Hip Hop was conceived as a competitive art form.  B-boys challenging each other for the title of best dance crew, graffiti writers trying to outdo each other, rappers battling, DJ's competing with one another for supremacy.  The underlying theme to competition in Hip Hop has always been about skills.  It wasn't about fame or fortune, being the best was about how skilled you were in your craft.  

Somewhere along the line the Hip Hop community has lost sight of what battling is all about.  Critics named Jay Z as the best rapper based on his popularity, financial status and record sales even when his skills as an MC were lackluster at times.  

The shift in battling occurred in 2012 when legendary battle rapper Loaded Lux came out of retirement to battle Calicoe.  Loaded Lux used intricate wordplay, complex vocal patterns and witty metaphors to solidify his spot as rap's most revered MC.  Lux forced people to pay attention to lyrics again.  He forced audiences to think about what was being said by using double and triple entendres, personal attacks with no references to material wealth or blazing guns which of recent has been a nor in battle rap.  

Kendrick Lamar posted a tweet after the battle was released to the public saying he loved it, and he has watched it numerous times.  No doubt this battle has a profound effect on Kendrick.  Loaded Lux, crowned as the winner, remained humble, applauding his opponent for a great performance, saying "steel sharpens steel, we can be the best of friends but when we are in that ring the objective is to get that win by any means".  

Fast forward to 2013, Kendrick Lamar contributes to a song by Big Sean entitled "Control" where he says he wants to murder the new crop of MC's, take their core fans, and raise the bar for lyricism.  This is familiar territory for the young lyricist.  On the song "The Heart Part 3" which Kendrick released three days prior to his debut album, he asserts similar claims - "I need to separate myself right now, I need a better way to take your fans now".  He also compare himself to Tupac Shakur.  

Kendrick Lamar "The Heart Part 3"

The difference between Kendrick's bold assertions is that on the latter song "Control" he decides to mention specific names.  He challenges his peers to step up their lyrics in the true spirit of Hip Hop tradition.  It was commonplace to see rappers practicing their rhymes for hours, or B-boys working out new impressive dance schemes in the park.  Kendrick says he would rather practice his craft and work to be labeled the best MC rather than to attend clubs and parties which have become synonymous with rappers in the modern era.  It is true that little thought is being placed in the creation of most rap songs today: just put a catchy chorus to a danceable beat you can have a hit.  

Kendrick sent a shockwave through the industry with various artist issuing responses to his controversial verse.  I applaud Mr. Lamar for having the confidence to challenge his peers artistically.  Kendrick is a force to be reckoned with - he comes in the spirit of Nas, Andre 3000, Freestyle Fellowship and Ras Kass.  He was crowned as King Of West Coast Hip Hop by legend like Dr. Dre, Snoop, The Game and more.  As a lyricist one cannot deny the quality and focus that he puts in his music.  He is at the forefront of a new crop of MC's who are pushing the art of Hip Hop.  There was a time when artist like Kendrick were overlooked and labeled as "backpacker" and too intelligent, but this is slowing beginning to change.  People are fed up with rappers who lack substance.  In the spirit of Hip Hop its time to sharpen the sword and focus on our craft.  Kendrick has forced people to have a real conversation concerning lyricism.   Lets use this energy as a way to produce the best songs possible.  This is the perfect time for a lyrical renaissance!!!