This week on The Almanac of Rap, Donwill sits down with Queens lyricist Grafh to talk about battle rap, mixtape culture, lyricism, and surviving the music industry on his own terms.

Grafh reflects on discovering rap through Nas’ Illmatic, studying rhyme patterns with a dictionary, and developing the intricate writing style that would later make him a respected “rapper’s rapper.” The conversation explores the difference between writing a great verse versus crafting a great song, ghostwriting for major artists, and learning song structure from collaborators like Kanye West and 88-Keys.

Grafh also shares stories about battling rappers in studios before the modern battle rap era, getting co-signed by the late DJ Kay Slay, working with Busta Rhymes, signing to Roc-A-Fella Records during the label’s final years, and eventually finding financial freedom through today’s underground rap ecosystem. Grafh breaks down:

The art of lyrical wordplay

The real business behind mixtape-era rap

Busta Rhymes, Kay Slay & Roc-A-Fella

Why underground rap is thriving independently

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Website: artbygrafh.com 

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