Are Emcees Insecure?
This morning I was reading some newspaper thing about hip hop and emcees, and the basic idea of the story was saying that emcees are typically insecure. Obviously not all are, but emcees are generally likely to be insecure people. They’re trying to prove something. I’m sure this statement wasn’t very scientific, but it did get me thinking. I’m not sure if it’s right - you’d think that shy people wouldn’t get up on the mic, wouldn’t you?
And are producers more insecure than emcees? Who can take criticism better on average? Come on, real talk, who hasn’t doped someone because they were pissed cos that person didn’t dope them? Or jumped on someone too hard because they disrespected you? I know I have. (sorry about that mikeskills).
Let me know what you think, unless y’all too nervous.
KKRUNCH 3 is in the oven now - it should be done in about 48-72 hours. Don’t spoil your appetite.
44 Responses to “Are Emcees Insecure?”
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who knows, not me though. I think what makes a great emcee is the combination of artistry and fearlessness, the best Emcees just dont give a fuck they know if you say anything with enough confidence people will just follow you. In fact i think that great emcees are more like shepards and they know how to herd sheeple, thats def not insecure.
u cant all be shepherds? gota be some sheep? who’s watching the watcher?
nor are all emcees shepards, just the the most compelling ones, and the sheep factor is real, but the watching the shapards bit is a bit esoteric, im lost in translation girl, but if i was to guess as to who is watching the shepards, there’d be like a fat sheep boss with a white suit like boss hog, and he’d totally have cow horns on his caddy, much like boss hog, and hes prolly a fat ass like boss hog, and he’d probably be a dick, LIKE teh INDUSTRY, and he’d probably listen to like don ho in his spare time
ROFLOL ha ha ha. i was kinda joking about watching watchers,but i guess we’re all kinda watching eachother . i’ve been spending too much time with green friends.
I dont really kno alot about this topic but i guess i can say something….I think its like a double standard because if you’re insecure then you’re labeled as un-confident, shy, scary and not strong enough to handle things…but on the other hand if u are secure and very confident, then ur labeled as self-centered, arrogant, dont care bout nobody but urself think u tha shit type of person….and i truly think that its either or, not both…because if u insecure theres sumthin bout urself ur not confident about, or u think other people will laugh at you for…i believe insecure people dont love themselves like they should because u should be happy and confident about every thing about you….but like i said its hard to be either or, lol take me for example…i kno that to females im attractive, and im very outgoing and friendly…Now if i act insecure and shy and try to be sumthin im not then theres sumthin wrong wit me…but if im all full of confidence and jus think that im tha shit i dont got nuthin to be shy about or nuthin, then i think im better than evrybody else…i go through this shit evryday its pretty annoyin…as far as Emcees on a whole though, i dont think any1 can say all Emcees are insecure, cuz Emcees are only people, sum have confidence sum dont, its an individual thing not a group thing..same for producers and ANY type of work….all depends on that particular person…but lol if u gettin paid shouldnt be no issue!!…i dont even kno if i made any sense but im postin anyway lol
I will agree that it could be an insecurity on how their work is received by the listener…creativity is kind of a personal thing and when you put it on display for all of the world, I would think that the artist is hoping that people will be able to relate to the artistic expression or concept..hoping for a good response to relieve the insecurity of how it will be received? Some people dont care what others think and thats great but I would guess that most people do care and want their creations to be enjoyed.
Just my thoughts.
If i’m getting this right,the article was based on emcees(surely not those on DT)being insecure.I’m pretty certain they meant emcees character/persona.My opinion is that, those that are true emcees are not timid at all.Freedom Of Speech is a right we exercise through spillin’ our hearts,@least me.You’re KK,it was not scientific @ all.No disrespect to you or any other female,but it sounds more like the hypothesis of a series of questions asked 2 WOMEN!Ifemcees were insecure their written thoughts would go unheard,thats absurd..Now, that an emcee is insecure with the outcome of his work&it’s doubtful as to wether or not he should put it out;that’s another story.EMCEES,or LYRICISTS,we’re an elite group.We were blessed by ALLAH with a gift of deep thought&expression,to have people listen to you & respect,and admire your effort…WOW!!!!BLESSING within itself.Again, MY opinion.In conclusion like DRINK said…”Emcees just dont give a fuck they know if you say anything with enough confidence people will just follow you”-’NUFF SAID
Ii meant …”you’re right KK”i messed up above…anyways-SALAAM
I think most so called “battle emcees” may have a bit of insecurity to their art. Why? Well, I think until you finally are in love with your uniqueness and approach to a genre of living that isn’t very prestigious, most up and coming emcees, do tend to be of the ilk that need lots of attention and praise from others. So as not to feel alone in their stance, defiant or otherwise. I mean, think about it.. most people battle so they can see who is “best”. Right? What is “best”? I don’t really think there are really that many good emcees out there, to be totally frank. I am not impressed, unless someone is totally original and doing something that shakes and moves the status quo. For instance my top ten emcee would be Krs One, MF Doom, Madlib/Quasimoto, El-P of CO-Flow, the entire Wu tang roster of emcees and artisit, Kool Keith, Chuck D, X-clan, and a slew of Brit emcees, who are murderin it on the original tip, right now. Actually, I would have to say overall, Euro emcees are hella more original and genre-bending whne it comes to their approach to hip hop…
so again, are most emcees insecure? 1st, I would have to ask what is your definition of insecurity? some people would say they aren’t insecure, cause they dont give a damn what people think. I would reply, “Really? Then let me hear some punk rock in your rhyme.”….. hahahahahah that in’t happenin, cap’n. I mean, the proof is in the pudding, all of the women-bashing, and gender posturing of the “typical” emcee is basically the outline for a savage. It takes knowlege to destroy the state of insecurtiy, most people start off with in hip hop. Once you have knowledge of slef it doesn’t matter what you talk about, it doesn’t matter what you say. BECAUSE YOU WANT TO HEAR IT. YOU FEEL IT IS NECCESSARY TO SPEAK. I think hip hop has more in common with 80s punk, as far as true HIP HOP is concerned.. it is a statement to the masses.. I AHVE SEEN SOMETHING AND YOU WILL HEAR ME. NO MATTER HOW MANY POEPL LISTEN!!!
I like the recent influx of spoken word, rock, and rnb stuff I have heard over the past few months. It is invigorating and fresh. Rememebr a “DOPE” track is just that.. a “DOPE” track.. I could care less if you are a female or a male… who gives a rat’s arse!!! if you are nice at your craft, you are nice… I think people worry about being a female, or a particular “kind” of rapper…wtf.. this is hip hop.. it is everything, but done with a stance of I don’t have to look a certain way to be ill. feel me?
to answer the question.. yes.. most emceees start off insecure, thru studios application of the art, they learn how to stand on their own two. Rare, is the emncee who comes into the art w/o worrying about what anyone thinks.. just do it….
I use the phrase to explain myself… I am your favorite rapper’s favortie rapper’s , favoreite rapper’s, favorite rapper’s rapper.. working at the library.. who none will ever know of, but who inspires all……. UHURU!!!!
GROW!!! PROSPER!!!!! BE UNIQUELY YOU!!!!!
**two thumbs up**
*three thumbs*
SHINOBI IS RIGHT..LEAST I THINK HE IS ON POINT
sorry about the typos.. Iwas getting in my zone
WOW-SHINOBI-UHURU-MASHALLAH!!!WEEL SAID…’NUFF SAID
KK
the article didn’t seem to carry much validity
as far as factual research or %’s. you can plug any
craft/job/profession into that statement “emcees are typically insecure…”,
it’s vague.
on some level, everyone is insecure. i know a few kats
who can’t flow w/out puffin or drinking or both. but when they do…
they do. i know and see other kats at shows who wont even crack a smile
all nite because they don’t want to look weak.the look pissed off all night, it’s funny as sht!
so if i say i’m insecure…does that mean i am secure? wtf
LOL so which are you?!?
you kinda caught me out though… it was little more than a statement in an article but i figured it woudl get you talking cos it got me thinking too.. ..and i figure everyone is a little insecure about their beats until they are making millions, but maybe they are worrying more at that point?
i’m definitely insecure… if you are human it’s in your genetic make up. i’m insecure about my equipment, my lab(shed)…these things force me to focus more on the actual flow and delivery.
“Each one of us requires the spur of insecurity to force us to do our best”. Harold W. Dodds
wise words from mr dodds & koko. i can think of a couple of people on dt who got over confident and went off the boil
THISIS VERY ON POINT I NEVA USED TO FLO IN FRONT OF PEOPLE UNLESS I WAS TIPSY OR WEEDED OR ILLYD UP ON SOMETHING..BUT I KNOW I HAVE INSECURITIES..NOT ON THE MIC THO..EVERY1 INSECURE IN SOME WAY I THINK LESS ITS JUS ME…BUT THIS REAL VAGUE
This site is one of the few real proving grounds I could find on the net, although there is a few things that could change that, the big one is phony DOPE POINT HOGs (DPH’s). I think its definitly better to see honest opinions about peoples music. Nobody wants thier feelings hurt or god forbide a low dope count but it just doesn’t sound right to give people points on something that is completely whack and does not sound good at all, and for what? So that those people could do the same for you? It makes this proving ground feel more like a playground. Yea, I am guilty of it myself. “Dope-ing” someones tracks just to get them to “dope” mine, I’m sure we’re all guilty of it, almost at least. I think encouragement helps to develop artistic ability, but bullshiting someone develops more bullshit. So lets cut the BullShit. That being said, I would appreciate a real listen to some of the things I made, I will do the same for you.
I think everyone is insecure about something, feeling that something about them could be better. The key is to accept who and what you are with a willingness and drive to become a better you. If you feel you’re being the best you can be then that’s all you can do. People gon talk regardless, but at the end of the day YOU have to look yourself in the mirror and be proud of what you see and what you accomplished that day. Cant nobody do that for you and that’s real. That’s star qaulity.
tru dat… many of todays insecurities come from the thoughts of others… others that normally have nothing to do with your actual life… i think teh world would be better off if we juz stopped caring so much as to what the other person said
haha ppl are soooo silly… of course deep down every artist is insecure… think about it if you paint you basically sayin…”HEY LOOK AT WHAT I DID” <—- That in itself is an indication of -threw the one makin the artistic statment- lack of attention…. if you ask me Emcee is an artist and deep down they be looking for attention… just like every other human on this planet… but if you wana talk fucked up … the fact that one needs attention could be an indication of insecurity… if you were secure with who you were and who you are you wouldn’t need the “ur awsome’s” and “ur amazings” that attention brings… you say there is no scientific proof… perhaps there is none… however to dismiss the findings in the field of human behaviour could be classified as ignorant… there is always an underlying motive as to what we do… weather it is concious or not… so the question was “are emcees/femcee’s insecure”… of coures they are…. but to say every emcee is would be wrong… nothing is absolute except for the corruption that power brings… or if ur religious “your unseen diety”…. LEObDOPE
spot-on… especially.. ‘looking for attention… like everyone else on the planet’.. nice line!!
and Leo pretty well summed it up…well said!!
maybe its that everyone is insecure with something some MCs are insecure about life some are insecure about their flows others are insecure around people but the mic is their mask to hide behind.
I TELL YOU THIS…I’M NOT INSECURE ABBOUT WUT I DO…THATS Y I DO IT…IF I WAS INSECURE -I’D DOUBT MY THOUGHTS,B4 I WROTE THEM-CHECKED THEM B4 I SPIT MY VERBAL EXPRESSION OF WUT MY THOUGHTS WERE—I SPIT WRITTENS OR FREESTYLES–DOUBLEO&LEO 4 EXAMPLE ARE FREESTYLE KINGS-MY 2 FAVES@THIS POINT IN TIME…ANYWAYZ-WITH TOTAL KONFIDENCE-THEY SPEAK WUTZ ON THEIR MIND-WITH NO INSECURITIES WUTSOEVA–IM A COCKY FUCK–I SAY “WE DA BEST”CUZ WITHOUT FEELING INSECURE-I FEEL WE ARE(FAMILYTIEZ!!!)FURTHERMORE-GOD MEANS SUPREME BEING-I CALL MYSELF KON_DA_GOD,CUZ I FEEL I AM SUPREME IN WHO I AM&WUT I DO–IF I WAS INSECURE WOULD I CALL MYSELF “DA GOD?”-’NUFF SAID
what newspaper you read this in? i dont think ur typical emcee is insecure…at least anybody with talent, because if u dont have swagger people hear that in your music and u sound bad…i know my skill level and i am secure in the fact that i can kill on a mic, i dont need others affirmation, that comes with time and consistency
whatsup whatsup whatsup i dont feelin like readin right now but im insecure so ima comment so yall can read it hahahahah
LOL… YOU’RE TOO INSECURE TO READ!! (I’m joking stripez)
I think that article is accurate.A lot of emcees hear other kats spitting and talking about the thug life and keeping it real so they tend to try to prove them selfs and that aspect.If everyone talking about I toke gats and u aint real unless u on that than they go out and try to be in that mind frame the shit is crazy but happens every day I see wit my own eyez.
AS SALAAM WAILIKUM
damn i dunno when i first started being an mc i was insecure and i mean i kinda learned to not be insecure but i still am to this point and to this day i’m still shy in ahuge group, but thats just me i’m shy but when i open my mouth i blow away everyone whos in the circle, but thats me some MC’s are strong in there spit and bold and some are sublime yet quiet in a huge crowd thats me, but i do believe everyone to a certain extent is shy and is insecure no matter what anyone says we didnt all just “BECOME” these “LOUD” lyracists in one day and in one night and if you did then your a god within music which noone can claim and if you do shit you just arrogant…well thast my pitch and ma belief
_UHURU_
thrash MCthrashkicksyourass
Here is pretty much a definition of what Emotional Insecurity is:
Insecurity is a feeling of general unease or nervousness that may be triggered by perceiving oneself to be unloved, inadequate or worthless (whether in a rational or an irrational manner).
A person who is insecure lacks confidence in their own value and capability, trust in themselves or others, or has fears that a present positive state is temporary and will let them down and cause them loss or distress by “going wrong” in future.
Insecurity can stem from the individual’s immediate environment. People are not born insecure, it is a learned behaviour. From a young age people are told how to be and what to be. This is constantly emphasised and reinforced by forces within the family (parents, siblings, etc.) or outside forces (friends, mass media, and other variable parties).
In my experience most artists (whether emcees or producers or vocalists) there is an innate insecurity in that art in and of itself is something that is judged and can never be truly objectively good or bad.
The most succesful artists and producers are the most self-confident. They are the best able to sell their own vision and their art to the world and ultimately that’s what makes them succesful.
I think it takes a little bit of stupid self confidence to succeed. If you look in the mirror and see a star and listen to your tracks on Dopetracks.com and hear are a star - then that’s what you are gonna be. If you hear a chump. That’s what you’ll stay.
dig what you saying nutz. self confideence is a huge part of success, i’m certain of it. but also hugely confident people who don’t make it tend to end up hugely fucked up people. in my experience.
i so disagree with leo, ive been a painter since forever and the reason we paint asnd sing in not a look at me thing at ALL its more like i do what i do and thats what i am. Just like writters, they write and thats what they are people are defined by what they do, but that does not indicate that the reason for being is in the judgment AT ALL. why would it? what logic is applied to that? 99% or artists and writers and musicians never recive any recoginition and they still persist, perhaps its in the biological makeup of the arts, wich has been pondered and disscussed for centuries, so i stick with my original statement, ART is regardless
i know i have like a zillion typos but, still this grabs me, dont u realise that what that guy was saying about librarian artists, is exactly what im pointing out? people who make, MAKE, its a drive like food the artists is starved without expression AND THATS WHAT MAKES A COMPELLING MC AS WELL, its all about being who you are, if you have the neverending compulsion to me making something, one will make it regardless of consumption, TOTALY
fuck b is next to m , mkayy i meant “if you have the never ending compulsion to BE making”
*LMFAO*
sistah’, try TYPING a little SLOWER next time, ‘mmkay? *LOL*
some people know it instinctually too, even wonder why small labels and unknowns have the most die hard fans, or remember when u were a zelous teenager, and u’d be jelous of ur fav band getting big? i do, hell c’mon people know when a sell out is a sell out
LOL yeah i was so pisdsed when some of my favorite acts started getting on TV… but in hindsight i’m glad they got some credit/ recognition/ money for doing what they were doing. if they were good enough for me to want to keep them for myself (even as a kid), they deserve to make money from their craft. _____but i think even big label pop stars and reality show stars (x factor/ american idol etc) should do a training ground with small labels to understand the industry grind.. otherwise they end up real assholes. assuming they didnt start out as assholes that is.
KK,
i’m actually GLAD you brought this up.
LET THE TRUTH BE TOLD.
http://www.dopetracks.com/forums/8/topics/2398
check the forums da bullet is a fake for insecurity at its finest..
YO LOOK AT THIS REMIX… IT IS ON ARK47′Z PAGE SHITS BANGIN 6′ZROLLIN REMIX HOW YA’LL NOT LOOKIN.. HELL I DIDNT EVEN LOOK.. BUT THIS SHIT IS BANGIN!!!! http://www.dopetracks.com/beat/34761
I feel there is a little much of the sheep following the shepherd.
The sheep want to look cool while they do it and act like they are not following the herd and that has been the game since grade school.
It becomes second nature to them to fall in line, so they don’t stick out for derision.
Though they will still give an impression of being unique.
It is like, the contest, with the theme of ‘my microphone’, it kicks in and they think conditionally, ‘what is the teacher looking for, what do the judges want?’
So they actually sing about their microphone, in a way they feel will be accepted.