The people who own major labels invest a lot of capital into artists. If they don’t live up to expectations a lot of money can be lost. Same thing with reality tv shows. If they start filming a reality show and there is no drama, no hype, no excitement, people do not watch or buy, and the purpose (making money) is all for nothing. Producers of these shows have to stage fake events to add hype to the show. Major labels have to make sure their artist is performing and making the label money. Once you understand this, you will understand why a huge contingent of artists do use ghostwriters. If we had a list of all artists who have bought a chorus or used a ghostwriter from time to time we would all be shocked. Sad reality.
Thank you for showing Jay-Z lifted verses from Kanye West . It’s plain as day.. These kids don’t even know how hiphop works. Because an artist takes a couple lines here or there, that doesn’t diminish his writing skill or make him some empty suit. it’s pretty clear Drake, like Jay-Z likely still writes most of his stuff . Drake may have taken a few lines/hooks/ideas here and here in RICO and 10 Bands. So what? Drake has clearly written for other artists too. the art of making music demands collaboration. a good idea should be used. why wouldn’t you? As long as you give credit, how is that ghostwriting? The final product is what counts. Collaboration will always be part of hiphop. Look at ACTQ, NaS, Jay-Z, NWA, Run DMC, Beastie Boys and Wu-Tang – history is littered with stories of writers being used here and there. Even we’ll-known writers like Ice Cube have also spit ghostwritten lines by Del the Funkee Homospaien. And Jay-Z just like Drake or any other dominating MC have all faced the rumoured ghostwriting accusation. it’s almost a right of passage for the best MCs. Hiphop purists need to get real with history.
That was the chorus for that song “Lucifer” song. Plenty of ppl have made the chorus and hooks for him. Timberland, pharrell, Ye etc. He writes his own verses. And even writes raps and raps for other ppl. Dr.Dre, Memphis Bleek, Foxy Brown the list goes on. Trying to put him in a league with drake is just foolish. Ppl write drakes bars and verses for him not just the hooks and chorus . Two way different things. Jay is a rapper drake is a entertainer. Nice try tho.
Not sure if I buy the that BS that because its only the chorus, that it doesn’t count as using a ghostwriter. Would the song be good without the chorus? Did the writer of the chorus get credit? If “no” to those two questions then you don’t have a leg to stand. Also, for the record Jay Z has had people write entire verses for him, just check the credited writers on any of his later albums. Nice try tho but this is a no alternative fact zone.
Nobody gets called the Goat because of dope a chorus. Nelly would be the Goat if that was the case. Ppl still sing is getting hot in herr. The chorus is the part that hooks you so you want to listen to the song. That’s why the super lyrical rappers don’t get radio play . ‘Cuz the make weak chorus. Chorus is like chips, verses and bars are a full meal. Big difference. And yes the chorus writer gets credit. Just look at the credits .
Guess what? Consequence wrote a chorus for Jay Z and never got credit. Would even know Jay Z if he was just another lyrical rapper with no catchy choruses? Would we be talking about a unpopular rapper being GOAT? So, no its not a big difference at all but thanks for the alternative facts.
He and Kanye wrote that hook….. But forget all that. Vanilla Ice is the Goat. His hooks go hard. His verses ok but it’s all about the hooks right?
hey man don’t listen to that herb. My new shit is only bars, no chorus or beats. It’s nice to see people support real lyricists like me. Thanks for the support!
Yeah Jay would be just another lyrical rapper. That’s in the top five….. But forget all that. Waka Flocka Flame choruses go hard in the paint. He gotta be the Goat right?
He would be another lyrical rapper that no one has heard of and wouldn’t be part of any GOAT list. Are you fucking retarded? Choruses are part of the song, just like the beats or other lyrics. Are seriously saying someone could have consistently crappy choruses and considered to be a good artist?
Haaaaa, nice episode. Hiphop done changed. No more best MC.just best entertainer.only underground cats still write. So does that make mfdoom goat? Lol
I don’t have any problem knowing that Drake uses ghostwriters because he’s not in discussion for the GOAT….it would be different if you found out Em, 3 Stacks or Nas used them…
LOL. Two realities for you and sit down for this…Drake is definantly in GOAT discussion and NaS used stic.man, debatedly Jay Electronica AND large Profressor edited his rhymes for Illmatic. all well-documented.
Well I can’t entertain Drake in the GOAT convo unless it’s as a performer.
As far as Nas are you saying Sticman from Dead Prez? Jay Electronica and Large Pro wrote for him? I didn’t even think Jay Elec was around til the 2000’s I’d be really surprised to find any truth to that. I guess I’ll have to do some research
Drake is a good entertainer like puffy daddy but he lost his chance at GOAT status when Meek “where my Ls at?” MiLL exposed him. I respect puffy even more cause he claimed his use of ghostwriters. He ain’t even try to hide it.
Probably earlier in Jay career he didn’t have a ghostwriter but as of lately he probably do now because u get older and the mind ain’t as feeble as when u was younger but rap is what it is it easy to get a deal now of days than it was back then now of days u can say gibbish on a track and bam it’s a hit real rappers don’t get listen to for real these days and it’s only a few still left in mainstream and they barely go platinum
If you dont write your own shit, you’re really a pump faking entertainer. Not A rapper or Emcee. Period. Drake is a fucking pop star. He’s tryna be Breezy. Jay-Z rhymes have only gotten worse. You can tell he writes his own. Lol. Like if imma pay to hear you talk, not sing, you coulda at least, come up it on your own.
lol Jay Z is still good . he just feels a little bossy and is not compelled to go hard like before. But its true to be considered the G.O.A.T you must honor the code and right your own raps.
Idc who wrote the chrous/hooks. But if you wanna be the consider one of the greats. You gonna write your own bars and verses. Other wise your just a entertainer. And there’s nothing wrong with that. Some of the richest ppl in rap mainly entertainers. So make your money just don’t claim to be the greatest lyrical dude ever or in the top five. Because you’re not.
Your point is valid. It just doesn’t pertain to Drake. it’s obvious the dude writes the vast majority of his bars but maybe collaborated on a few occasions. even the references reflects parts of songs and don’t match the final tracks. If we start saying anyone who has ever had a collaboration or had ideas from others or had a bar taken from someone at some point or had some weird so ghostwriting incident is not a great MC then you have to exclude Jay-Z, NaS, Ghostface, Ice Cube, Lil wayne, Big L, Phife Dawg, Chuck D, Snoop Dogg etc PERIOD from any goat discussion. that seems absurd to me becuase we all know that even though some of these MCs have taken bars at some point, they all write the majority of their legendary catologue so that would be silly.
Very simple!
R-hythm A-ad P-oetry
RAP. So someone with rhythm (mad flows etc) Can not Claim to have mad bars when they can not have the poetry side down. (Can’t write their own shit!) So if certain people only have the rhythm side down they only have the R in there repertoire And the P= Poetry is not they therefore can not claim to be a RAPper! SIMPLE.
The same as someone who can write mad bars (P=Poetry) but has no sense of R=Rhythm. Can not spit has no flow. So anyone who thinks that Drake for name sake is the Goat! Would you also say on the other hand that someone else who just writes is also in contention for a shout as the goat. Either way this situation is looked upon neither Drake or the writer can claim to RAP as they only fill one of the fundamental criterias to the words substance(/Abbreviation) and if you don’t respect words and the meaning of them why the fuck you listening to RAP?!
Fake Drake cannot and will not ever be one of the greats when he has others writing for him. sure he’ll go down in history for selling lots of records but so did MC Hammer..Vanilla Ice…Milli Vanilli #DRAKEISFAKEDRAKEISWACK #THE 6FRAUD WITH VIEWS FROM A BITCH
Damn!!! y u hating on drake??? If u hate drake and giv no fuks about him then why read an article related to drake and comment? That proofs u like drake in general
Ps funny how u are always comment on Drake-related articles!!!! U a Fan! So what?? Drake’ s music is amazing! Better then most if not all of the artists in HipHop&Rap/RnB and Pop
For me, it’s whatever sounds good. Sometimes a song will drop that I gotta play on repeat – it’s that good. I just appreciate that rappers are out there chasing hits.
Dope Breakdown. The fact that the first Hip Hop hit had outside writings says alot, and also that most aspiring rappers had to pick up the pen and pad. If this is actually a discussion, then let me find out Shakespeare was hired by King James lol or Langston Hughes didn’t write his pieces. I’m just saying…This breakdown gives new perspective since the story of Drake broke! Thanks
yes what Tyrese said its true, but other genres are not a religious or as serious when it comes to lyrics. Most R&B is based on have a good singing voice and melodies and whatever. Remember rap started as someone saying words in the middle of a song to back the Dj. they obviously care about lyrics more than any other genre. Are there any freestyle R&B battles??? As a rapper you have to honor the code
Because “songwriters” or “Co-Writers” are credited for their contribution, their name appears under the song information, in any genre, while a “ghostwriter” isn’t credited at all, they are basically paid to keep shut, whether it’s hip hop or not.
Drake, never had a ghost writer. Anybody that believes he does is stupid. If Drake writes a song and Q miller records the song that Drake wrote using this own flows that’s not Ghost writing. So anybody that believe Drake has used Ghost writers is just a fan and doesnt understand how the MUSIC INDUSTRY works.
it’s a proven fact fake drake uses writers, steals hooks, flows, verses, beats. he is a contrived bitch made pop puppet, he is no more than the face and the voice of a large group of writers, producers who make music for him. #DRAKEISFAKEDRAKEISWACK #THE 6FRAUD WITH VIEWS FROM A BITCH
HEH UP Company Man.As usual a great piece.Already left my comment on the YT .But just thought I would comment here. Justins Break Down is the best piece of Hip Hop journalism on the Internet .Always gives us a new outlook and finds a unique way to make us question how we think about Hip Hop.Make sure you never miss a Saturday. Big ya self up Justin.Respect sir.And this makes me sound like a ringer.But I am a middle aged guy from the U.K. Nothing to do with DX
I honestly don’t care who wrote what and I don’t really care about subject matter either as long as its not retared or corny … I care about the timing and complexity of the flow and the vibe that classic boom bap gives off ( the essence )
Man… that’s a tough question. In the context whose the best lyrical MC, yes it matters. And like Tyrese said, I don’t mean a corny back packing rapper whose not killing it on all fronts of the rap game. I mean someone like J. Cole or Kendrick Lamar. If it came to light that one of these 2 cats were not writing their own lyrics, then it would take some of their credibility away as lyricist. Then there’s the case of Drake who I never thought was in the same category for best lyricist. Drake, like Kanye, is great at his craft but most importantly is a great entertainer. He knows how to work the smoke and mirrors and leave the crowd in awe. “Take Care” is damn near the closest thing he has to a classic album and even I don’t go back and think “Damn. These bars are hard!” It’s very good music! Point blank, period. Drake has never been known as a lyricist and I think he fits into that certain subtext of entertainers that are putting on a show for us at the end of the day. Cats like Dr. Dre and Drake have star power. So they don’t have to write all their lyrics. But if they can look good and sound good doing it, then they’ve delivered to the world what the world wanted and everyone gets paid. So to answer the question, it’s a yes and no answer. It really comes down to a case by case situation. And for the record, I don’t think Drake has used a ghost writer for all his material. People tend to forget that Drake’s been writing for other rappers for years and has done the same thing he’s been accused of, as in ghostwriting for others. But I guess this is how the craft is perfected. In the words of Eminem “Music is reflection of self/ we just explain it and then we get our checks in the mail/ it’s fucked up ain’t it”.
Baby…Dr.Dre…P Diddy…all have made some of the biggest songs in rap music(and music in general)but are any of them considered the “Greatest Rapper”? In the genre of rap,you creating your own lyrics matter when it comes to being considered one of the greatest rappers…but if you wanna be the richest rapper,having a ghostwriter seems to help
If you are rapping verses that are someone else’s lyrics or using someone else’s flows that they instructed you to use, then you are a pop artist… you are not a hip-hop lyricist. It is that simple; I don’t give a fuck who it is or how “real” or whatever adjective you wanna use that person is supposed to be. Even producers rapping who admittedly have writers are pop artists… and yes that includes Dr. Dre & Kanye…
If you’re not writing your own shit, you’ll never be considered “the greatest” by any real hip hop fan. Diddy’s verse on ‘The Future’ was dope…..because Pharaohe Monch wrote it. Would anyone ever consider Diddy an emcee? Fuck no.
Drake may be a big name rapper, but he’s nothing more than a pop artist who assists writing his songs.
I think it was a good Breakdown video overall. Only issue I had with the video is the implication that Jay Z taking Kanye’s few lines were equivalent to a hiphop artist who has someone write a whole song for him. It’s not equal and that part of the video was a little misleading. You can like any hiphop artist but you can’t add them to the greatest of all time and they can’t claim to be either.
Well to fair its only a clip and implication that we know that Jay Z is on video taking lines from someone else. Which means that you can’t say that Jay Z writes 100% if the things he rhymes about, also he isn’t hiding the fact he gets help from other people to make songs. The point remains that for a lot of artists, including Jay Z, making and writing songs is collaborative effort. Therefore not misleading at all.
If the bar is that have year to write all your own lyrics than as long as you say one thing you didn’t think of it doesn’t matter. Basically its all or nothing, as soon as you start using someone else’s lyrics without differentiating who did what, there is no way for us to know who wrote what. We do know from that video that Jay Z doesn’t write all his stuff and once you start using other peoples stuff can you say for 100% certain that Jay Z hasn’t had a whole song written for him?
Definitley takes away from my image of the rapper. The whole essence of rap is the lyricism so if you’re not writing your raps your a pop artist not a rapper imo. However, I do think a few songs here and there is not bad nor collaborating with someone in the studio and getting a few lines. Reference tracks and prewritten verses tho…nah.
I think lil dicky is a ghostwriter iv heard some verses that sound like his style
Jay z wrote nothing but a g thang if it weren’t for ghost writers there would be a lot Less rappers that appeal to less people
No he did not. He wrote Dre’s verse for Still D. R. E
And. The watcher
Can you do an episode on Black Thought cause he’s an actual GOAT?
The people who own major labels invest a lot of capital into artists. If they don’t live up to expectations a lot of money can be lost. Same thing with reality tv shows. If they start filming a reality show and there is no drama, no hype, no excitement, people do not watch or buy, and the purpose (making money) is all for nothing. Producers of these shows have to stage fake events to add hype to the show. Major labels have to make sure their artist is performing and making the label money. Once you understand this, you will understand why a huge contingent of artists do use ghostwriters. If we had a list of all artists who have bought a chorus or used a ghostwriter from time to time we would all be shocked. Sad reality.
Banks “If it sound like I wrote it I probably did”
“S. Carter, ghostwriter, and for the right price
I can even make yo’ shit tighter”
Jay Z
Ghostwriting is simply part of the music game.
Thank you for showing Jay-Z lifted verses from Kanye West . It’s plain as day.. These kids don’t even know how hiphop works. Because an artist takes a couple lines here or there, that doesn’t diminish his writing skill or make him some empty suit. it’s pretty clear Drake, like Jay-Z likely still writes most of his stuff . Drake may have taken a few lines/hooks/ideas here and here in RICO and 10 Bands. So what? Drake has clearly written for other artists too. the art of making music demands collaboration. a good idea should be used. why wouldn’t you? As long as you give credit, how is that ghostwriting? The final product is what counts. Collaboration will always be part of hiphop. Look at ACTQ, NaS, Jay-Z, NWA, Run DMC, Beastie Boys and Wu-Tang – history is littered with stories of writers being used here and there. Even we’ll-known writers like Ice Cube have also spit ghostwritten lines by Del the Funkee Homospaien. And Jay-Z just like Drake or any other dominating MC have all faced the rumoured ghostwriting accusation. it’s almost a right of passage for the best MCs. Hiphop purists need to get real with history.
That was the chorus for that song “Lucifer” song. Plenty of ppl have made the chorus and hooks for him. Timberland, pharrell, Ye etc. He writes his own verses. And even writes raps and raps for other ppl. Dr.Dre, Memphis Bleek, Foxy Brown the list goes on. Trying to put him in a league with drake is just foolish. Ppl write drakes bars and verses for him not just the hooks and chorus . Two way different things. Jay is a rapper drake is a entertainer. Nice try tho.
Not sure if I buy the that BS that because its only the chorus, that it doesn’t count as using a ghostwriter. Would the song be good without the chorus? Did the writer of the chorus get credit? If “no” to those two questions then you don’t have a leg to stand. Also, for the record Jay Z has had people write entire verses for him, just check the credited writers on any of his later albums. Nice try tho but this is a no alternative fact zone.
Nobody gets called the Goat because of dope a chorus. Nelly would be the Goat if that was the case. Ppl still sing is getting hot in herr. The chorus is the part that hooks you so you want to listen to the song. That’s why the super lyrical rappers don’t get radio play . ‘Cuz the make weak chorus. Chorus is like chips, verses and bars are a full meal. Big difference. And yes the chorus writer gets credit. Just look at the credits .
Guess what? Consequence wrote a chorus for Jay Z and never got credit. Would even know Jay Z if he was just another lyrical rapper with no catchy choruses? Would we be talking about a unpopular rapper being GOAT? So, no its not a big difference at all but thanks for the alternative facts.
He and Kanye wrote that hook….. But forget all that. Vanilla Ice is the Goat. His hooks go hard. His verses ok but it’s all about the hooks right?
hey man don’t listen to that herb. My new shit is only bars, no chorus or beats. It’s nice to see people support real lyricists like me. Thanks for the support!
Yeah Jay would be just another lyrical rapper. That’s in the top five….. But forget all that. Waka Flocka Flame choruses go hard in the paint. He gotta be the Goat right?
He would be another lyrical rapper that no one has heard of and wouldn’t be part of any GOAT list. Are you fucking retarded? Choruses are part of the song, just like the beats or other lyrics. Are seriously saying someone could have consistently crappy choruses and considered to be a good artist?
Haaaaa, nice episode. Hiphop done changed. No more best MC.just best entertainer.only underground cats still write. So does that make mfdoom goat? Lol
Lloyd banks “and if somebody’s shit sound like I wrote it I probably did”
I don’t have any problem knowing that Drake uses ghostwriters because he’s not in discussion for the GOAT….it would be different if you found out Em, 3 Stacks or Nas used them…
LOL. Two realities for you and sit down for this…Drake is definantly in GOAT discussion and NaS used stic.man, debatedly Jay Electronica AND large Profressor edited his rhymes for Illmatic. all well-documented.
Well I can’t entertain Drake in the GOAT convo unless it’s as a performer.
As far as Nas are you saying Sticman from Dead Prez? Jay Electronica and Large Pro wrote for him? I didn’t even think Jay Elec was around til the 2000’s I’d be really surprised to find any truth to that. I guess I’ll have to do some research
Drake is a good entertainer like puffy daddy but he lost his chance at GOAT status when Meek “where my Ls at?” MiLL exposed him. I respect puffy even more cause he claimed his use of ghostwriters. He ain’t even try to hide it.
Probably earlier in Jay career he didn’t have a ghostwriter but as of lately he probably do now because u get older and the mind ain’t as feeble as when u was younger but rap is what it is it easy to get a deal now of days than it was back then now of days u can say gibbish on a track and bam it’s a hit real rappers don’t get listen to for real these days and it’s only a few still left in mainstream and they barely go platinum
If you dont write your own shit, you’re really a pump faking entertainer. Not A rapper or Emcee. Period. Drake is a fucking pop star. He’s tryna be Breezy. Jay-Z rhymes have only gotten worse. You can tell he writes his own. Lol. Like if imma pay to hear you talk, not sing, you coulda at least, come up it on your own.
Pretty much my argument as well. I agree. I heard Styles P say something similar on an interview recently
lol Jay Z is still good . he just feels a little bossy and is not compelled to go hard like before. But its true to be considered the G.O.A.T you must honor the code and right your own raps.
Idc who wrote the chrous/hooks. But if you wanna be the consider one of the greats. You gonna write your own bars and verses. Other wise your just a entertainer. And there’s nothing wrong with that. Some of the richest ppl in rap mainly entertainers. So make your money just don’t claim to be the greatest lyrical dude ever or in the top five. Because you’re not.
Your point is valid. It just doesn’t pertain to Drake. it’s obvious the dude writes the vast majority of his bars but maybe collaborated on a few occasions. even the references reflects parts of songs and don’t match the final tracks. If we start saying anyone who has ever had a collaboration or had ideas from others or had a bar taken from someone at some point or had some weird so ghostwriting incident is not a great MC then you have to exclude Jay-Z, NaS, Ghostface, Ice Cube, Lil wayne, Big L, Phife Dawg, Chuck D, Snoop Dogg etc PERIOD from any goat discussion. that seems absurd to me becuase we all know that even though some of these MCs have taken bars at some point, they all write the majority of their legendary catologue so that would be silly.
Very simple!
R-hythm A-ad P-oetry
RAP. So someone with rhythm (mad flows etc) Can not Claim to have mad bars when they can not have the poetry side down. (Can’t write their own shit!) So if certain people only have the rhythm side down they only have the R in there repertoire And the P= Poetry is not they therefore can not claim to be a RAPper! SIMPLE.
The same as someone who can write mad bars (P=Poetry) but has no sense of R=Rhythm. Can not spit has no flow. So anyone who thinks that Drake for name sake is the Goat! Would you also say on the other hand that someone else who just writes is also in contention for a shout as the goat. Either way this situation is looked upon neither Drake or the writer can claim to RAP as they only fill one of the fundamental criterias to the words substance(/Abbreviation) and if you don’t respect words and the meaning of them why the fuck you listening to RAP?!
Wrong again idiot, shit must help you sleep better at night I guess knowing you a total failure & your favorite rapper ain’t shit compared to Drake.
Couldnt have said it better.
This is the first message this year which is good instead of that gossipshit by DX.
Thanks
Drizzy da GOAT! Now the facts lean more towards that than hater view on the net.
Fake Drake cannot and will not ever be one of the greats when he has others writing for him. sure he’ll go down in history for selling lots of records but so did MC Hammer..Vanilla Ice…Milli Vanilli #DRAKEISFAKEDRAKEISWACK #THE 6FRAUD WITH VIEWS FROM A BITCH
Damn!!! y u hating on drake??? If u hate drake and giv no fuks about him then why read an article related to drake and comment? That proofs u like drake in general
Ps funny how u are always comment on Drake-related articles!!!! U a Fan! So what?? Drake’ s music is amazing! Better then most if not all of the artists in HipHop&Rap/RnB and Pop
So if having ghostwriters don’t matter then puff daddy a top five rapper of all-time. Like he said
“Don’t worry if I write rhymes.
I write checks”
How many songs has tyrese done with rappers? Somebody look it up for me. And those most be the dudes he saw using ghostwriters.
Well the ‘idiot’ below me should know Puffy doesn’t write shit¡ Drizzy does.Shit he even writes for Puffy yo look it up.
For me, it’s whatever sounds good. Sometimes a song will drop that I gotta play on repeat – it’s that good. I just appreciate that rappers are out there chasing hits.
Dope Breakdown. The fact that the first Hip Hop hit had outside writings says alot, and also that most aspiring rappers had to pick up the pen and pad. If this is actually a discussion, then let me find out Shakespeare was hired by King James lol or Langston Hughes didn’t write his pieces. I’m just saying…This breakdown gives new perspective since the story of Drake broke! Thanks
Well king. James did hire Shakespeare. Though…
yes what Tyrese said its true, but other genres are not a religious or as serious when it comes to lyrics. Most R&B is based on have a good singing voice and melodies and whatever. Remember rap started as someone saying words in the middle of a song to back the Dj. they obviously care about lyrics more than any other genre. Are there any freestyle R&B battles??? As a rapper you have to honor the code
why are writers for other genres called “songwriters” but for hip hop “ghostwriters”. THINK!
Because “songwriters” or “Co-Writers” are credited for their contribution, their name appears under the song information, in any genre, while a “ghostwriter” isn’t credited at all, they are basically paid to keep shut, whether it’s hip hop or not.
“Casper the Friendly, writin’ for the Forbes list”
-Skyzoo ft Westside Gunn, “Luxury”
Drake, never had a ghost writer. Anybody that believes he does is stupid. If Drake writes a song and Q miller records the song that Drake wrote using this own flows that’s not Ghost writing. So anybody that believe Drake has used Ghost writers is just a fan and doesnt understand how the MUSIC INDUSTRY works.
it’s a proven fact fake drake uses writers, steals hooks, flows, verses, beats. he is a contrived bitch made pop puppet, he is no more than the face and the voice of a large group of writers, producers who make music for him. #DRAKEISFAKEDRAKEISWACK #THE 6FRAUD WITH VIEWS FROM A BITCH
it’s been proven over and over again he uses ghostwriters. Also, it’s funny that you’re calling other people stupid when you spelled ‘Ali’ wrong.
Zero respect for any fake ass clown who uses ghostwriters. Fuck outta here.
HEH UP Company Man.As usual a great piece.Already left my comment on the YT .But just thought I would comment here. Justins Break Down is the best piece of Hip Hop journalism on the Internet .Always gives us a new outlook and finds a unique way to make us question how we think about Hip Hop.Make sure you never miss a Saturday. Big ya self up Justin.Respect sir.And this makes me sound like a ringer.But I am a middle aged guy from the U.K. Nothing to do with DX
All ya’ll talking crazy Lil Jon the Goat!! You hear the dude classic choruses
I honestly don’t care who wrote what and I don’t really care about subject matter either as long as its not retared or corny … I care about the timing and complexity of the flow and the vibe that classic boom bap gives off ( the essence )
Man… that’s a tough question. In the context whose the best lyrical MC, yes it matters. And like Tyrese said, I don’t mean a corny back packing rapper whose not killing it on all fronts of the rap game. I mean someone like J. Cole or Kendrick Lamar. If it came to light that one of these 2 cats were not writing their own lyrics, then it would take some of their credibility away as lyricist. Then there’s the case of Drake who I never thought was in the same category for best lyricist. Drake, like Kanye, is great at his craft but most importantly is a great entertainer. He knows how to work the smoke and mirrors and leave the crowd in awe. “Take Care” is damn near the closest thing he has to a classic album and even I don’t go back and think “Damn. These bars are hard!” It’s very good music! Point blank, period. Drake has never been known as a lyricist and I think he fits into that certain subtext of entertainers that are putting on a show for us at the end of the day. Cats like Dr. Dre and Drake have star power. So they don’t have to write all their lyrics. But if they can look good and sound good doing it, then they’ve delivered to the world what the world wanted and everyone gets paid. So to answer the question, it’s a yes and no answer. It really comes down to a case by case situation. And for the record, I don’t think Drake has used a ghost writer for all his material. People tend to forget that Drake’s been writing for other rappers for years and has done the same thing he’s been accused of, as in ghostwriting for others. But I guess this is how the craft is perfected. In the words of Eminem “Music is reflection of self/ we just explain it and then we get our checks in the mail/ it’s fucked up ain’t it”.
Baby…Dr.Dre…P Diddy…all have made some of the biggest songs in rap music(and music in general)but are any of them considered the “Greatest Rapper”? In the genre of rap,you creating your own lyrics matter when it comes to being considered one of the greatest rappers…but if you wanna be the richest rapper,having a ghostwriter seems to help
If you are rapping verses that are someone else’s lyrics or using someone else’s flows that they instructed you to use, then you are a pop artist… you are not a hip-hop lyricist. It is that simple; I don’t give a fuck who it is or how “real” or whatever adjective you wanna use that person is supposed to be. Even producers rapping who admittedly have writers are pop artists… and yes that includes Dr. Dre & Kanye…
If you’re not writing your own shit, you’ll never be considered “the greatest” by any real hip hop fan. Diddy’s verse on ‘The Future’ was dope…..because Pharaohe Monch wrote it. Would anyone ever consider Diddy an emcee? Fuck no.
Drake may be a big name rapper, but he’s nothing more than a pop artist who assists writing his songs.
I think it was a good Breakdown video overall. Only issue I had with the video is the implication that Jay Z taking Kanye’s few lines were equivalent to a hiphop artist who has someone write a whole song for him. It’s not equal and that part of the video was a little misleading. You can like any hiphop artist but you can’t add them to the greatest of all time and they can’t claim to be either.
Well to fair its only a clip and implication that we know that Jay Z is on video taking lines from someone else. Which means that you can’t say that Jay Z writes 100% if the things he rhymes about, also he isn’t hiding the fact he gets help from other people to make songs. The point remains that for a lot of artists, including Jay Z, making and writing songs is collaborative effort. Therefore not misleading at all.
If the bar is that have year to write all your own lyrics than as long as you say one thing you didn’t think of it doesn’t matter. Basically its all or nothing, as soon as you start using someone else’s lyrics without differentiating who did what, there is no way for us to know who wrote what. We do know from that video that Jay Z doesn’t write all his stuff and once you start using other peoples stuff can you say for 100% certain that Jay Z hasn’t had a whole song written for him?
Bruh, you missed the point of he video if that was an issue for you.
Nobody really cares about who doesn’t write their on raps many use other artist music sampling as they say nothing is new under the sun
Definitley takes away from my image of the rapper. The whole essence of rap is the lyricism so if you’re not writing your raps your a pop artist not a rapper imo. However, I do think a few songs here and there is not bad nor collaborating with someone in the studio and getting a few lines. Reference tracks and prewritten verses tho…nah.