This question was born out of a conversation I had with my boy Jeremy the other day where we discussed the tragic disintegration of Common's rap career. I believe the term that was used to describe his style over the last 10 or so years was "floppy hat love rap". -I think that says it all. At one point in the conversation I think I said I'd rather listen to Flo-Rida than Common at this stage of his career. Supposedly he's turned the corner of late, in some small way trying to recapture some if the fire from the 'Resurection' era; -but personally I've seen no evidence of that. Which brings me to my original question: Is Soulja Boy better than Common at rapping?
I realize, at first blush, this sounds like the stupidest question of all time, but lets go deeper:
My honest opinion is that Soulja Boy is, hands down, one of the worst rappers of all time. Nevertheless, every time I hear one of his songs, I can't help but like it. Not because its technically 'good' but because it makes me feel good. One minute I'm stressing about the day's drama and the next I've instantly been transported to this magical land where nothing matters but swag, and talking about your 'swag'. It's like an instantaneous vacation for my brain; or at least the part of my brain that processes information.
On the other hand there's Common. -The Common, formerly known as Common Sense. The Common who was formerly one of the best rappers ever, who put out one of the best rap albums ever, but has since single-handedly built the entire genre known as 'Floppy Hat Love Rap'. You know; -the one where you go to a thrift store and buy a bunch of outfits involving earth-toned knit items, sweater vests and naturally, floppy hats; -And then go rap about being in love and building a solid relationship...
-Fuck that shit! Thats not rap, that's not even classic rock. What that is, is something you'd find under the 'now playing' sign at the counter at your local Starbucks. If i wanted to listen to music about being in love or whatever, I'd listen to?........-Nothing!! -That's my fucking point! I don't want to listen to rap or any other kind of music about finding that one special girl, falling in love and raising a family or any stupid bullshit like that. What I need to know is whats going with swag, fitted caps, supermanning hoes, whips and other inane stupid shit in order to take my mind OFF of love, relationships and and all that other dumb real life nonsense.
File under: Real Talk
Your thoughts are welcome in the comments section below.