What makes a good MC?

[Blu]

NOTE: I'm not trying to hurt anyone (but I probably will). Your anus will probably be hurt, but... just know it wasn't intentional. That would be rape.

Anyways, I wanna discuss a topic that I don't really see around on this forum. That topic is, "What makes a good MC?" You know, an emcee!

I wanna make this topic sweet and short, so let me just start off with the first case: the technical aspect. A lot of people believe that rappers that can rhyme five or more syllables automatically become good MC's. But then again, being a technical rapper doesn't always mean rhyming syllables. Some people/rappers consider technicalities the usage of metaphors, similes, and other forms of literary devices.


This will surely piss someone off.

Then, for one reason or another, people decide to include a rapper's production. As if, the beats the rapper lays their lyrics on has any importance to their skill. Or does it? Then of course, people mention other factors such as: storytelling, and sexual appeal?

So, I just wanna get TR's opinion of what exactly makes a good MC.

[Trimss]

I'll make it simple.

- Good beats
- Technical skills (not rhyming 5 syllables in every song, but still someone who can rhyme)
- A good flow, not too generic
- A delivery that makes you want to keep listening and not someone who'll put you to sleep
- Charism
- Originality

Mhh.. That's it I think.

[Accor]

I don't think production should be a part of the discussion because that has nothing to do with the actual rapping.

Rhyming is obviously important but incredibly overrated. Cool, you can rhyme 10 syllables but can you make a good song?

Good metaphors, punchlines (although I usually hate punchlines) witty lines
Creative concepts, good story telling
Ability to show emotion
Being able to add rhymes without taking away from what you're saying
Good delivery
Charisma is extremely important and is one of the reasons why I love Kanye.
Humour.

[Slim Fiasco]

Having a good delivery is the most important thing considering it's the hardest skill so develop. However, while many MCs have great deliveries they aren't very charismatic and their lyrics are lacking creativity and artistry. But overall, a good flow is a must, and if you want to be great then another important factor is the songwriting skills. It all comes down to enjoying a song though, and if you think about it, the songs you like the most probably have the best beats to you, so beats play a major role as well.

[momentsgolden]

What makes a good MC is as varied and as specific as to what makes a good car. It really depends on what that particular artist is aiming for and therefore its person specific. For example, lots of people LOVE the new Nas album - Life is Good but its rhyming is at best average and at worst non-existant. Yet, someone like Tech N9ne would sacrifice any other component to make his rhyming good.

On the production- i think to be considered in the elite MC category your ability to make a classic record should be considered. Obviously, with bad production you are heavily disadvantaged and with Dre, Premo, Kanye on the boards you are helped but its still the MC's responsibility to make the record sound well rounded, cohesive and smooth. OR experimentally appealing.

That said, Free speech is right. Right now its expanded beyond just rapping and certain people like Drake are making FANTASTIC records (Marvins room is a Goat song tbh) yet they rarely employ the "technical" aspects of traditional Mcs

Having a good delivery is the most important thing considering it's the hardest skill so develop.

This is a complete departure from what i said. As Lello said, Joe Budden has a drawl almost inadible delivery yet he IS a good Mc. People like 50 cent could even be thrown in that category. Remember that its not just what makes you LIKE someone its what makes them GOOD and it really could be anything

[Slim Fiasco]

^Yeah, but his delivery is good. At least he stays on beat if nothing else.

[EminemBase]

Autotune and swag. And rims.

[Sam.]

One who doesn't rely on his swag and plays with the skills is an true MC, in my mind. You need not project via your money and business that you're a dope MC, and you have all the best equipment's and shit. What you do with it is more important, just making catchy poppy shit to gain popularity among the masses is not what a true MC is. A true MC would use the resources that he has and exploit it to the best capacity. He would just keep on doing a record unless it sounds perfect, and once he gets a feedback about that, he would try to improve on that and try to give his fans better material every time. He shouldn't be monotonous, like relying on the same style that made him famous in the 1st place.

Consistency is also what would make a rapper a good MC. Not releasing new music unless he realizes that it has surpassed his past work.

[rapaddict92]

1)originality
2)love for music
3)experience