Is Rap Poetry?

Mom2Grey · Post by **Mom2Grey** » 06 Nov 2013, 21:28

Yikes, I've never considered this question. I absolutely LOATHE rap.
What a question to throw at me.

But... I suppose... some of it could be...

perhaps...

I guess...

lemming · Post by **lemming** » 06 Dec 2013, 00:44

Lupe fiasco is good poetry. The lyrics from his song Intruder Alert send chills for me every time I hear them:

Famine strikin' his home-land and no social standin'
And the economic peckin' order
Emergency relief distribution systems is in disorder
He's checkin' water, makin' sure it's safe enough for his daughter
To float across in the boat he built
Hopefully strong enough to support her
Prayin' border patrols don't catch her ass
Process and deport her
Before she reach the shore, of the land of the free
Where they feed you, treat you like equals
Deceive you, stamp you and call you illegal

Nathrad Sheare · Post by **Nathrad Sheare** » 17 Dec 2013, 21:31

Can you please rephrase the question?

Madcap Syzygii · Post by **Madcap Syzygii** » 18 Dec 2013, 01:37

I'm not really certain if rap can be considered poetry. There is rhyming, symbolism, metaphors and similes, all of which are aspects of poetry, so I believe some raps could be considered poetry, I guess. I know that it is an art, any way you slice it. Do I consider it artistic? I'm not certain. Sometimes I think the words are clever, and the music behind the words is quite catchy, so I still like listening to some of it. But mostly, I enjoy it when the rappers sing their raps instead of speaking them. They don't change their tones, and I'm not a fan of "no range" voices.

Nathrad Sheare · Post by **Nathrad Sheare** » 18 Dec 2013, 01:41

Innnnn-deed...

terrametoo · Post by **terrametoo** » 27 Dec 2013, 03:58

Tribe Called Quest, Tupac, NWA and some others from the 90's - yeah

but the stuff that's on the radio now -no

Poetry is an art, but rappers who are just out there trying to make money by any means necessary are just vocal mercenaries.

thisonenick3 · Post by **thisonenick3** » 27 Dec 2013, 21:37

I believe that rap is a form of poetry. The main question is it good or bad poetry. Regardless of what those words are, all that matter is the peoples opinion of them.

Loveabull · Post by **Loveabull** » 27 Dec 2013, 22:55

"Mama" by Tupac...even for people who can't conceive of their parental figures having a habit...this is a very accessible exceptional song...yes it's poetry.

Nathrad Sheare · Post by **Nathrad Sheare** » 30 Dec 2013, 00:43

Thisonenick3:

People thought Jim Morrison was a great poet. Opinions certainly do vary, don't they?

juicyfruitsxoxo · Post by **juicyfruitsxoxo** » 01 Jan 2014, 05:10

Sure rap has a bad rep, but that does not take away its poetry. Even those who ae opposed to rap, should at least acknowledge that it is the voice of the streets. On the other hand all rap is not violent, or degrading...I have heard rap that is clean and that isn't full of negativity. So of course to each his own, but whether you like it or not it is still and will always be poetry...it is filled with feelings, experiences, emotion just like any other poetry or artform.

AlphaOmega · Post by **AlphaOmega** » 03 Jan 2014, 20:07

Only the best poets become the best rappers.

ploafman · Post by **ploafman** » 04 Jan 2014, 12:05

Poetry is something you cannot and should not put in a box. Rap is a form of poetry, whether you're a fan of it or not is another question.

Loveabull · Post by **Loveabull** » 04 Jan 2014, 20:56

It is also ahem...perhaps ethnicity and life experience that can frame how you feel about rap...jus' sayin

srittyx3 · Post by **srittyx3** » 05 Jan 2014, 12:20

Yes it is. If you take any Lil Wayne song and actually listen to the lyrics, you'll see there is much more to rap than just what we think of it. His words are so witty and genius.

Loveabull · Post by **Loveabull** » 06 Jan 2014, 18:48

Just please...as a service to pedestrians and neighbors...if you have music on in your car, coming from your garage as you wash your truck...and they keep repeating the vulgarity for someone who loves their momma a little tooo much...you know what ahm saying, I don't want to have to cover my kid's ears at the stop light.
But yes I appreciate Lil Wayne anyways...