Adjusting the mic...
Donning the headphones...
Inhale...
Exhale...
Then signal the engineer to key up the track...
Welcome to the moment of truth, the life of an MC...
OH, what a beautiful life it could be.
Hotep,
This intoxicating ritual has bred timeless lyrics by some of the rawest MC’s ever know to man. Think of the greats: KRS-One, RaKim, Kool G. Rap, Biggie and Jay-Z. When speaking of all-time greatest MC’s that’s my starting five. Give me Nas and 2Pac off the bench and I’ll show you a lyrical dream team without competition. Na mean?
In my opinion, the best lyrical content is founded on life experiences. Life experiences of struggle, disappointment and striving to come up. The life experiences develop great MC’s, not songs about the latest dance. Not the mass of ringtones you’ve accumulated since your latest single dropped. Not the high budgeted music video with the half naked females over shadowing the delivery of all lyrical content. Nah, an MC lives for the expression of his words. Feel me?
Notice I said, “MC” not rapper. Rappers come and go, but an MC is forever. An MC will always be an MC. The booth, the mic, even the headphones maybe taken away, but the MC’s expression will continue to burn within.
Words are the MC’s addiction. Consonants, vowels, prefixes and suffixes are an everyday habit. An MC speaks metaphorically during basic discussions without intent. Syllables and similes are literary planks that support the direction of an MC’s expression. Despite false accusations, rush to judgments or convictions granted by injustice, an MC will be an MC. Word is bond.
So I ask: Who’s the MC? Is it the latest rapper with the chart topping smash hit? Here’s a hint: The sound booth and the microphone isn’t always guaranteed. Ya heard? Holla if ya hear me, Lil’ Wayne. Stay chiseled “T.I.” From one MC to another, the fame may change, but the picture remains the same. Real talk.
Keep it 100,
MannofStat
Copyright © 2010 by Leroy Elwood Mann
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