected by second-rate education and authority figures.
In conclusion, rap lyrics can be both a reflection of the times and a powerful medium for social commentary. Whether celebrated or criticized, they offer a glimpse into the world of the artist and the lives they comment on.