The Art of Lyricism

In the current day of music there are so many things that separate artists from the combination of genres and sub-genres to the cultural differences from different cities. In the new age of music there are elite artists with astonishing flows that call themselves lyricists. 
Here are the responses of three amazing lyricist on the difference between lyricists and rappers and their influences.

DeathSpitter Q

1. In your opinion, what is the difference between a rapper and a lyricist?

 A Lyricist writes music to convey a message, meaningful or an expression of themselves kind of message, or tells a story. A rapper, is a rhyming entertainer. They make music, that they usually don't write themselves, for money and often a 'brand' for whom ever that artist is signed too. So in lamest term a lyricist does it for the love a rapper for the money.

2. What is the 'realest' line you think you ever wrote?

3rd verse in Cruise Control: Is it worth it? No soul just to have some gold// While preaching old folks try to tell their stories told// To warn the younger generation, while we pacing// to get to the future but the past we erasing// we some know it alls I want it all// too big too fall gotta a lot to give but I ain't sharing with none of yall// that mindset will keep us lock down oh who// am I talking to? Well you know its just me and you.

3. Who is your favorite lyricist?

Hands down Andre 3000 and Eminem.

You can download the Black Moon Mixtape here.

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Absent-Minded

1. In your opinion, what is the difference between a rapper and a lyricist?

The difference between a rapper and lyricist is that lyricists have the ability to play with words and syllables in a clever way. Rappers are pretty decent at that as well but I feel they mainly write catchy lines and hooks, so in my opinion you need a balance of both to be a great hip hop artist.

2. What is the 'realest' line you think you ever wrote?

I'm still the same beast just a different kind of animal// Lion on the beat I'm feasting on it like and antelope// I just bought myself a crib, a Lamborghini, and a boat// Flow so sick man they need to make an antidote.

3. Who is your favorite lyricist?

King Los, but I only saw one vid where he freestyles on Sway In The Morning and he KILLED it. The video alone changed my style up and motivated me to step up my lyrical game.

You can download his mixtape 'Closer to My Dreams' here.

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Andre James

1. In your opinion, what is the difference between a rapper and a lyricist?

In my opinion a lyricist is an individual of originality. Someone whose been inspired by not the beats, but the lyrics that speak to them like nothing else ever can. A Lyricist takes those inspirations and creates their own message of how they look at life and express what they truly feel and speak to those who will listen and relate.

2. What is the 'realest' line you think you ever wrote?

The line that I really feel will always speak to people and means a lot came from my song called "The System" where I spoke about my thoughts on the world. I said, "They tryna control us // Hope that we hopeless when we hear the truth // but what’s true? // Anything that can be proved // So when I’m in the booth I put it in a puzzle for you."

3. Who is your favorite lyricist?

Very few on my list, but my biggest lyrical influence came from Tech N9ne and the whole Strange Music Label. Tech's creativity thru his lyricism just opened my creative mind to a whole new level. He actually speaks about something with meaning, in a very detailed and creative flow with every song, showing his skill and creativity to the world and being humble through all the controversy in the industry and speaking about how he feels 100% and never holding back. Tech Nine is a true lyricist.

Wannabe - Mike Bell ft. Eman the Heartbreak

What is the story behind the song?

Mike: Basically, I was looking for beats, and I stumbled across this one beat and I was instantly just like, “Wow, I think I love this”.  Only problem was, it was a reposted beat. I didn’t know who the original producer was, so I didn’t want to use it. Eman the Heartbreak was the one who actually found the original producer. It kinda fit a story about some kid at my school. I remember him tweeting something about WannaBe rappers knowing it was a shot at me. So he was kind of an inspiration for the song. Shout out to him.  

Why do you think people will relate to this song?
Mike: It’s a really fun song. Soon as the piano comes in at the beginning, it grabs a listener’s attention. With summer coming, I think it’ll be a really fun song to vibe to while you’re at the beach, or on the way to the amusement park. But also, it’s the message of pushing to be greater. It’s the message of trying to be more than you thought you could be. I love it.  

How did the collab with Eman the Heartbreak come together?
Mike: I like to share stuff with E before I put it out. One day, I asked him to listen to this beat that I had found and he fell in love with it instantly and asked if he could hop on. I thought it would be a great song to say “Hey guys, we’re HNE”, so I decided it’d be the first single to my upcoming project.  

Is this song on any future project you are working on?
Mike: This is actually the first single to my new album that’s coming out on August 27th, titled 'Full Circle'. I wanted the first single to be something really fun, because I had never made anything like that before. I wanted to try something new. It’s really just a piece of a conscious project, but it’s a very fun part.

You can listen to the song, 'Wannabe' tomorrow at 9pm.

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Eman the Heartbreak's Soundcloud | Twitter | Facebook | IG

Britney Marie's video 'Cold'

DMV artist, Britney Marie, showcases the everyday struggle with her new video for her song 'Cold' featuring Destin'd. This dismal, yet optimistic video takes us on the common journey of achieving our personal "hustle". You can see the somber video, that was co-shot by Destin'd and Britney Marie herself, above.

What was is the story/inspiration for the song and video 'Cold'?

"The story behind this song is that the world isn't all glitz and glamour. We sometimes get lost and fall off the right track and don't know what to do next. Once you find your nitch, you still go through trials and tribulations to reach the top. Everyday gets easier but then there's always something or somebody trying to bring you down. The moral of the song is stay strong through the hard times and rise up higher with the good. Don't ever give up and keep fighting for what you believe. In the video I'm walking in a forest and locked behind a gate to symbolize the way of life. How we were all once lost souls until we came into our own and decided our own destinies, but through the whole video I never gave up and I kept looking for a way out still searching but still HAVEN'T found it yet, but one day we will."

You can get her album, 'Freedom Writer', on iTunes now.

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Dealing With Doubt with July Quin

Hailing from the Bronx, July Quin re-imagines the feels of every young adult with his album 'Dealing with Doubt' (released April 4)- an album so relatable you get a little paranoid because you're sure he's writing about you. "I needed it to make sense and connect with people. I took a long time with it because I knew that it meant something to not only me, but to other people."

With lyrics like, "I was born in the belly of the beast, my love. Never was told that I could be someone. I never graduated out of high school, sir. They ain't expect me to grind like such", Quin takes you on a his journey of dealing with doubt from himself and others while still trying to accomplish his dreams. "When you're young, you think you can be what you wanna be", Quin explains. "It's so hard to be everything that you want to be instantaneously. It doesn't happen overnight."

It's easy to categorize 'Dealing with Doubt' as a sad album, but it is actually quite encouraging. From the heartfelt back and forth from Quin and Dizzy SenZe in 'UhHuh' to the reflective and vulnerable Quin in 'Run' you get a push to strive just a little bit more. The composition of this largely self produced album is melodious, cohesive, and rounded. Quin draws you in with the timbre of his songs, but you definitely stay when you hear his resonant vocals.

“This is happening a whole lot more within my community than what I’m aware of.”

When you’re trying to accomplish a dream that seems bigger than yourself it can feel daunting. You reach a level of tunnel-vision that creates the "me against the world" stigma. There’s nothing wrong with that, but there’s a special warmth you get when you are able to connect with others who are also striving for their dreams. 

"The reason I love this album so much and the reason why I want to connect with people as much as I do with this album is for when my friends start not believing in themselves and talking about how they wanna quit because of how society is or whatever the case may be. I just wanna be that person to open the door and be like, 'yo, there’s definitely more to this than what you see right now.'"  

In the subtly amiable song 'Wonderland', Jessie Davis accompanies Quin in nurturing the kings and queens who dream. "We reside in the art they claims illegal- but this is one of the closest ways to get to people", the rapper recites which allows you to feel connected to not only his art, but to his doubt as well.
Doubt can be the killer of the human spirit. It is a self conscious struggle that can paralyze every thing you've set yourself up to accomplish. "People stop because their doubt is so loud that they don’t allow themselves to achieve everything that they can be."

"Sometimes we only get one chance to engage people ‘cause the attention span for music is pretty short so if you’re not captivating anybody for their personal interest you only have one chance to really wow them. If you get the opportunity to give somebody an experience than you've already captured them. Focus on capturing people’s attention and giving them something to talk about. Invite them in. Don’t make them so distant from you."

You can listen to the breathtaking album here:

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(Lead Image: NinoConqueso, Other images: dealingwithdoubt.tumblr.com)

March Favorites

Marlee in the Mixx - "Cloud 9"
"Cloud 9" is a subtle song about obsession. Marlee in the Mixx perfectly capture the feeling of being completely, and utterly infatuated with a person in this hallucinatory song.

Favorite Line: You got highed up, drugged out. Why you all I think about? Kiss my lips. I get my fix. Inhale my fire. Blow me out.

XiT - "Young(er)"

In XiT's album, "Young", he talks about the ups and downs of being young and passionate. This track captures the feeling of summer euphoria, when you feel invincible and golden.

Favorite Line: High off life, chasing feelings of euphoria. This here's a story of a young dream chaser trying to get green paper. Need a secret like Victoria.

The Peace and Body Roll Duo Boomscat - "Private Show"

From the surging synth to the fervid vocals this is the perfect "sexy time" song. The lyrics are assertive, yet modest- which pretty much sums up the perfect lover.

Favorite Line: Baby, I don't wanna talk. Maybe I just wanna uhh, touch you in your favorite spot. Tell me you won't give it up?

Purple Ferdinand - "Wasn't Taught to Love"
From her debut, "The Dragonfly EP", Purple Ferdinand woos us with her vulnerable lyrics and wispy acoustic guitar in this alluring ballad.

Favorite Line: Distorted visions through love no reality. I believe in no such thing as sanity.

Ejaaz - "Guap"
Ejaaz is definitely an artist to look out for. On "Guap" Ejaaz achieves a form of dark ambition on this new wave track.

Favorite Line: I'll be damned if a damn ever stop my growth- no. Progression is vital. The heart carries love in a spiral.

JP Saxe - "Far From Broken"

In "Far From Broken" JP Saxe sings a soulful tale about trying to get over someone, but at the same time not losing what their love has brought you.

Favorite Line: My heart won't hold for someone else. Losing you can't mean losing myself.