Does it really matter how lyrical an artist is?

[Blu]

Or do you just listen to whatever sounds good to you.

In my opinion, I listen to whatever sounds good to me.

And honestly, no one should be crowned "GOAT" because everyone is entitled to their opinions and this is hip-hop, an art form that is based on opinions.

Discuss.

[Amaranthine]

I listen to whatever sounds good, but lyrical is a big bonus to me. I respect an artist a lot more if they're lyrical, or at least it seems like they put effort into the lyrics.

[Blu]

I listen to whatever sounds good, but lyrical is a big bonus to me. I respect an artist a lot more if they're lyrical, or at least it seems like they put effort into the lyrics.

I feel you, being a good lyricist is a plus for me too. But I just don't understand how some people only choose to listen to artists that have insane rhyme schemes and quadruple entendre's in every song.

Sometimes, I just need to listen to the music.

[JUMPDMC]

Honestly 90% of the rap I listen to, I like because of the voice. You can be the most lyrical mofo on the planet but if you sound like canibus or solja boy I don't wanna hear it.

[12characters]

Yeah it does, to me anyway. I need to hear effort put into the song. I don't see any effort if the rhyme schemes weren't taken seriously. Of course, if that's all they excel in, then I wouldn't listen to it either because then they would be neglecting other aspects.

[Stanforever]

For me first impression depends on how good it sounds.but the replay value depends on how good the lyrics are.

If sounding good is the most important thing,then florida must be the greatest rapper of all time.......

[dead prez]

Of course it does matter otherwise you can have a rapper blather on for a whole album about how we're all ass vapor created by extraterrestrials and that's the reason we're so interested in gathering evidence for them, than no that's retarded and it breaks my suspension of disbelief.

You can try to separate the musical aspect of rap with the lyricism but if awful lyrics are being vomited out than you can't help but notice the glaringly terrible lines, even if you intentionally try to black out the lyricism and try to make them out to be mutually exclusive.

I can relate in a way though as a lot of times I don't hang to every single word being said unless the rapper's saying something profound, telling a story, or whose whole style forces you to have to listen closely to fully enjoy their music (Rhyme Asylum for example). A lot of times though if the content is cliche or boring I tune it out and listen to the rappers as nondescript vocal makers.

Your last sentence is a heaping crock of shit though, as opinions can be terrible and wrong much like this thread.

[JUMPDMC]

If sounding good is the most important thing,then florida must be the greatest rapper of all time.......

Maybe to you, personally i hate that guys voice.

[Slim Fiasco]

With English being my foreign language, lyrics don't hit me the same way they do native people, so my tolerance for corniness is big. With that being said, the artist needs to be something special for me to hold him in high regards, but for me to enjoy a song, being slightly above average is enough.

[Kill You]

Both. I want my music to sound good and most of the time have great lyrics...doesn't have to have the best lyrics but I'm not gonna listen to Lil B, Soulja Boy, or Waka Flocka because they aren't lyrical enough. Think Wiz isn't lyrical either, dude hardly uses multis. Sounding good is always a key element though...for example, I like Drake's Take Care album...not necessarily the most lyrical album out but he has a bunch of good sounding tracks on there. And I am definitely not even a Drake fan.

[Innovation]

It doesn't matter too much tbh. As long as you enjoy the sound of the music, that's all that matters. However, being lyrical can improve the sound of the song for obvious reasons. It also helps me appreciate the artist more as the writing is more complex. That doesn't mean every lyrical artist sounds good though. Sadistik is very strong lyrically but I don't particularly like the "sound" of his music.

On the flip, you have artists such as Lil B who isn't lyrical, but some people like the sound of his music. I'm not one them, but it's just an example.

It's just personal preference at the end of the day. It shouldn't matter as long as you enjoy the songs they put out.

[Eedee]

I prefer artists who write complex lyrics, like they actually sat down and took the time to produce intricate rhyme schemes - plus multi-syllable rhymes just SOUND better than simple rhymes. I also appreciate it when the artist can convey their emotions through their voice and lyrics.

Perfect example of all this: Eminem.

[Manly Moose]

if when you say sounding good do you mean good flow, or voice? Cause for me any voice sounds bad without a good flow. Anyways, they got to be a little lyrical for me to listen to them; doesnt mean big rhymes just good lyrics if I think the rapper is retarded it will piss me off.

[Fleka]

I prefer lyrical artists. Sure, delivery, flow and voice matter, but I listen to rap because of lyrics. I listen to rap because of the stories, wordplay, metaphors, punchlines. I love songs that you can relate to or a songs that makes you sad or pumped. If you don`t think that being lyrical is not the most important, you should swith to pop music.

There are some songs by 50 that I like. Mostly because of the beat and the way the song "bangs". But I will never like them the way I like songs like "Sing For The Moment", "The Way I Am", "Dance With The Devil", "Changes", "Role Model" ...

Lyrical artists make songs that last for generations. Mumbling some stupid and simple shit over a banging (most of the time) beat gets forgotten real fast.

[Xray]

Obviously the more technical a rap is, the more impressive it sounds. Not in all cases though, but I'd much rather prefer meaningful lyricism over punchline songs.