Poetry is defined by the Merriam Webster dictionary as being “A metrical writing…that is arranged to create a specific emotional response.” Unsatisfying as it may be, that is roughly what all dictionaries agree upon as a definition. I would prefer Mark Flanagan’s definition, that Poetry defies definition. He likens defining poetry to “grasping at the wind.” Although his definition is a lack of definition, it seems surprisingly fit to its task. Robert Frost wrote in his notebooks that “a poem is an idea caught fresh in the act of dawning.” and that “poetry is the renewal of words.” Perhaps the New Englander’s loose definition is a bit too abstract, but then so is Poetry.
Following suit, Hip-Hop, or rap, is equally definable. Merriam Webster defines Hip-Hop as “a subculture especially of inner city youths who are devotees of Rap music.” And then rap music is defined as “a rhythmic chanting often in unison of usually rhymed couplets to a musical accompaniment.” What a sexy way to describe a social movement, perhaps Merriam Webster would claim Dorian Gray was a little too into his looks, or that Gregor Samsa had a bad hair day.
To a degree, some words redefine themselves over time, so the fault cannot lay in Merriam‘s hands entirely. The definition of these words grow like vines, increasing their reach, and blending into other vines in odd Gordian knots. Rap, and Poetry have grown like vines, and to an extent, are no longer truly indistinguishable from one another. We can see where they both started, but which stem belongs to which vine?
Like any proper craft, Poetry has its tools. Aside from the obvious knowledge of words, other tools in the poets tool box are metaphors, analogies, similes, as well as the ability to apply them. The range these simple tools provide though is staggering. Poetry itself has grown with the age of the poets who compose it. From Homer to Dante, from Hugo to Poe, Frost to Hughes, Angelou to…well, I suppose Nas and Necro now, Poetry is constantly evolving.
Opponents of Rap music will lay claim that because of the vulgar language often employed, and the way rappers use slang terminology in their lyrics, that rap can not be considered poetry. I oppose this view. In my opinion, Poetic Rap is a reflection of society, and in some cases it raises the consciousness of its fans. Oscar Wilde, in the manifesto to Dorian Gray wrote that the realism movement in literature created the “Rage of Caliban at seeing his own image in the mirror.” Or, simply put, society hates to view itself in a negative light. Rap suffers from this view, and the Poets who create it suffer a lack of artistic respect.
Several rappers could serve as examples of the poetic nature in rap, but Nas has gained the most respect in terms of accolades, so I will use him. One song in particular serves to showcase his wide range of topics. In “Last words” he takes on the persona of a prison cell. He starts off by telling you that he’s a prison cell, then he explains that he is alive, giving the eerie warning that “Convicts think they alone/but if they listen close/They can hear me groan/touch the wall feel my pulse”. In the dark nights, when you think that nobody is listening, he can hear you crying. He taunts you by making it hotter in the summer, and colder in the winter. He hides your weapons for you. He watches you sleeping, and he makes you dream of freedom, but when you wake up, you wake up to him. He warns you that he can turn the toughest man into a beast, and should you ever be freed, he will go with you wherever you go as a constant reminder to live legally.
In this one song, he personifies a prison cell, warns of the hell a prison can inflict, and serves as a warning to live the legal life. All of this captured in eight bars, or to put it in poetic terms, about five stanzas of pentameter.
To capture that much emotion, and reflect it efficiently in a matter of a few stanzas showcases his ability as true wordsmith. To deny him the right to be called a Poet is simply injustice.
Works Cited available upon request
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