So I was reading Allhiphop.com's article about Rhymefest and saw that they had posted this video at the end of the piece:
I was in the studio the night that Fest was attempting (lol) to record to that insane Just Blaze beat. I remember being in Baseline for like 10 hours (it felt like 2, though) and Fest was struggling to write to the record. The session ended and he still was not very far along. He wasn't struggling because he isn't a dope MC (we all know he is one of the greatest) but he was struggling because he wanted a certain vibe and the words weren't coming to him. After watching the video and hearing the record, Fest did an incredible job, but it made me think about how many times rappers tell me "I can record a song in 30 minutes", as if that is something that they are proud of. Just because you can crank out a song in a half hour does not mean you have any extra special talent, if anything, it means you RUSH things. What is wrong with taking your time on a record, so that you can make the record sound as perfect as possible? I think that is what separates the "men" from the 'boys" in this industry. Now, there are a few exceptions to this "speed writing" like KC (Kevin Cossom). I have witnessed him write a phenomenal hook in 15 minutes, but that is a skill that MOST people do not possess, and even he can't do that all the time. I do not know why people think it makes me impressed to hear that you made four songs in four hours at the studio.
Lesson: The amount of time it takes you to make a record holds absolutely no weight when it comes to the question if your a talented artist or not, so stop thinking it does.
(This is not directed to any artist specifically, just a trend I am noticing and wanted to speak on it)
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
ACTUAL BLOG: Rhymefest - B BOY
11 comments:
I totally agree with the article. I know for me it took a whole year to put together my album During that time I was able to bang out tracks for my 1st Mix tape Personal Business vol 1. So all in all I think if you are an artist and you are serious about your craft you should take the time to make sure you are delivering a quality product. Just my 2 cents.
Malakhi
I couldn't agree more. This is a blatant disrespect for the arts. However, many of the rapper friends I know, blame it on a lack of money for studio time (Even when they have always have a bag of piff to spark). 4 songs per block of time SEEMS to be the smartest, most efficient way to approach it. I just read an article on how it takes 10,000 hours to become an expert on any particular thing. I would have to agree with them on this.
Follow me Jessie. I follow you! @eleetmusic
eleetmusic, I totally agree with you about that but there are ways to write to a record without having to be in the studio. You can always spend the time outside the studio writing the record so that you are will prepared to start recording it once you book studio time. I'm not too much talking about the mixing/mastering aspect as I am the actual writing.
What's good eleetmusic? I think a four hour block is enough time if the artist stays focued and not bullshit in the studion i.e. smokin wit da homies and what not. I treat everything I do when it comes to my music as a business ya know. I knwo cats who sit up in the studio for hours crackin jokes then bitchin about puttin in extra money to finish the record they came to work on. This is why I made the decision to purchase equipment and record at home that way I ain't gotta wait on MC such n such to finish bullshittin runnin over into my studio time. Aight I'ma get off the soapbox.
One
For real. I think we are all on the same page on this one. Do the real work elsewhere. Go in the studio on a mission and leave your boo boo in the @ home :-)
I struggle with this all the time. The balance between being productive and letting the creativity flow naturally, and not forcing it.
On the one hand, you can work on a record for several days, and it come out wack. but on the other hand, the creativity may come to you quick and you knock it out in an hour.
I'm not sure which is better, but I definetly dislike the fact that people brag about creating a song in 20 minutes.
Great post!
Let me play the devil's advocate for a little. Some people work better on a stream of consciousness. A lot of authors have trouble starting and then stopping when they're writing novels because the feeling and emotion can be lost. The same with painters and some musicians.
But I think it comes from an efficiency stand point. You get torn between trying to make the best product in the shortest amount of time. So from the p.o.v. of an unknowledgeable person, there's a perception that knocking out a lot in a short amount of time is the best way. That coupled with stories of the greats (like Hov knocking out The Blueprint in like a weekend or however that legend goes). Who doesn't wanna do what the best do? It would be like me wanting a quick first step like D. Wade (who wouldn't want that?).
The only difference is a knowledgeable person would take the necessary steps to attain that skill level. But some folks just don't know any better.
So I guess you can just chalk it up to the reasoning of your choosing; ignorance, time being essential, or emulation of your favorites.
wow..real dope J.M. yeah kiss said it best...weather i do it on the spot or it takes all night..i remember reading snoop talk about doing america's most wanted..and he sd he had to take the beat home and write to it instead of freestyling to it..
songwriters shld take them time..
unless u found that vibe...
thats dope! i like his work a lot but just seeing that it takes the greats a while to find the perfect vibe, makes me slow down on the whole "i wrote this song in 30 mins." phase, b/c it doesnt mean that its as dope as it could be."
Well put. I agree 110%.
I agree !!! Those who put thought into their lyrics and have lyrics of substance will be the one's who have a longer career !!!
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