Rap Lyrics

Rap music, meaning "fast read" or "spoke fast", is rooted in the traditions of griots, beat poetry, jazz poetry, hip hop, blues and spirituals. As the term may suggest, rap lyrics are spoken or chanted rhymes performed either a cappella or to an accompanied beat. Successful rappers are notable for their distinctive vocal presence and enunciation; they must develop superb breath control to articulate the genre that has been called "lyrical kung-fu."

The complex wordplay developed by old school rappers such as Chuck D and Big Daddy Kane offer a linguistic challenge that draws today’s popular wordsmiths, including Eminem, Drake, Nelly, and Jay-Z. Often considered to be violent, sexist and a glorification of gang activity, rap music and lyrics have nonetheless attracted some of the most talented and controversial artists living today.

Fun Fact: In 2008, Spanish rapper Domingo Edjang Moreno, (alias Chojin), rapped 921 syllables in 60 seconds and is the current record holder for the fastest rap.