Critical Analysis Of Song Lyrics

Lupe Fiasco, Kendrick Lamar, and J. Cole are a part of the new wave of conscious rappers. Pick two to three songs of these artists or similar artists and critically analyze the content of the lyrics and associated visual or social media presence.

 

Introduction

This particular assignment conducts critical analysis on three popular songs sung by rapper during their music career. The first song taken for this study is “Old School Love” sung by Lupe Fiasco. The lyrics of the song are really touching and close to the heart of the singer. The next song is “Alright” sung by Kendrick Lamar”. Finally, the third song explained in the study is “Crooked Smile sung by J Cole. It is another love song portraying self-reflection of the singer.

Critical analysis of two to three songs by Lupe Fiasco, Kendrick Lamar and J. Cole

Lupe Fiasco

Song- “Old School Love”

Figure: “Old School Love” by Lupe Fiasco’

(Source: "Lupe Fiasco - Old School Love Ft. Ed Sheeran [OFFICIAL VIDEO]")

“Old School Love” Single by Lupe Fiasco Featuring Ed Sheeran
Released	October 14 2013
Recorded	2013
Format	Digital Download
Genre	Hip-hop
Label	1st & 15th Entertainment Atlantic Records
Producers	D J Frank E
Writers	Wasalu Jaco, Edward Sheeran and Justin Franks
Length	4:33

Figure: Lupe Fiasco

(Source: "Lupe Fiasco - Pick Up The Phone")

“Old School Love” is a song by American rapper known as Lupe Fiasco. This song was released on 14 October, 2013 in promotion of his fifth studio album by Tetsuo & Youth. In the song, Fiasco professes his love for old-school hip-hop with the lyrics.  Ed Sheeran sings beautiful song in soulful and laid-back hook. Fiasco lyrics reflect upon the changes in hip-hop from 1980s to 1990s. This relates with hip-hop loss of innocence to the crime as well as struggles in plaguing for hometown Chicago.

Kendrick Lamar

Song- “Alright”

Figure: “Alright” by Kendrick Lamar

(Source: "Kendrick Lamar - Alright")

“Alright” Single by Kendrick Lamar Album- To Pimp a Butterfly
Released	30 July, 2015
Recorded	2014-15
Format	Digital Download
Genre	Alternative Hip-hop
Label	Top Dawg, Aftermath and Interscope
Producers	Pharrell Williams. Sounwave and Michael Kuhle
Writers	Kendrick Duckworth, Mark spears and Pharrell Williams
Length	3:39

 

 

Figure: Kendrick Lamar

(Source: "Kendrick Lamar")

“Alright” does American rapper Kendrick Lamar sing the third album.  Lyrically, this is a festive song about hope.  It mainly features unaccredited vocals at the time of chorus.  “Alright” has received universal acclaim. This video begins with wide-angle shot in the Oakland Bridge describing dark sky paradise. The third scene of the video dedicates with donuts on little Homie. This particular video jumps to scene featuring Kendrick in an old school automobile with his black hippy brothers.

J. Cole

“Song- Crooked Smile”

Figure: Crooked Smile by J Cole

(Source: "J. Cole Ft. TLC - Crooked Smile (LYRICS)")

“Crooked Smile” Single by J.Cole Album- Born Sinner
Released	June 4, 2013
Recorded	2012
Format	Digital Download and radio airplay
Genre	Hip-hop and R&B
Label	Roc Nation and Columbia Records
Producers	J. Cole and Elite
Writers	Jermaine Cole and Meleni Smith
Length	4:39

Figure: J Cole

(Source: Columbia Records)

“Crooked Smile” is the second official single from his album Born Sinner. The single mainly features R & B Group TLC as part of digital version. This song was ode to self-love and finds him counseling women for embracing the inner beauty created by God It is one of the empowering song. The song was a self-reflection on J Cole on embracing his imperfections and trying to get other people at the same time. The original version of the song was three years ago after the rapped version by J Cole over Tupac beat.

Conclusion

At the end of the study, it is concluded these three popular singers still has global presence for their contribution to music industry. They have received awards and love from audience. Fiasco has various lyrical techniques in his songwriting. On the other hand, Lamar usually has concept albums and incorporates elements of funk, free as well as spoken word poetry and jazz. As far as J. Cole is concerned, Cole develops other ventures from Dreamville Records and other non-profit organization in Dreamville Foundation.

Reference List

"J. Cole Ft. TLC - Crooked Smile (LYRICS)". YouTube. N.p., 2016. Web. 6 Aug. 2016.

"Kendrick Lamar - Alright". YouTube. N.p., 2016. Web. 6 Aug. 2016.

"Kendrick Lamar". Kendrick Lamar. N.p., 2016. Web. 6 Aug. 2016.

"Lupe Fiasco - Old School Love Ft. Ed Sheeran [OFFICIAL VIDEO]". YouTube. N.p., 2016. Web. 6 Aug. 2016.

"Lupe Fiasco - Pick Up The Phone". Lupefiasco.com. N.p., 2016. Web. 6 Aug. 2016.

Columbia Records, HJ Conte. "J. Cole | Official Site". JColeMusic.com. N.p., 2016. Web. 6 Aug. 2016.