Instrumentation: Voice (Bahamadia and Wherry/Teeba on background vocals), and an assortment of beats (distorted – probably sampled or created through recording technology). In this song, the percussive vocal line emphasizes rhythm over melody, and adds an additional layer upon the rhythmic beats created electronically.
Form: I’m not completely sure what the song’s musical form is – it seems to exhibit some strophic and through-composed characteristics. As a strophic piece, it establishes a melodic ‘line’ and sticks to it; the lyrics also show a semblance of verse/chorus organization (with her freestyle rap ‘verses’ and ‘when I shine’ chorus). However, one could also see the lyrical line as through-composed.
Rhythm: Rhythm is the song’s strongest, and primary, element. The strange instrumental interlude at the beginning creates interest – but as it fades out, the duple meter created by the sound of a (electronic) drum kit establishes itself, quickly adding multiple rhythmic textures to establish the song’s main ‘beat’. As Bahamadia begins rapping, the speaking quality of her voice emphasizes its percussive and rhythmic quality, and creates the last and ultimate beat.
Lyrics: While rhythm is a large aspect of rap, lyrics often provide just as much interest and meaning for the song. In reading the lyrics, Bahamadia’s words make little sense as prose; instead, they must be read as a form of art (like poetry). She seems to be saying advocating for herself and her music as significant work: this confirms the bravado aspect of rap’s roots, when MCs would battle each other for supremacy. However, her words also offer strong statements (“I can’t distort vision of those completely blind”) that at times explore social commentary.
Texture: Due to the complex layering of beats, the song has a varied, yet full, percussive texture. A rapper’s vocal texture is often one of their most distinguished characteristics – Bahamadia’s rap is fairly monotone, with a squished/distorted pronunciation of some words and a smooth speaking line.
Personal Response: I tend to gravitate to the melodic aspects of a song above all else, which I think might be one of the reasons that I don’t usually like rap all that much. I respect the genre, but stylistically I find it repetitive and boring. This song reminds me of more classic, throw-back rap – I think because of the way the beats sound (maybe they’re a little dated?) and Bahamadia’s delivery. I like the way that she’s able to smoothly deliver her lines in a way that seems seamless – but when I looked at the lyrics, I had a difficulty understanding what it was that she was trying to convey. Also, the DJ scratch effects kind of annoyed me and detracted from my listening. Overall, the song was interesting to listen to once, but it’s not something I would actively seek out for myself (now or previously).
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