Hip Hop and Poetry

One of the most important and maybe controversial things that happened to poetry in the twentieth century was the rise of Hip-Hop. Although Hip-Hop is a completely modern form, in some ways, it returns poetry to the old practice of oral tradition. Rappers employ all the techniques that poets do- with an emphases on rhyme and rhythm, and they are using the techniques as the way ancient poets have. In doing so, it helps the rapper and the audiences remember and recite what they are saying.

What makes rap controversial in the poetry world is whether to call it a poetic form. Hip-Hop straddles a line between song and spoken word. It developed alongside, but completely outside, modern trends in poetry. Yet you can read lyrics the same way you read poetry, applying the same critical eye, looking for the same techniques like imagery and allusion. Looking at lyrics, you’d be hard pressed to find someone who could defend the idea that Hip-Hop isn’t poetry. Some of the most interesting and complex poetry written today, especially in terms of meter, rhyme, alliteration, allusion and cultural reference, is going on in Hip- Hop. If you haven’t read any lyrics recently here are a few to start with:

Nas – “New York State of Mind”

KRS-One – “Higher Level”

Pete Rock C.L. Smooth – “They Reminisce Over You”

Tupac – “Dear Mama”

To learn more about poetic forms check out Poetry For Beginners.