Is Music Poetry?

1. Select 2 musical selections – one you consider to be poetry and one you do not.
Poetry
Jay-Z: Song Cry
http://www.metrolyrics.com/song-cry-lyrics-jayz.html

Not Poetry
Soulja Boy: Crank That Soulja Boy
http://www.metrolyrics.com/crank-that-soulja-boy-lyrics-soulja-boy.html


2. Convince your audience that your opinion is valid. Why is one song a poem and the other is not?
I believe that Jay-Z’s song “Song Cry” is a poem and Soulja Boy’s song “Crank That Soulja Boy” isn’t because “Song Cry” has a personal meaning. It also contains many literary elements while the other contains two. Jay-Z's song shows men that it is ok to say that it’s their fault but at the same time the girl was responsible for not being straight out with him. It’s just a piece of art. On the other hand, Soulja Boy’s song “Crank That Soulja Boy” has no meaning. It’s just a hype/dancing song, to get the crowd pumped.

3. IS RAP/HIP-HOP POETRY?
a. Is Rap/Hip-Hop music poetic expression? Why or Why not?
In my opinion, Rap/Hip-Hop music is a poetic expression. The reason I think Rap/Hip-Hop music is a poetic expression because many lyrics from rap/hip-hop artists contain what most poems have such as, a theme, metaphor, simile, enjambment and many more. Also, these artists’ shows how he/she feels and it’s giving a message to the people.

b. What literary characteristics or poetic terms does this music express?
Rap/Hip-Hop expresses all of the literary characteristics. For example, Jay-Z’s song “Song Cry” within the first stanza it contains alliteration, assonance, consonance, and enjambment.
The most incredible baby
Uhh - mmm, mmm, mmm, mmm
Yeah, yeah.. uhh

c. What type of critic are you? Explain why.
I think I am more of a context critic because I think that the power of words really helps me understand how an artist feels. I believe that an artist can use any kind to words to get a message across. It also, helps me have knowledge of the artist tone better.