Storify by jay smooth

Chuck D on Hip-Hop and Ghostwriting

Mr. Chuck D adding some historical perspective on this week's hip-hop/ghostwriting debates, in response to the conversation we had on my radio show last night.

Chuck D @MrChuckD
The best hiphop discussions are on JSmoove&crew UndergroundRailroad radio show now on WBAI None better than this 20year old show
Fri, Aug 17 2012 19:40:11
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Chuck D @MrChuckD
Underground Railroad radio show none better in HipHop music & discussion heard now on WBAI.org. Discussing rap ghostwriting
Fri, Aug 17 2012 19:43:15
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Chuck D @MrChuckD
Discussing NAS ghostwritten accusation.Many talk hiphop taboos but dont start early enuff.If you had a wack voice you wsnt gettin MIC in 70s
Fri, Aug 17 2012 19:59:11
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Chuck D @MrChuckD
It wasnt always about WHO wrote the rhyme IT was also HOW the MC projected IT.Many cats used the SAME rhymes like MJ used the same BALL..but
Fri, Aug 17 2012 20:01:14
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Chuck D @MrChuckD
When I was in HighSchool 78 there were NO such thing as RAP records.Rappers had to PAY attention to the MUSIC,DJs,RECORDS to MOVE the crowd.
Fri, Aug 17 2012 20:11:09
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Andrea Smith @andreamusiclove
@MrChuckD how do you feel about ghostwriting?
Fri, Aug 17 2012 19:55:47
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Chuck D @MrChuckD
@andreamusiclove IMHO in recording many MCS the past 20YRS cda been better off writing for voices that really could command & MOVE the crowd
Fri, Aug 17 2012 20:03:29
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Chuck D @MrChuckD
@quejone5 Too many people start hiphop history from their truncated vantage point.NAS certainly cant be tainted from doing someones lyrics..
Fri, Aug 17 2012 20:05:29
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Chuck D @MrChuckD
@JohnnyJuice @incrediblekulk often underrated is RAKIMs voice tone and delivery,like SCARFACE THY can BEND a word around a BAR so beautiful.
Fri, Aug 17 2012 20:22:54
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Jesus Shuttlesworth @TheFunkyFresh23
@MrChuckD but do YOU believe Nas had/has a ghostwriter?
Fri, Aug 17 2012 20:31:24
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Chuck D @MrChuckD
@TheFunkyFresh23 Maybe who cares.Bottom line does the SONG move YOU? Where did ALL these silly 12 year old kid rules come from? What year?
Fri, Aug 17 2012 20:33:09
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Jesus Shuttlesworth @TheFunkyFresh23
@MrChuckD It's not a rule it's just not the same if the rapper who recites these lyrics doesn't actually write them.
Fri, Aug 17 2012 20:35:15
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Jesus Shuttlesworth @TheFunkyFresh23
Shoot Chuck D responded to me. One of the best to ever do it.
Fri, Aug 17 2012 20:35:53
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Jesus Shuttlesworth @TheFunkyFresh23
@MrChuckD I see your point though: as long as the song moves you or the message is received then it doesn't matter who wrote it.
Fri, Aug 17 2012 20:36:55
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Chuck D @MrChuckD
@TheFunkyFresh23 I wish I could DO Bob Marleys lyrics...and take them higher...understand?
Fri, Aug 17 2012 20:38:24
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Jesus Shuttlesworth @TheFunkyFresh23
@MrChuckD & you're saying you can't do Bob Marley's lyrics because you don't have the voice to do it? Or the look?
Fri, Aug 17 2012 20:42:29
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Chuck D @MrChuckD
@TheFunkyFresh23 I Dont have the Voice nor the look.Mainly voice.Gotta KNOW what you cannot do.Mad respect as I can borrow his point of view
Fri, Aug 17 2012 20:45:41
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Chuck D @MrChuckD
Funny how some of these hiphop cats will accept a drug dealers point of view of killin human beings into the RAPgame & dis ghostwriting WTF?
Fri, Aug 17 2012 20:52:51
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