Let's Talk About Hip Hop
What it means to talk about "the greatest rapper alive."
Hey all, excited to share my debut in DJBooth. They let me write about Kendrick Lamar, Eminem, the ongoing conversation over what it means to be the "greatest rapper alive"—and why the conversation is worth having in the first place.
Ok so here’s what’s up. Vying officially—and in a manner that encourages debate—for the vaulted title of “Best/Greatest Rapper Alive” (GRA) is a venerated hip hop custom. It epitomizes something great and unique about hip-hop, something all fans of the genre can appreciate, even those who are here more for the melody. Namely, it epitomizes how hip-hop blends artistry, poetics, and athleticism to make a means of expression wholly its own.
Consider, for example, Kendrick Lamar’s performance on 2017’s “The Heart Pt. 4,” in which he raps: “I put my foot on the gas / head on the floor / Hoppin’ out before the vehicle crash / I’m on a roll / Yellin’ one two three four five / I-am-the-great-est-rapper-alive.” In the first quatrain, he calls to mind that video of Mike Tyson sparring in the gym, his words flying like balled fists. And then, upon employing the fee-fi-fo-fum flow, he sounds more like LeBron James barreling down the lane, or, better yet, a giant introducing city blocks to the bottom of his shoe.
Collectively, the lines are compelling, and yet, they’re also musical and poetic. You can intuit the impact of the words, the imprint they leave on the timeline of hip-hop. Running the song back today—and following it up with DAMN., released a month after “The Heart Pt. 4”—reminds me of watching The Last Dance, specifically the episode when Michael Jordan wins his first ring. You get the sense you’re witnessing something not only objectively impressive but significant in its context. The conclusion you arrive at by the end of the experience—this guy’s probably the best—feels inarguable.
But why, exactly, do these lyrics feel so significant, especially in comparison to other attempts from lesser-skilled and impactful rappers trying to essentially say the same thing? And why is it worth identifying the difference?
Thanks everyone. That’s all for now. Much, much love.
Dan