Today’s music consists of many different styles and genres. One of the biggies is definitely the genre known as Rap. 

Rap, along with hip-hop and r&b of the sort, has planted its name in the current generation of music. Just walking down the hallway of a high school, one is probably bound to run into some cacophony of strong, rhythmic lyrics and a booming bass (that is, when he or she is not walking near a headbanger with a pair of loud headphones). If not in the form of overblown iPods, the very act of rapping can be heard in a multitude of places, from walking down the streets to the middle of gym class.

But what is it about this style of music that captivates so many young adults these days? Is it the ongoing beat throughout each song? Is it the eccentricity of the lyrics? Or does the music somehow speak to the listener through the creations of the artist?

Here is my humble opinion as a fellow musician and listener: rap is a load of crap. Not that I believe the lyrics are untrue in any sense, but that the diversity that I look for in music is not what I would find in a rap song. The music that I listen to varies from classical to alternative. In all the songs that I enjoy, the expression that I feel from the artist is indescribable. However, the way in which the artist does this is what I’m amazed by. What I look for when exploring new forms of expressions is dramatic changes in key, chords, structures, and melodies. What I find when I listen to almost any rap song is a simple, 2-3 riff change with some clever words (that pretty much talk only about sex, drugs, gangsters, and betrayals). The very format just seems so irritating to me. It’s so repetitive, with few varying melodic changes and no traditional or original climax at all. This can also be said about minimalist music (a classical genre that is not so successful in our generation because of this very reason). The odd thing about this is that these two styles have the same structure, but one is so much more recognized than the other. I must suppose that the lyrics must be the source of this fandom, because the instruments (or should I say, drum machine) do not bring forth what seems necessary for adequate entertainment. The worst part is, the very source of my discontent is the lyrics. I just hate having to listen to the same thing over and over again with each song, about falling in love with a stripper and life as a P.I.M.P.

Therefore, I do not intend to give lenience on my already low appreciation for rap anytime soon, but if there is anyone that can debate on the matter, I will gladly hear his or her voice.

This is my youth’s voice. What’s yours?

-Iron Man