Written by Stacy James (@stacyjamesofficial)
Is there still a place for wordsmiths in rap?
Rap has a long and ever evolving history. From true emcee’s orchestrating party’s, to lyricists
battling it out with bars, to todays’ rappers focused on sound and Melodie’s. It happens with
every genre but none more than rap. Already being filled with competition and pride, you can see how these constant changes could lead to a disconnection between different artists’ and their respective generations. Boxing each of them in. If you’re young you have to be on the new wave, and if you want to do it the old way then you have to do it the old way with no variations. At least that’s how it was. We are now entering a genre-less era where artists’ can combine each and every one of their inspirations.
A prime example of this would be 18 year old Detroit native and artist Esei. His name has been building buzz in the city for a while now, with a couple sounds exploding on TikTok. He ropes you in with outlandish bars but somehow manages to tie it all together. Always uptempo, always full of energy. Creating a truly unique listening experience. Touching on an entire spectrum of topics. He has the typical “I’m the shit” songs but backs it up with outstanding creative and technical ability. He has heartfelt and introspective songs but manages to make you crack a smile throughout with his performance and personality. With either approach, he wears his heart on his sleeve and isn’t afraid to mix it up.
Pulling from inspirations like XXX and Michael Jackson he often manages to blend the former mentioned approaches, even free styling the majority of the time. As you might’ve guessed the “TBH Freestyle” is not an exception. Esei shines on this one, demonstrating everything I’ve already touched on and then some. It’s only two minutes and nine seconds but every single one will hold your attention. He’s a true wordsmith who can rap circles around most, but is much more than his witty punchlines. Listening to this song is like sitting in a classroom where everyone knows the joke but the teacher, and you finally get to laugh when they leave. Esei can truly bring out the petty in you. Check it and his other work out on all platforms now.
Comments