Mind of the Hip Hop Lyricist
Wordplay, Wit, and the Untold Stories in Rap
Hip hop. Often dismissed as a genre of mindless braggadocio or party anthems, holds a hidden depth waiting to be explored. At its centre are, rappers, individuals who are storytellers, weavers of words, and social commentators, all wrapped into one. To do the compelling work they do requires an intellect that goes far beyond catchy beats. It requires a potent mix of street smarts, social commentary, and poetic wordplay.
Take Tupac Shakur’s iconic “Only God Can Judge Me” as a prime example. On the surface, it’s a defiant statement, a declaration of resilience in the face of adversity. But beneath the bravado lies a tapestry of social commentary. Shakur weaves in anecdotes – his mother’s struggles on crack, facing racism in the system – painting a vivid picture of the realities plaguing his community. These anecdotes aren’t just background details; they’re the foundation for his defiance.
But “Only God Can Judge Me” is more than just social commentary. It’s a philosophical exploration, a poetic confessional about a troubled past, riddled with gang violence and brushes with the law. The title itself…
