You're not the only one there. A lot of people would agree that as far as simple technique, he's not much of a rapper. He had to fight that a lot coming up. But he's not the only person to compile a pretty incredible body of work with limited vocal talents.
Maybe, it's just to my ears hip-hop has always been a lot more dependent on vocals, lyricism and delivery, especially when the production/background track is pretty bare-bones. And it's just for someone trying to be the 'Elvis' of hip-hop, that weakness is pretty apparent. I'd put many hip-hop stars, like Jay-Z or Public Enemy, before him in that department. I mean, it doesn't "offend" when he says he's the shit, I think I just find it irritating when there are many incredible rockers (and rappers) who should be laying claim to that title but don't get the headlines.
Maybe, it's just to my ears hip-hop has always been a lot more dependent on vocals, lyricism and delivery, especially when the production/background track is pretty bare-bones. And it's just for someone trying to be the 'Elvis' of hip-hop, that weakness is pretty apparent. I'd put many hip-hop stars, like Jay-Z or Public Enemy, before him in that department. I mean, it doesn't "offend" when he says he's the shit, I think I just find it irritating when there are many incredible rockers (and rappers) who should be laying claim to that title but don't get the headlines.
Yea, I think hip-hop is more about innovation than anything else. That's why the term "Elvis of hip-hop" is kind of an oxymoron. It's not about creating songs that tons of people will like and respond to (which is exactly what Kanye is focused on doing). It's about rhyme, lyricism, and delivery, but also taking the tools that are out there now and using them in a way that they weren't meant to be used (that's how scratching, cutting, etc. were born). Kanye doesn't really do that...he's sort of like Jack White. He's a talented guy who has a slightly new spin on a classic sort of sound. So it sounds modern, and a lot of people like it. But I don't consider it very innovative at all. Anything artists like Mos Def or Boots Riley have put out in the past few years is as good if not better than anything Kanye has imo...and they rap about things that are way more relevant to my world. What does Kanye really have to say? "flashing.....lights, liiiiights"? I dunno...I'm not hearing it.
Comments
2010: Newark 5/18 MSG 5/20-21 2011: PJ20 9/3-4 2012: Made In America 9/2
2013: Brooklyn 10/18-19 Philly 10/21-22 Hartford 10/25 2014: ACL10/12
2015: NYC 9/23 2016: Tampa 4/11 Philly 4/28-29 MSG 5/1-2 Fenway 8/5+8/7
2017: RRHoF 4/7 2018: Fenway 9/2+9/4 2021: Sea Hear Now 9/18
2022: MSG 9/11 2024: MSG 9/3-4 Philly 9/7+9/9 Fenway 9/15+9/17
2025: Pittsburgh 5/16+5/18
Maybe, it's just to my ears hip-hop has always been a lot more dependent on vocals, lyricism and delivery, especially when the production/background track is pretty bare-bones. And it's just for someone trying to be the 'Elvis' of hip-hop, that weakness is pretty apparent. I'd put many hip-hop stars, like Jay-Z or Public Enemy, before him in that department. I mean, it doesn't "offend" when he says he's the shit, I think I just find it irritating when there are many incredible rockers (and rappers) who should be laying claim to that title but don't get the headlines.
My Antiquiet review: http://www.antiquiet.com/reviews/2008/11/kanye-west-808s-and-heartbreak-review/