What is Rap?

[Boanerge]

By the Way The "Logos" of RAP: (my opinion ofcourse)

Rap is very diverse but it all falls under one Meaning:
Rhythmically Aligned Poetry -> R.A.P.

(Yes almost everything is rap in this sense.)

i also have My sub-concepts of Rap:

'Rap' short for Rhapsody -> A written or spoken expression of great praise or delight; a musical compostition of irregular form

this is usually the freestyle quality of Rap.

'Rap' Short for Rapier -> a straight sword with a narrow blade having both edges sharp

This is when one spits to either make you think or battle.

'Rap' Short for Rapid ->Very Fast; a part of a river where the current flows fast usually over rocks.

This is the Flow of a rapper. (the rock can also mean their foundation. hmmm....)

Rap literally means Informal Talk; Witty replies; to utter suddenly with force; a sharp blow.

but the Literal form of Rap is the common "Gansta" rap that we hear and love so much. If you want to remain in that meaningless mind set, then be my guest. As for me, and most, i will move on to more deeper and useful meanings of Rap

Its witty replies are metaphors and similies. to utter suddenly with force is to preach with conviction and authority, with such understanding that can be felt within the soul. a sharp blow, anything that shocks or bewilders us with "awe" is a sharp blow.

Lets not allow Corrupted Minds to abuse this power. sharpness is not ONLY for Evil people. The Word, The Son of God, is like a double edge sword. it does not HIDE from evil, it reveals it and calls it out. is evil really strong enough to defeat Truth? Not the truth i know of. The Truth i know always was is and will be.

Darkness also always existed but no longer will be. Darkness once suffered with Emptiness, and this life is its fulfillment. the Light that shined in the mist of Darkness, is the Light of God. As the Light grows, as Life concludes, Darkness, emptiness, suffering and void will be conquered. How is Emptiness conquered? by being filled.

Therefore Rap was wrapped by Darkness, But this is the surface of Rap. Within it theres a treasure, that are acceptable to some. Since when was personal expression evil? Wanting to express yourself but not being able too, is like the lesser light surrounded by darkness. But Darkness will not be victorious, for Darkness and evil in itself is divided while the Light and all that is Good is United.

This is the one destiny that has been preordained.

Therefore i do not find it strange for Music to reach the light. in the process its old self diminishes. Rap loses its profanity, Rock loses its demonic chants.

Hopefully this shines a light on Rap and many more things with a new clear perspective!

 

[Kelly]

One of my favorite images of rap is from a video by Urban Dance Squad (a little known group that laid the groundwork for rap/rock combo long before the Limp Bizkits of the world).

ICE T, who is not a part of the group but was in the video for this moment only, holds a Bible in one hand and a pistol in the other, his hands come together and as they do he is instantly holding a microphone.

Not trying to say that Ice T or UDS was Christian rap or anything, but it did say something about the power of the rap artist. He has the tools to be a preacher and a warrior. I thought that would make a great animated avatar for someone who was into Christian rap.

 

[jazz]

That is the first highly intelligent discourse I've ever read on possible/probable (take your pick) concepts behind RAP. I'm afraid I've never been a fan of rap myself as I prefer reading words with the voice in my head known as imagination, plus I've seen enough "gangsta rap" film clips on late night T.V. to put me off of it for life... Having said that, I don't mind some RAP. Still I'm a very ordinary poet at heart.

Kelly: My sentiments exactly!

 

[Kelly]

I'm not an expert at all, either. There was a time (early 90's) when rap seemed to be making moves into social, political and theological importance. Look towards groups like Public Enemy, De La Soul, Tribe Called Quest, and MC's like KRS-1 for some examples. I am sure there were many more I never knew about.

Not to sound like an old man but hip hop today is all to often about money, sex and male bravado.

 

[Boanerge]

Hip Hop, is sadly, all about Money, Platinum and Honeys.
But there is still that part of Hip Hop that is beyond Money and Girls. Actually Hip Hop in its infancy has always been about self expression, Like Jazz. Until it became corrupted. Rap is not Corrupt but it is the Minds behind the Rap that corrupts the form of poetry, Like Rock. Rap only needs people with a positive mind and a purposeful goal, like all music, to to be worth listening to.

There's all types of music for all types of people. Rap and hip hop, and r&b happens to be my kind of music. . Rap is just a specific form of poetry. Poetry in general runs through all of our veins.