Storytelling in
Hip-Hop is used by artists to better convey their message of a song. Three of
the top storytellers in Hip-Hop history are: 1) Slick Rick, 2) Ice Cube,
and 3) KRS-1.
One of Slick Rick's
most prominent storytelling songs is "Children's Story." Two
examples of Ice Cube's storytelling are "It Was A Good Day" and
"True To The Game." KRS-1's best example of storytelling is
"Love's Gonna Get Cha."
Storytelling in Hip-Hop has been less prevalent over the last couple of years. Most modern Hip-Hop artists write songs about having a lot of money, doing a lot of drugs, and having a lot of sex. One modern Hip-Hop artist that includes storytelling in many of his songs, who is also my favorite artist ever, is Tech N9ne.
Tech N9ne has a few songs that are like a lot of modern Hip-Hop, where he talks about drinking and sex, but for the most part, Tech N9ne's songs aren't typically about that, and he never talks about doing any sort of drugs. Tech N9ne was influenced by many old school Hip-Hop artists, such as Slick Rick, Public Enemy, N.W.A., and Biggie Smalls. Most of Tech N9ne's storytelling songs are about stories of his personal life, such as the song "Mama Nem."
"Mama Nem" tells the story about Tech N9ne's life as he grew up and how his mother and the rest of his family were always there for him. Tech N9ne also has another storytelling song about his personal life titled "Last Sad Song." After the intro to "Last Sad Song," Tech N9ne's first verse is mainly about how his mother has been diagnosed with leukemia and how the fact that she has cancer is tearing him apart, but he plans on getting away from the sadness that he has put into his music as a result of the darkness he has been living in from that situation.
Tech N9ne also has a storytelling song about his fan base. The name of that song is "F.A.N.S. (Forever Accepting N9ne's Soul)." The beginning of the song talks about how Tech N9ne came up in the Hip-Hop world and got famous. He talks about how his fans are the reason he got famous and how he did tours around the world because of their support and he thanks them for it.
Similar to the last blog about story telling, I think there still is a decent amount of storytelling in hip hop today. Many stories just seem to have similar subjects (Drugs, Money, Sex, etc.) those subjects have been discussed since the late 80's because those subjects sell. Even "Today was a Good Day" discusses Drugs(Chronic), Money(Playing craps), and sex("I got a beep from kim, and she can fuck all night.")
ReplyDeleteGood article. I agree that there has been a decline in the storytelling aspect of hip hop. Although rappers today will try to make a story out of what theyre saying it is never done as well as it once was. I do remember Lupe always giving you some great conscious stories but I havent heard something from him in years. I appreciate the post and the Tech9 songs as it will make me listen to him from now on more carefully, good post!
ReplyDeleteStorytelling still exists, it is just not mainstream like 2 Chainz. There are more hip hop artists than there used to be and as a result, we hear less storytelling because artists make catchy songs so they become more known. This is the sad truth in hip hop today.
ReplyDeleteBenoy, although I agree with the latter part of your vindication, I contradict your statement by asserting in my personal opinion that 2 chainz is by far the most talented storyteller that have ever even step foot in this game we call rap industry. Nobody else has qualifications to rhyme booty with booty in "Spend It."
DeleteNow I think that storytelling in rap has evolved since Ice Cube, and all the other rappers Victor named, to where is virtually is non-existent with the exception of Kendrick Lamar. I thought the songs that Victor chose were accurate in representing the best hip-hip storytelling has to offer.
Story telling, in my opinion is the best way to give your audience a structured plot and character development. The chronology is very helpful in following the plot and we more so than not, get a better visual image in our heads, almost like watching a movie. Great blog post, I definitely love your use of Tech N9ne as a prime example.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you statement. I feels like I'm watching a soap opera when I listen to a hip hop song which conveys a story.
DeleteI like Tech N9ne's music so I was happy to see you mention him so prominently in the post. I agree with most people who say storytelling is still around, just not as relevant as it used to be. Also good description of some of his songs.
ReplyDeleteI'm super glad to see the Tech N9NE examples, he's a great artist and I love his music. His songs are definitely great examples of story telling. I think we can all agree that storytelling is less prominent/relevant now than is was is past years but it still exists nonetheless.
ReplyDeleteThe stories being told in most modern hip hop songs are still stories. They're stories about the times they have with their boys and of their fast lane lifestyle. These artists are simply trying to entertain their audiences. I did enjoy these music videos though. Great choices. :)
ReplyDeleteI think what would be considered "storytelling" now is different than what would be considered storytelling in the past. Like Chelsea said, most of the storytelling now just involves how they're living in the present today and living in the "fast lane," instead of discussing what they went through when they were growing up or an experience in the past that they've had.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Allegra and Chelsea. The storytelling has definetly changed as far as content. I like the references used.
ReplyDeleteI like that you introduced us to a new artist that tells stories in their songs. In the last post i noticed that people were saying that storytelling isnt really around anymore today.. but you just kinda shut all of us up about that when you introduced this artist :)
ReplyDeleteYou're right, storytelling is not what it used to be, but also some artists are still keeping this art form alive.
ReplyDeleteI agree with your point that story telling is not as prevalent in modern hip hop. But to counter that argument, look up the song "Sing About Me (I'm Dying)" by Kendrick Lamar. If that is not an example of storytelling than I don't know what is.
ReplyDeleteStorytelling will always be part of the hip-hop and rap game. It might not be as common as it used to be, but it's definitely still around and will continue to pop in and out of the music game.
ReplyDeleteStorytelling may not be as big of a part in hip hop as it used to be, but it will always be a part of hip hop. Its just right now the mainstream hip hop songs are not really utilizing storytelling.
ReplyDeleteI like how you talked about Tech N9ne being influenced by old school rappers. He is by far my favorite modern rapper that has old school roots.
ReplyDeleteI disagree with your statement that there isn't much storytelling in modern hip hop. I think that it's still there its just that the story that most rappers tell is about how much money they have and they went from poor to rich. The stories that they tell have been worn out. I think people are tired of the same old story which is why a lot of people aren't as impressed with modern hip hop.
ReplyDeleteStorytelling is nowhere ner dying out. The only thing that could be said is that there are a lot of mainstream artists blocking the view of true good hiphop artists. Many good story tellers today just go unnoticed. People such as Brother Ali never even get to make a name for themselves in todays hiphop and yet he tells some of the best most personal stories ive ever heard
ReplyDeleteBut thats the arguement. Back in the early 90s, storytelling was quite mainstream. Now not so much. It died down, not died away, from the mainstream
DeleteSeeing that we both touched on the same topic, I totally agree with you man. While there is storytelling in modern hip hop, it doeesnt fit the format of those who pioneered storytelling. Just because an artist can say something like "I remember hustlin, slagin' rock and bustin' em" doesnt really mean that he is telling a story. The old school format was more robust and linear
ReplyDeleteStory telling has definitely declined over the years but was so prominent back in the day. I agree that it was super mainstream back in the day but not so much anymore.
ReplyDelete