Hip Hop (A Way of Life)

Hip Hop (A Way of life) “Take what you do and master it”.(Author: Unknown)

I like to begin all my Articles/Editorials with a quote. I don’t remember who said this first. But I hear many say it and I know this is one of the many quotes I live by. The quote above is telling me as a Hip Hop Artist; I need to master my craft. I Am Hip Hop and that is also what I do; I need to work my Craft on a consistent basis. Mastering my craft does not mean that I am perfect at every aspect of it. It means that I strive to perfect it and I do it with excellence. So, at a moments notice if I am told to rap; I better be so equipped that I don’t need to think what should I rap about.

I’m a Hip Hop Artist. So, I understand the Creativity and Political sense of the Music Business. Like many I have an opinion as to what Hip Hop is. Now I cannot speak for everyone however, I believe that most would agree that there are three Types of Artist in the Urban Music Industry. There are (1) Entertainers, (2) Rappers, and (3) Hip Hop Artists. What I believe to be the difference follows:

Entertainers

To me an Entertainer who raps does not focus on Lyrics. They focus on getting the crowd or fans hyped up. For example; Soulja Boy is an Entertainer. If I remember correctly I read an Article in a Magazine and Soulja Boy said he does not focus on lyrics. He is just here to entertain and hype us up. Of course there is nothing wrong with that; we all need some form of entertainment. At least I know I do, or I would go crazy. Life is already serious enough. So, I believe it is vital to have entertainment. This is not a diss to Soulja Boy ad what he does. He is obviously good at keeping the crowd/ fans pumped. Yah dig! But, I would never expect him to deliver Music that would change my view of the World; although I need to be entertained; I need substance. I know that he will be successful as an Entertainer but, I personally do not expect greatness from him as far as real substance is concerned.

Rappers

Rappers can be entertainers but, not all of them. Not everyone can move a crowd. A rapper to me is someone who may take their Craft seriously. I will say the lyrics that rappers have are great and sometimes they say something in their Music that makes you think a little bit. For example; they come up with the most creative and off the wall punch lines. They may not move you in such a way that makes you think about the World but, as they keep working their Craft and Penmanship gets stronger. A perfect example of a Rapper to me is Rocko. That’s right I said it. Rocko. Hey may not be the most lyrical cat but, you can tell that he takes what he does very seriously. His delivery is amazing. His swag alone speaks for its self. So, let me make it clear. This is not a diss in any way towards that man. I respect his Art.

Hip Hop

Now, this is where we get down to it. All Hip Hop Artists are Rappers but, not all of them are Entertainers. Not all Hip Hop Artist have the deliver to keep a crowd excited. To me a Hip Hop Artist focuses on the lyrics. Some Hip Hop Artist said the most profound and mind blowing things in their Music. But they may not know how to deliver it. So, sometimes their deliver is so boring you might not catch it. I Love Hip Hop Artists who have the Full Package. To me that is (1) Lyrics, (2) Deliver, and (3) a Genuine Connection with the Crowd. I believe that most will agree when I say that Tupac was the Full Package. Tupac was a True Poet. His lyrics for the most part were simple but they were so powerful and real. His deliver was so passionate that when he rapped you could feel that he truly cared and, because of those things the crowd/fans loved him. Even if they not experience some of those things in which Tupac rapped about; when he delivered his message it opened many eyes and hearts.

I said earlier in the Article that I am a Hip Hop Artist. I did this entire Article really just to let you all know one thing; there are distinct differences between Entertainers, Rappers, and Hip Hop Artist.

~Prolific