Kodak Music Vs Rap Music

For this assignment, I am choosing to compare two different genres of music; Jam band music, and Rap. In my opinion, these two genre are on totally different ends of the musical spectrum. Bands like the Grateful Dead and Phish draw their inspirations from other genres like rock, folk, funk, jazz, and bluegrass and from the idea of improvising musically with each other on stage. On the other hand, most rap styles of music draws its message from popular culture, often drugs, and gang related activities. The following links go to two songs, one by the Grateful dead, the other by rapper Kodak Black. Just by listening to the two songs you can tell a significant difference in composition, and message.
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vCy9k_RWlvA
He gains inspiration from life experiences, and communicates them to his audience through his music. I feel as if Kodak Black, along with many other talented rap artists, do this quite effectively in most of their music. Rappers often discuss these topics in personal interviews, which establishes even more credibility to their genre and songs. I would describe most rap music as “hype music”, and is intended to energize the audience and to get them dancing and involved. One way Kodak Black gives credibility to the claims about his own life he makes in his music is by producing videos to go with his music as well. In these music videos he includes imagery like money, woman, and cars to further the image of his personal
He uses profanity often, slang words, and words in improper contexts. Really no specialized vocabulary is used in his lyrics. One talent Kodak shows through his music is his ability to rhyme words and phrases in a way to express his ideas and feelings. He is able to paint scenes or memories with words.
The Grateful Dead uses both formal and informal language in their music. Since their unique sound is a blend of many other genres of music, it takes on aspects of each type. Just as much as their music is musically unique, it is also lyrically astounding in many ways as well. Their songs have a flow that makes it easy to listen to, which is aided by the bands amazing musical talents and synergy when playing together.
Conclusion/Synthesis:
The Jam Band genre, and the Grateful Dead specifically, does a better job of conveying its core ideas and messages than the Rap genre. This genre tends to use much clearer language in their music, and promotes more positive ideas and values than most Rap music does. Although both artists and genres have the ability to connect with their audience members on an emotional and ideological level, I think that the Jam Band genre does a much more effective job of relaying its ideals to their