Crescendo wrote:
In regards to the first part of the post: Eminem is hardly a prodigy. He is obviously very shallow (at least what I've seen in interviews of him) and is just like any other rapper.
I see that you don't see Eminem as anything special, but is this because of his music or because of how he acts in interviews or television spots? Seems to me that, as Jim pointed out with Michael Jackson, you may be basing some of your opinion on his music on something other than his music. I personally wouldn't say he's just like any other rapper musically, as he seems to be the only one nowadays who doesn't rap about being a (not sure if the word's allowed here - starts with a p and ends the same way) or how much street cred he has. Also, he's the only rapper I can remember who has won an Academy Award.
I can't say that I've ever seen Eminem in an interview or other similar situation, so I have no idea on how he acts in that respect. Even if I did happen to see him in an interview where he acted like a jerk, that wouldn't change my opinion of his music, which, for the record, really isn't even all that high anyway. I mean, the songs of his that I've heard I haven't strongly disliked, but I haven't particularly liked them either - I'm indifferent. Still, I can appreciate his music enough to know that he is *not* like every other rapper.
*shrug* I respect that you dislike Eminem's music, though I'd hope you dislike it based entirely on the music, not on how Eminem acts in public.
Crescendo wrote:
Rappers, in my own opinion, don't have very much talent. I strongly dislike that kind of music.
I respect your opinion, though I'm a little shakey on it. Do you just think rappers have little talent because you dislike rap music? I can't agree with that. See, I personally dislike much of Christina Aguilera's music, but I still appreciate her wonderful voice and singing talent. Her music may not appeal to me, but I can still see that she does have talent.
Exactly why do you believe rappers don't have much talent? I will agree that there are many rappers nowadays who are fairly popular that don't seem to do much rapping or writing anymore, and they're unfortunately the ones who get the most play. But there are also many other rappers out there that can write powerful, wonderful lyrics and can rap just as well. I personally think that rapping does take talent, as I find it amazing (when it's done well, anyway) to be able to speak so quickly, keep the beat, and still keep the force of the song.
I'm more familiar with older rap than I am with new, so when I think "rappers" I think Run-DMC, Kurtis Blow, Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five, all who, I believe, had evident talent. I don't really keep up with modern rap, but I'm sure some still have great lyrical and rapping talent. Sure, you may not like rap, but, to me, one should still be able to look past personal preference and appreciate talent, whether it be in rapping, singing, dancing, writing, or anything else.