I just kinda wanna demystify the art of lyricism for a bit. Earlier today I wrote Can we hold the south down without chaining the north up, make songs of solomon, those who came before us Now before I break that down. Just want to share how I came up with what is now the final version (maybe) and what it all means, and the thought process that went into creating that line. I think with hard work any rapper can write more in depth lyrics. Why write deeply? Because it gives you the opportunity to say many things at once, which the phrase speak volumes means, and paint a picture more vividly. The final version of the line that Im putting into a song right now on my EP is Can we hold the south down, without chaining the north up, make songs of solomon (solemn men), who came before us. I didnt recognize the play on words found in solomon/solemn men until almost 10 hours after writing that line. So I dropped those, to emphasize this play on words. The modern day implications of slavery can be found in hip-hop in my opinion, but this isnt apparent to all so I use lines like this to make my point. Solomon Northup is the main character in the true story and film, 12 Years A Slave. The use of north up and Solomon is obviously a nod to this man but also to put a mental image on the listeners mind who is familiar with his story to remind them of the horrific details. Can we hold the south down--this phrase is about the current trend in hip-hop :Down-south music. Which represents partying, clubbing, being loose and free, having a good time, among other things, our more shallow side at best and the sinful nature of man at worst. Can we have a good time (hold the south down) without chaining the north up? Without erasing all the progress we have made in civil rights, etc? Are we perpetuating racist stereotypes about ourselves? The North represents the side that won the civil war, which of course bought about the end of African American slavery. Make songs of solomon/solemn men, who came before us Make songs that reflect history and build upon it. Are we progressing or regressing? Make songs of solemn men, upright individuals and actions that allow us the freedom to party and be shallow. Make songs of solomon, in the bible, the Song of Solomon is known to be a book about love. More specifically between a bride and bridegroom, but in general, a book about love. Wheres the love in the music today? Wheres the love for God? Is Christs bride found in this crowd? I am not saying that any and everyone would unpack all of that from those lines upon first listen, but by using familiar phrases and names it may linger in ones head and cause them to think about these things in depth. How do I know? Because it has happened to me when artists like Lupe, Lauryn, the Beatles, etc have done it ha! But overall this line started as me wanting to say something about the connection between modern day hip-hop and slavery, and using Solomon Northups name and experience as an entry point. Taking what the words give me and sculpting out meaning. Theres nothing to writing, you just get behind a typewriter and bleed-Ernest Hemingway
Posted on: Tue, 26 Nov 2013 00:24:58 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015