The Musical Philosophy


I think rap music is the philosophy of the 21st century. I find rap more insightful, inspiring and engaging than most self-help books, speakers, philosophers and other motivation material out there. I think the soul of the music is in the words and not just the beats.

For a moment, if you put aside the obviously shown weed, booze, cuss, bling, and skin, you can feel the core essence of rap, the words that can punch a hole in any wall. I think, unlike other types of songwriters who write to impress, rappers write to express. Rappers express, they don’t impress. It actually looks like they do the latter, but they don't. Most are extremely confident of their image and don't need to.

The words are loaded with power, as rappers write what they believe in, the experiences they have lived through, troubles they faced, questions they want to ask, radical viewpoints against the status quo that can move this world into a better place.

This unique expression of rappers has been inspiring countless people around the world. The music not only changes the mood, but can change your life by influencing the mind and heart, at a deeper level. That’s the power of true music. Music that works, beyond the surface level and one that connects with us at a deeper level. That’s real music. I’d like to call it musical philosophy.

Well, I’m no music professional, however as a writer and filmmaker, I know the power of words. Coupled with beats, the words turn into a super power for songwriters and composers. When you play Dr. DRE, Eminem, Snoop, Tupac and 50 Cent, you don’t just hear them, you listen to them or even actively listen to understand the depth of the music. At the core of their music is their passion, struggle, attitude, perspective, and the immensely strong resolve they have shown in their life to succeed and inspire others.

This line from the song Still DRE, “And even when I was close to defeat, I rose to my feet.” inspired me take action and stay motivated. I play this on loop, in troubled times. When I’m lost or tensed, I tend to either read a stoic book or listen to the great rappers and there’s an instant change in my outlook, and I start to live once again in the present moment to find ideas and solutions.

I see rap as the new-age philosophy where one can enjoy and benefit from the best of both these worlds. Words & Beats!

Dr. Dre is inspiring as he still perseveres, does not take misfortune, mishaps, his success or money for granted. Here's a line from the same song. “Wake up in the a.m., compose a beat.” Well, does he need to? He does it, even after all the fame, success, and partying. He knows he needs to do what he’s meant to do best, keep inspiring with his beats.

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