Bling: Opera and Hip Hop

I'm a bit of a hip hop junkie if you didn't already know. There's nothing better than a great beat, crazy rhymes, and a great artist on the mic. And the more I delve into hip hop, the more I witness connections between rappers and classical artists. I wrote about this topic once before, but now sometime later I recognize stronger parallels between worlds that, otherwise, seem just as related as a jungle and desert.

Hip hop stars have to know "text" like a crazy person! To be at the top of their game, it's not enough to simply use words. Hip hop stars have to master them. They have to be able to command the use of words in fresh and creative ways. We opera people pretty much stick to what's printed on the page, but the hip hop gurus are creating new ways words are used. Either way, both performers have to know what they're talking about.

Improvisation. This key word of Baroque and Bel Canto literature rests at the center of the Hip-hopster's mojo. Prolonging syllables, toying with word emphasis, and manipulating beats and creating new rhythms on the spot is something both the skilled rapper and classical singer share in close common. Improv is a method of embellishment and technical autonomy for both artists.

Lastly, Bling! Both arenas are categorized by decadence, of imagination and the pocket book. Diamonds, pearls, champagne, couture, and delicious decadence. Callas wore Channel everyday; Lil Wayne has exclusive rights to Nikes made only for him; 50 Cent has Stanley Korshak upholstered car interior; and Yves St Laurent designed the entire opening night wardrobe of 3 Metropolitan opera stars.

No matter how it's sliced, opera and hip hop share amazing attributes. Whether it's in the music, in the dressing room, or on the stage, both are worlds of supreme creativity, technique, and extravagance.