Discussion Question

In my music course today (PLUG: if you ever get the chance to take a class with Neil Lerner, don't pass up the opportunity; the man is phenomenal at what he does), we began covering the topic of rap and hip hop. After class, three students went up to the teacher and asked him his preference, Tupac or BIG. The teacher answered BIG and then questioned his students as to what the connotations of his answer were. Herein lies the part of this story where I take issue: the three students explained that those who side with Tupac are "more about lyrics," whereas those who side with Biggie are "more about beats." Do you agree with this explanation? I know my stance, but I'd like to hear yours.