Rap and Literature

A few days ago Skone was proclaimed in a very deserved way champion of the International Roosters Battle of Red Bull, this led me to think about the topic that we are discussing today in the blog. Rap's relationship with literature.

Before trying to be a writer I also sang rap with my group, Subconsciente, were other times and the "Magos" EP was in the lists of some specialized webs, but that is another stage that will have its own post.

I have always seen certain similarities still being a space that was not usual in literature. We could highlight several elements that unite both causes, as are the rhetorical figures, Rap as a means of struggle and social change and literary references there.

Some MCs (Master of ceremonies, as rappers are known) show many signs of it, as can be Sharif, Nach, Kase-o or Xhelazz in Spanish rap.

For those who do not finish being located in what is rap, the official definition in the RAE (Royal Academy of the Spanish Language) is: Musical style of African American origin in which, with a syncopated rhythm, the letter of provocative character, is more recited than sung. Although according to Wikipedia we can also say: Rhythmic recitation of rhymes and puns arose in the mid-twentieth century among the African-American community of the United States. In both cases we can observe that it is spoken of plays of words and recite verses. Are we already in the literature? Right, they are two of the pillars of poetry, Which shows that they go hand in hand. A clear example is Rayden, one of the best known MCs in Spain and Latin America, Has already two books of poetry with great reception where it demonstrates its ability without a rhythm, So poets like Lorca could also have put themselves in front of a micro giving the size.

When we talk about rap we can also understand that the lyrics are above the music, Although it is true that it is a question of giving something of protagonism to the musical producer, it is often obvious to the listener the musical composition to delve into the meaning of the lyrics.

Rhetorical figures in rap?

Many you will be asking that question, As we said, Rap has as basic principle to look for a different and striking language that is not in the streets, in the same way as poetry or even prose, where a literary language is used. Rap, on the other hand, needs to go further because of its oral transmission, taking the rhyme to the extreme. The place where all these resources are shown as alliterations, Is in the battles of cocks where two MC's or freestylers are beaten in a duel, no longer to see who humiliates the rival but to see who demonstrates more originality, elaboration and freshness for an increasingly demanding public. For that reason, finding all these necessary phonic figures, will help us to favor the rhythm of the composition.

By wanting to play with language, the use of metaphors or ironies becomes one of its strengths. Not only are these elements part of the literature, we can find others, as a theatrical structure based on a dialogue between two characters, As it is the case of a great song of Nach and El Chojin, known as "Ayer y Hoy", although if we look also in "Adan" of the group Tr3s Monos, we will find a tell told by Sharif. Detecting the introduction, the knot and the denouement. There are many more examples of this kind if you look closely.

Rap as a means of struggle and social change?

This is simple, we all know rap, like other musical genres, is born of the need to express a situation that nobody wants to pay attention and must be denounced. From there emerges the figure of the MC, someone committed to the society in which he lives and shapes it on the song. Just as it happens with the literary world, where the pages can be filled with complaint and social criticism. Leaving it clear that rap is more than an urban movement, it is also something cultural. Sample of it we have in songs like "Revolucion" of ZPU, or Swan Fyahbwoy with "Spanish Revolution" or cases not clear to the naked eye as "Hidden track" of Los Chikos del Maiz loaded with social criticism. We could continue hours listing songs where we talk about the problems that we can find in the streets, but for today are enough.

What is the creator of rap?

It might seem as abstract question as you think, but it is simple to answer. When we talk about rap creator or MC, we talk about poets, they define themselves thus and they are right, it is nothing more than poetry on a rhythm.

In addition, an MC is so similar to a poet that they coincide in points as unique as not writing to make a profit, but to be heard, so that they can reach the world their songs and write for pleasure.

Rap as an expressive medium?

Just as we talked about rap as a revolutionary medium, we can also see it as an expressive medium, where similarities are seen with the literature when trying to express feelings or emotions. That kind of expression we can find it in a great example as it is the song of "Basureta" of Kase-O extracted from his recent album, "El circulo".

To finish, to comment that after these lines we can observe the great similarity with the literature in general and poetry in concrete, with the only difference that adds music to the verses.


What did you think of the analysis? What MC's of your country can you name with these characteristics? Would you add anything else or take it away? Do you think rap is literature? Do not stop sharing your opinion, we can all learn something from everyone.