Why aren't singers and musicians held to the same standard as rappers? Musicians aren't chastised if they play music that they didn't compose. Great singers aren't ridiculed for singing the words of someone else.

I think you answered your own question, but I'll reiterate: the words are all rappers have. If they're lifting their words off someone else, they've got nothing of any artistic value to offer. Where musicians have their instruments as proof of their abilities and can therefore reshape someone else's song, all a rapper has are the very words he speaks. What kind of cred and skill do you have if your one talent is simply reduced to reciting someone else's words?

Yes the lyrics are (should be) very important. But there is more to being a good rapper than just the lyrical content. Intonation, syncopation, being able to 'ride' a beat, etc. It's not like they are just talking over a beat. It's hard to duplicate the delivery of the likes of KRS-ONE, Eminem, Rakim, Busta Rhymes, Biggie, etc.

You actually answered question 1 with point 2.
Would it be better if the liner notes explicitly said 'written by XYZ', instead of trying to be stealth about it? (For that matter, does the average person even read the liner notes?)

When a non-rap musician sings someone else's song, the authorship is clearly noted in the liner notes. And yeah, I suspect the average person reads 'em. I certainly do, and I think the lack of liner notes is a big negative in respect to music downloading.
I think it's often something that a musician wants advertised - "This person is a great songwriter, and I hope I can do their song justice."
Although that doesn't explain Diane Warren.

This description of MCs vs rappers notably has pretty much nothing to do with MUSIC. There doesn't seem to be any discernable difference based on this description betweent the actual sounds or tunes created by these two described types. The difference seems to be that MCs are apparently cool, and rappers have cooties.

Al,

That is true to an extent. But in general, the music will be quite different. Rappers tend to make the type of music that is more likely to cross-over. It'll probably be blended with R&B, and the lyrical content will be 'watered down' accordingly. (trying to get p-a-i-d) MCs tend to stick to more of an underground sound. But it is possible for eiterh type of person to make either type of music. Like I said in a comment on my site, it's hard for me to quantify the difference btwn MCs and rappers. But like what's often said about porn, I know it when I see it.

I'm not sure how much the idea of "watering down" the hardcore for sales really applies in the world of rap. Seems like the biggest acts are mostly the hardest, baddest dudes around. A certain kind of "authenticity" seems to be exactly what audiences are paying for.

Can't see how Eminem or Dre could be considered to have "watered down" lyrical content.

I suppose there's Puffy on the other side.

Good point Al. But some of those 'hard, bad' dudes are posers, or as 50 Cent says 'Wankstas' (p.k.a. studio gangstas). And again, they're not being themselves and just doing that style of rap for the money. (but hey, we all have to eat)

You used the word 'authenticity', and I think you hit the nail on the head. The people that are 'keeping it real' get respect. The posers don't.

"Authenticity" in art is a highly suspect idea with me. Mostly art is a fiction to start with, a refraction of reality. By authenticity logic, only autobiographical songs written by the singer/rapper would be truly "legitimate."

A lot of the time, this authentic gangsta crap seems to be just a substitute for authentic SONGS. 50 Cent is no doubt an authentic thug, but he doesn't have anything resembling a real song. If he had the SONGS, I wouldn't care if he was class valedictorian at a New England prep school.

Johnny Cash has never actually killed anyone, nor particularly been violent at all. Yet no one dismisses the "Folsom Prison Blues" or "Delia's Gone" as lacking authenticity. The real authenticity is in the song and the record.

I also doubt that wankstas and studio gangstas are in it for the money any more than real authentic criminals. Is 50 Cent any less interested in getting paid than Dre or Puffy?

Authenticity has always been important to a good portion of the hip-hop community. Which is why rappers try to hide the fact that they're not writing their own lyrics, IMO.

I think all rappers/MCs want to get paid. The difference is what will they do to achieve that end. Change their style? Team up with pop artists? Make a 'blingy' video and wear shiny suits?

Anyone know how to break into the ghostwriting business?

the major reason R&B and music composers aren't held in the same standards as hip hop is simple.Hip hop is not as difficult to perform as singing and composing music. anybody can rap when a rapper raps it is normally about material things and who is the best mc. Therefore, once he or she gets the mic they are liable to criticism. That being said, a rapper is going to get "Hammered", (no pun intended),if he or she can't whole their own in the rap game. On the other hand, nobody cares if Beyonce don't write her own music because she would sing it very well.If you was to walk out your house and ask people to compose a song and sing you might not find one who could do this. It is all about appearance and talent. Dr. Dre,Timberland,Master P, and P. Diddy brings the most important element to their field and that is complimenting weaknessess with business strengths. Anybody can apply that to any field. As a fan, and not looking at it from a business perspective, I hate phony rappers but, hey, they know how to work the system. You decide.Peace.

thats what i hate about the industry, all the bull**** see as a musician myself, i make my own beats, write my own lyrics, spit my own vocals, and sound engineer my own tracks. everyone now a dayz is all put together and dont get me wrong, thers alot of great SOUNDING music but no one seems to be authentic anymore. the photoshoots and music videos are all rented, you see these people with nice things when they cant afford and/or dont have any of that kind of stuff, u see these people with great looking models and they dont even know these people. the media is so screwed up with the things they act to be but are not. its all entertainment, and what you would call watered down, how does someone authentic make it big in the industry without haveing there producer or label make them out to be someone else? what is it going to take to bring REAL people to the plate? this i dont think you can answer, but i appreciate you reading and taking the time, for this i thank you

what good... i was surfing the internet and saw your link... i know that you have more important things to worry about, but im a lyricist from nj. I've been told that I make hot songs. but rather then lookin for a deal, im more interested in becoming a ghost writer... so if you have any free time, can you let me know how i would go about getting started on a ghostwriting career? if not, then thanks anyway for taking the time to read this.

Simple Answer: vocal ABILITY is to vocalist as Rap SKILL is to rap artist/MC.

Vocalist arent expected to write everything as long as their sound is authentic. (remember Milli Vanilli?) Rapper/ MC's are expected to write everything because THAT IS their authenticity.

To see an example of a real artist/ producer/ vocalist and graphic designer.

SUEDE XL - Ohio/ Midwest/ HIP HOP TALENT/ THE "TRADEOFF" STYLE

you guys talk about some interesting subjects.I definately learned something just now.I feel much more encouraged about persuing a music career. just wish the process was easier for people with real skill and respect for the art. It seems like the more talented you are the harder it is to get a chance to do what you really love and enjoy. The ones who dont deserve it get in and out so quickly. piece!