Posted March 29, 2010 by shamz 8 comments

Video: How To Rap – Royce Da 5’9″ Flow vs. Substance

These 'How To Rap' videos are bringing up some really interesting hip-hop discussion topics. The latest one features Royce Da 5'9" talking about what he feels is more important, subject matter or flow. To double back since I missed the first one, check after the jump for Big Daddy Kane explaining the true meaning of a freestyle – in his opinion, a written rhyme that is free of style (I agree). These clips are taken from the interviews for the book, How to Rap: The Art & Science of the Hip-Hop MC by Paul Edwards. Check out the clips, and weigh in with your opinion/reaction.

About the author

I like ink and alcohol.... and I listen to music every now and then. View Profile »

Comments

Kalo de 78

substance is way more important than flow. sorry.
Jahi

BDK one of greatest. Longevity.
kidtruth

obviously this is the topic of a lot of debate but royce sounds smart here anyway and I’m glad he did this interview. You might say substance is more important – and there is a strong argument to be made for that – but flow is definitely more popular anyway.
eazy

if this is about how to RAP i’d say flow is extremely important. if you are a great lyricist, but have no flow, your music is still gonna sound like garbage no matter how good the lyrics are.. just be a ghost-writer or put out a poetry book or something.
people actually have to LISTEN to music, so I say flow, but flow AND lyrics is a deadly combination!!
Junkman

Of course Royce is gonna agree with flow over substance. Royce has no substance. A rapper needs to carefully pay attention to both, because you can have great substance but it all goes by the wayside if you can’t flow at all (look at LMNO).
Completeemcee

Hence the name Complete. The emcee should aim to have both flow and substance. Opinions are still like voices as we all have different kinds though.

http://www.facebook.com/fortnox
AndYouDonTStop Radio show

Check out this interview (link below) on Chuck D’s new show with the author of the book. Segment is called “Off Da Books aka The Library- Tim Einenkel – Book Reviewed: How To Rap by Paul Edwards”

http://beyond.fm/podcasts/and-you-dont-stop/march-22-2010-part-2/
Blu Ballz

money, cash, hoes sucks