Genius Bars

Many people who don’t understand hip-hop often dismiss it as meaningless. And while there is definitely mindless hip-POP — as with all other genres — a lot of the great lyricism goes unnoticed. Enter Rap Genius.

Rap Genius is a website that breaks down lyrics in hip-hop. Much like Wikipedia, annotations are user-submitted, but reviewed by a panel, and many artists have verified accounts so they can ensure the integrity of their lyrics remain in tact.

I love reading lyrics on the site to gain a further understanding on the song, and often learn a lot from what the artists have to say.

Recently, Maclean’s wrote a great article on the site and its creator, who has gone on to create other decoding websites like Poetry Genius and News Genius.

KG

“Daydreamin'” – Lupe Fiasco (@ Rap Genius)

NEW LUPE FIASCO

Lupe released a new track today called “Old School Love” featuring UK crooner Ed Sheeran.  The track is the first single off Lupe’s upcoming album Testuo & Youth, to be released early 2014.

Judging by this song, and recent releases by Lupe… his old school sound that we heard coming back on Food & Liquor II: The Great American Rap Album Pt. 1 should be deeply imbedded into this new album.  Hip-hop fans rejoice.

KG

Lupe Fiasco – “Old School Love ft. Ed Sheeran”