"Story Telling" 

Since its beginning hip-hop music has been a way for artist to tell a story. This is not the case with all rappers, because as we know small talk about girls, sex and drugs does not make for a very good story. When rappers tell a story through their music it often has a lesson or message attached to it. The real meaning, like any great story, is often subliminal and will be understood after the song is listened to a few times. However there are many songs that tell a straightforward story. Those are the cases when rappers are just speaking what’s on their mind. There are many great rappers who are known for good story telling. Eminem, Biz Markie, Public Enemy, Notorious BIG, Slick Rick and Drake are just a few of the many rappers who tell stories through their songs. In addition to the lyrics telling a story, the music video it self plays a huge role in storytelling and hip-hop. Granted the meaning of the song can still be clearly understood without a video, but a good video always adds to the affect/meaning the artist is trying to get across.

In his hit “Runaway Love” Ludacris gives the account of different girls who are all around the same age and dealing with the struggles of where they live and go to school. The song revolves around these girls growing up in the hood and having to deal with parents who weren’t around to raise them thus causing their poor decisions and lack of feeling loved, which lead them to find love elsewhere i.e. Boys.  Ludacris writes,

“So she pops X to get rid of all the pain

Plus she's having sex with a boy who's sixteen

Emotions run deep and she thinks she's in love

So there's no protection he's using no glove

Never thinking 'bout the consequences of her actions

Living for today and not tomorrow's satisfaction”

His lyrics tell a great story with incredible detail.

All of Eminem’s music tells a story. Many disagree with his rapping style because of how harsh and straightforward he tends to be, but that is what makes him a great storyteller. His songs are deep. Like one of my friends mentioned, “He’s not someone you listen to when you’re in a happy mood.” His music reflects a lot of his life and the shit he’s been through. He always mentions his daughter and sometimes his ex- wife. One of his most famous songs, “Stan”,  that sends the message ‘respect your fans,’ is about a fan who wants to get his attention by writing letters to him, but he never receives an answer from Eminem. Eventually when Eminem decides to answer him it’s too late.  Likewise, in his hit song “Mockingbird” Eminem is addressing his daughter. The song begins with the words, “Hallie I know you miss your mom and I know you miss your dad when I’m gone, but I’m trying to give you that life that I never had.” This all relates back to his life growing up. Eminem never grew up in a stable home. He had many problems and has found his relief in talking about it through his music. He chooses to tell a little more of his story in every song that he writes.

One of my favorite artists is Drake. It goes without say that just like the two rappers mentioned before and those alike that are not mentioned; he also tells a story through his music. Specifically in his new song “Furthest Thing,” Drake is targeting an audience who believes he has changed as a person since he has become famous.  Drake says,  “I still been drinkin' on the low
Mobbin' on the low
 Fuckin' on the low
 Smokin' on the low 
I still been plottin' on the low
 Schemin' on the low
 The furthest thing from perfect Like everyone I know”

He wants his audience to understand that He is still the same as he was before despite the fact that he now has money.

Rappers have found their escape and a way to speak their mind through music. The stories they tell are in songs that we listen to on a daily basis. They deserve our support when it comes to hearing what they have to say. Cause after all who wouldn’t want their story to be heard?

(Raggenius.com) (blogspot.com/meaningbehindthemusic)

(A-Zlyrics.com)