I want to jump in but don't know where to start!

It might be a bit dark at the moment in the US, but I believe rap to be one of the truly brilliant American artforms. Let's put aside the "bling" and the "pimp" content for the moment (in fact, if I could put it aside for good, I would). This is a form that combines jazz-like improvisation with theatre and references to any other music you want. It's a clean slate. Consider it as verbal tap-dancing. Plus it has the grittiness that comes from direct contact with the streets.

However, I recently put together a compilation of African rap. All I can say is: stand back. Their various scenes have grown far from the commercial and media pressures that exist in Europe and the US. And it is the most vibrant music on the planet (did I really say that? Looking back, I did).

These guys really have something to say, and a unique musical sensibility. I consider it a privilege to have worked with guys that give so much at each show.

The US rap I hear I now find to be bloated and irrelevant. There's too much of it and many of the performers are winging it madly.

Time will filter all that fluff out. Meanwhile, change channels. I do when country comes on!



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Michael Leahy
The Accidental Lyricist
http://michael-leahy.indiegroup.com

Michael Leahy
The Accidental Lyricist
http://www.a-lyric.com/