RAP AND LESS-MUSICAL MUSIC

RAP AND LESS-MUSICAL MUSIC

Adherents to rap and other less-musical forms of music prefer lyrics, rhythm and repetition to traditional music. Their format emphasizes words more than melody, and they seek to persuade others that the content is emphasized more in this effort. Others who may not be so easily persuaded that traditional music has “seen its day” and can no longer be relied upon to dispense a message respond that rap and other less-musical forms rely more on repetition and shock-value to deliver the message. Rapsters and less-musical artists of every conceivable persuasion insist that traditional music lulls one into an apathetic posture-of-indifference that misses a vital ingredient of communication—the message itself. In other words, the meaning of the lyrics is lost in the beauty of the music. Those who promote less-sing-able songs and rhythmic/repetitious sounds would have us believe that there can be no common ground between these two opposing factions. Many churches have abandoned traditional music completely, in favor of its less-musical counterparts in hopes of attracting younger, more contemporary worshippers. Does any common ground exist between these two factions, or are we doomed to alienating traditionalists from these less-musical versions? Should the drumbeat of vocal and percussive repetition be allowed to silence beautiful harmonies forever? I respond that silence is oftentimes preferred to disharmony.

Mark Overt Skilbred