Style is not just a simple thing
that an artist has. It is a complete mixture of voice, technique and content. Many
M.Cs have those qualities but each one of those qualities can be replicated
from another rapper or M.C. Another way
in which one could describe style is by repetition which seems easier to
understand than a complete mixture of 3 different elements. Another ingredient
in which style is made of is geography, where the artist is from. The west
coast style is different than the east coasts style but that doesn't mean that
the west coast won’t enjoy listening to the east coasts rap. Style is a simple
word but a complex idea.
In our reading from the Poetics of
Hip-hop, Daniel Levitan stated that style was repetition. Style is when the
three elements of voice, technique and content become predictable because it
has been repeated. And the listener can listen to the rapper or M.C and know
who is rapping simply by being able to identify the three elements. Style has
two points of views, the listener and the artists. From The Poetics of Hip-hop
states the style from within involves the way an artist produces a work of art,
the sum of the choices that result in the formation of an artistic whole. Style
is a bunch of choices that the artists make. Those choices become more easily
identifiable after repetition.
Geography is also an interesting
factor in style. In the 1990’s the difference between west coast and east coast
rap was great. The rapper Dr.Dre was dumbfounded to discover that his album was
being played in New York just much as in L.A, which brings up the controversy
of… Do traditional styles divide a region? Regardless of that the responsibility
of individual artists to define personal styles out of a combination of their
individual genius and the influences that surround them. Ethnomusicologist study
music from all over the world and they pick out different styles from all over.
As an ethnomusicologist they have to hear styles and say where the music was
from which is kind of like figuring out what makes that music sound like it’s
from that place. And that reason is style which is a combination of voice,
technique and content.
I really think that this beautiful
way to end my blog which is a quote from because it makes me actually think, The poetic s of Hip-Hop.” Rap may be the music of the street corner rather than the
conservatory, but mastering its verbal art requires as much attention to craft
as the most rarefied forms of artistic expression. So while raps spirit is
unquestionably revolutionary, its form is traditional. Rap style is always
balanced somewhere along this axis.” I thought that quote is a great way to
explain style not only because of the metaphors used but because it let me
think about the quality of rap as an art form and how an artist’s style comes
from their life experiences simply.
I really enjoyed your post. I think you made an interesting point when you said that style is a combination of someone's surroundings and their own personal thoughts. I guess this is why styles can be so similar and so different between people of the same area.
ReplyDeleteThis was a very interesting take on what 'art' is and that it can take on many forms while all being meaningful forms of expression! I had also never thought so deeply into the word style and the complexities behind it, very informative post XD
ReplyDeleteI really liked the way you explained and went into depth with the term style and what it means in the rap industry. I also liked the point you made about the Ethnomusicologist that have to listen to music and identify it; this is a great example of how different artists have their own styles.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed your post and you made some really good points. I don't think many people realize how relevant style is to hip hop in particular. Good Job!
ReplyDeleteI really liked this post it was very informative! I also liked how you touched on things we have talked about in class, like the readings, but how you also mentioned new things. The quote added a nice touch!
ReplyDeleteI thought the post was very informative and the quote at the end was very good. Style is one of the most interesting and fun parts of hip-hop.
ReplyDeleteIn regards to the quote "but mastering its verbal art requires as much attention to craft as the most rarefied forms of artistic expression. So while raps spirit is unquestionably revolutionary, its form is traditional."
ReplyDeleteYou can study how to play guitar for years. You can study how to play the violin for years. You can study how to rap for years. However, there is a certain level of...I cannot think of an accurate word for it, but it is what set Jimi Hendrix and 2pac apart from their peers; something you cannot learn, something involving a supreme understanding of a zeitgeist that goes beyond skill. This is what separates the memorable B.I.G.'s from the forgettable Macklemores...it is a certain level of authenticity in style that comes from understanding oneself beyond the context of ones own craft.
It's true that style heavily defines an artists and how his or her listeners relate to the songs and the artists. Very nice job.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed your post. It sounds to me like an artists style is like their signature, something that stems from their innate and natural ability and evolves from there. I like your use of the quote.
ReplyDeleteI always find it interesting when an artist tries to change his style. Because someone's style is basically what they repeatedly do, this can become predictable and the rapper sometimes feels the need to change it up. The artists fans' reaction to this is usually pretty polarizing. Either they will say this switch-up is unique and interesting or they will turn on it and claim the artist "betrayed them" and sold out.
ReplyDeleteThe approach you took on explaining and defining style was very different. I liked how you broke down style into three components. I agree with you that style is repetition and reading your blog really made me see that clearer. Your ending quote was nice and I enjoyed how it talked about hip hop as a form of art.
ReplyDeleteStyle is a very unique component of hip hop. It varies so widely in the summation of the genre that sometimes it even creates its own sub-culture of hip hop. Most styles come equipped with a respective genre. For instance, the g-funk of the west coast, and the chopped and screwed of the south. Each region has created their distinct style and sound
ReplyDeleteDefinitely an interesting post. I must say though, that while style is repetition it's also cool to see how artists styles develop and become alternate forms of it's original sense. I can totally see Walker's point of view and more times than other when an artist tries to change their style it results in negative feedback, because it is a "change from the ordinary", but fans normally tend to acclimate and accept the artist and their decision to try a different dynamic. At least a true fan will...
ReplyDelete