Rap

It is incredible the journey I can take, and the roads I can go down.  I am (like millions) into music.  I have lots of albums.  I used to sing, but since my stroke singing is a thing of the past.  Merril the nurse has a technical explanation for it, but I just know I croak these days.
Anyway that is beside the point.  My interest was piqued in rapping today for two reasons.  I heard a guy rap out the words of a song, and I heard an artist I like had a new album (he has rapped some).  I regularly read reviews.  I read about it, and in reading what people said, I saw someone who referred to another group I had never heard.   They are a rap group.  I went to reviews of them and saw their albums had lots of stars over four (it is always reviewed out of five).  I see something rated three as “nice” but not ground breaking.  Four and above, I sit up and take notice.
I saw they are with a label that has free downloads of their artists available.  They just ask for donations, which I will give.  What I like is, it gives me a really good chance to listen, before I buy.  I was pleasantly surprised to find a highly rated album was available.  I have it now, and have listened to it a couple of times, and like it.
I will admit it, I am big on giving artists their due.  I know I am probably in the minority, as this country has a reputation for ripping off digital stuff.  I just happen to believe no one should spend a heap on their craft, to give me something for free.  As much as I would like it, I am not comfortable with someone potentially being out of pocket on my behalf.
Rap music is not what I gravitate to, but I like some of it.  In fact, I like just about any sort of music.  This is totally personal, but I have most trouble liking Jazz music.  I went to a concert in Townsville that featured a famous musician, and the only song I liked was one I could tap along to.  By the same token, a guy at QUT would play jazz every Wednesday night at a club in town and loved it.  I reckon it would be great fun to play, but for me, it is not great fun to listen to.
There are a couple of things I have found with rappers. 
Many are definitely from the other side of the track.  I guess it has to do with its roots in Harlem, New York. (Actually, in reading about it, it seems it may go back to African tribes. It is mostly sung by black people, but some whites sing it, and it seems to have popularity with many.)
Rapping seems to say so much more than a normal song does. 
Many Rappers are noted for their poetry and imagery (amongst other things I am not keen on).  I love the imagery of a blind man looking to the sky, and the words “I have learned enough to know I don’t know that much.”    
I guess the point for me is, I have really had my eyes opened.