An interesting article was sent to me today, comparing spoken word and hip-hop. A lot of it is based on the widely-viewed images of the two artforms, it's definitely not comprehensive but it's an interesting read regardless:


The Hip-Hop Experience Part 1
from Yo! Raps Magazine

I’m going to take you on an expedition. A two-part series that will cover what is still considered a new phenomenon: Spoken-word poetry. Is it Hip-Hop? From the famous words of Bob Holman, "Rap is poetry." There are obviously the common debates over whether rap is being represented as good Hip-Hop and if there’s in fact a difference. Spoken-word poetry embodies the same exact elements that revolve around Hip-Hop culture. It’s in the roots. Ride with me and crash into this particular realm, because it’s still under the radar and underrated.

The term Spoken-word poetry means poetry that is literally performed aloud. There are many LP’s without music. Spoken-word originated, as a section of the music stores, however, not all Spoken-word omitted music. For our CD burning generation, the section does still exist and it includes famous speeches, comedy, and plays.

Real Hip-Hop aficionados are highly aware of Spoken-word poetry. They’ve experienced all aspects of the Hip-Hop culture to at least acknowledge the oral tradition of poetry and storytelling. It’s undoubtedly within many cultural roots; therefore, it shouldn’t be a surprise as to how Hip-Hop was shaped and formed. From a musical standpoint, lyricism is customarily regarded as one of the key elements in expressing a variety of perspectives. Think about it. We’re so speedy to judge the best emcees in the game based on delivery, image, swagger, and the ability to convey realism through our CD’s and contradictive airwaves.

In Hip-Hop, we value freedom of speech and the freedom to collectively use art as a means of expressing real life issues and as a mode of transporting stories through our susceptible brains. Hip-Hop is poetry, however, it’s how the message is conveyed that further establishes an argument of distinction between performance poetry and your average emcee. Rap is poetry; it’s just that adding melodic beats to verse is standardized as music. Spoken-word can use both, but a 16-line verse isn’t mandatory.

For our basic assumptions, here are five differences and similarities between Hip-Hop rap and Spoken-word poetry. A demonstration of Spoken-word is at the end.

Spoken-word poetry vs. Hip-Hop

1. Difference: Same style, different pen

In Spoken-word poetry, you don’t need an instrumental accompaniment, it´s optional, but some poets use it and performing on key isn’t necessary.

In Hip-Hop, you do need a hot beat, if not, it’s considered an A cappella. Reminds me of those DMX prayers. Yo, that was definitely considered Spoken-word on a Hip-Hop album.

2. Similarities: performance locality equal same necks

In Spoken-word poetry, artists usually are found at open mic venues. Please don’t mistake open mic for Karaoke, trust me, the mic is free, but the talent is generally up to par and "serious." Poets perform in the Atlanta streets, New York subways, Mississippi churches, concerts and the Carnegie hall, schools, and even funerals.

In Hip-Hop rap, artists are also found at open mic venues. Hip-Hop artists can also be found showcasing their talents on the Brooklyn streets, Miami avenues, gracing their presents at concerts and talent shows, schools, and perhaps something reminiscent of Tupacs, "Dear Mama" at funerals.

3. Difference: Don’t kill the messenger now, do it later

In Spoken-word poetry, the message is usually conscience and if for some reason it isn’t, it’s normally a poet using wordplay around your mental playground. In fact, often times you’ll find Spoken-word poets denouncing Hip-Hop "gangster" rap and its impact on mainstream culture. However, the Talib Kweli’s, the Common’s, the Mos Defs… most definitely receive praise within the Spoken-word culture. It’s the message and the variety of art, wordplay, and its originality that sets it’s ground against mainstream rap music.

In Hip-Hop, particularly gangster, often times the message is being reiterated over and over. Yes, there are a lot people struggling in the ghettos, but glamorizing the issue doesn’t make things better. Whatever happened to telling a story? Chamillionare featured Slick Rick. Slick Rick is needed right now. "Keeping it real" and the "No snitching policy" appear to make gangster rap a negative government and the rest of the world militias or rebels fighting for change. America is still fascinated with being gangster. Soprano’s is a major hit BUT the black community is already hit with some many difficulties, lets not let our music put us down more. NWA had a message at the time. What are we so angry about now? Lets change…something.

4. Similarities and difference: In terms of attire… African locs or the original meaning of "Dreadlocks?"

Spoken-word poets are often bohemian in their presence. Being materialistic is frowned upon. For example: The African locs are normally indications of meaning, a symbol of naturalism and freedom. Although not every poet has locs and dress bohemian, you’ll occasionally catch a few throw back jersey wearing dudes or gals that’ll still rock your cranium with some heavy words of wisdom.

5. Similarities and Difference: "One love" meant for the entire Caribbean and world

From tattoos to representing and being proud, social issues, fantasies, the endless search for truth, illusions battling reality for the number one spot in our left and right side of our gullible brains, old school rap, new school rap, old school poetry, new school poetry, Gil Scot Heron to Saul Williams, Tribe Called Quest to Common….

Yes, differences and similarities shape our opinions. Your 16 bars can be added to your second verse and it’ll equal to a Spoken-word piece, however, the rhythm of spitting is different, but if the message is in there and the art is being respected then Hip-Hop is poetry, and Spoken-word can be Hip-Hop. So, Spoken-word poetry should be heard. Umm, quite frankly, we should work together. Hip-Hop artist, Common, brought The Last Poets back; lets reincarnate Spoken-word poetry all together.

- By Wilkine Brutus

(link to article)
(read part 2)