So if you’re not an idiot, (then again if you’re reading our site then I’m hoping you’re probably well versed enough to know what the five elements are) then you’ll be well aware that MC came from and was heavily influenced by Caribbean toasting, Jazz scatting and last but not least poetry. Well today ia National Poetry Day, so I thought I’d take this opportunity to give shine to a few well known, and not so known MCs that heavily inspired by poetry and spoken-word. Now we could argue that every rapper alive is influenced by poetry, and that wouldn’t be an untruth in fact it’s a completely accurate statement. There are of course MCs out there however that could happily play the same show as a ‘traditional’ poet , and not be out of place. Then again that in itself is a pretty wide statement too, but I hope you can understand where I’m coming from.
If you think we’re missing out on some artists that are so fantastic that you’re shocked we didn’t know, get in contact via our Twitter or Facebook and let’s have a conversation.
First up is Cormega, that I was introduced this afternoon via Christopher Mitchell from our Facebook page. It’s a short accapella spit, but what it lacks in length it makes up for in substance. Really reminiscent of early slam poetry and street cyphers, and is a big testament to Cormega’s skills as an MC.
Next up is an artist that I hope a lot of you will be aware of already, but if not hopefully you’ll become a fan of. Eyedea was a major artist from Rhymesayers the family, and often worked with DJ Abilities. Not forgetting his huge presence within the battle rap and freestyle scene. His multisyllabic style whilst of course not uncommon, was definitely his own, and his use of language could easily have been transfered into written poetry. Evan Souza very kindly showed me a link to a remixed version of Eyedea & Abilties last album together before Eyedea’s sad passing. The album is mixed Illusionist, and you can have a listen down here, as well as a video of Eyedea’s earlier freestyle battles.
Thank-you to both Christopher and Evan for their suggestions! And keep checking back today for a few more National Poetry Day posts.
http://www.poetrysociety.org.uk/
Words: Aimee
hiphoplifeandtimes 
