Rappers and MC's

[Wildcard]

Rappers use some of the same tools and are plagued by many of the same problems as poets and songwriters, but (as we've discussed in another thread) that only makes them similar- not the same.

I am very fond of Tupac's work. He attempted to write poetry as well as rap lyrics and as much as I recognize his skill with words set to music, it is clear that his poetry was filled with cliches that weren't successful in its medium:

Sometimes when I'm alone
I Cry,
Cause I am on my own.
The tears I cry are bitter and warm.
They flow with life but take no form
I Cry because my heart is torn.
I find it difficult to carry on.
If I had an ear to confide in,
I would cry among my treasured friend,
but who do you know that stops that long,
to help another carry on.
The world moves fast and it would rather pass by.
Then to stop and see what makes one cry,
so painful and sad.

And sometimes...

I Cry

and no one cares about why.

IMO the above is horrible- although apparently heartfelt.

Having success as a poet is something I don't even understand, but having success as a rapper has very little to do with technical aspects of wording and much more dependent on personality and timing (both musically and chronologically).