The Definition Of Classic by SkyArt Lyrics
Every where I go, or more specifically half the threads on Rap Genius, there is always this one word being thrown around left right and center, this word is "classic". Accompanied with this word is usually some controversy, often the result of a one use believing that "x" element is not present in said album therefore cannot be considered classic, and that's were the majority of the problem begins
In order to get past this difference in opinion we have to...hold up... we don't have to do anything! It seems that many have forgotten that we have dictionaries with the definitions of many words included, and "classic" is no exception. Take a look at some of the definitions:
A. Belonging to the highest rank or class
B. Serving as the established model or standard
C. Having lasting significance or worth; enduring
Simple enough definition right? So when people make claims that an album needs to have 2 or 3 of these elements they are incorrect, as only one of the criteria is needed to be met (although something with more elements could be considered "more" classic of course). Following this set criteria does not however eliminate all debate about which albums can be considered classic, it merely means that arguments should be focused instead on if said album meets one or more of the criteria
So for example, an album like Hell Hath No fury can be considered classic, as it falls under A, as it received high acclaim from fans and critics alike. Even though it did not have great significance or set a standard for future work thus failing to fall under B & C,it can still be considered a classic. An album such as Get Rich or Die Tryin' although not classic in term of quality (it was good but not many people would easily give it a 9/10 or higher) has had long lasting significance as it brought gangsta rap to the forefront of music. For that reason it falls under C
Now to cover an issue constantly brought up, many feel that an album cannot be considered classic if it has not stood the test of time. Yes that is an element that can make it a classic (category C), but not the other way around, quality is still quality either way you look at it. If someone can listen to an album and then change their mind on the quality of it later, is that nothing more than the person not giving the correct rating in the first place? the album may not be as enjoyable but that's not the album changing over time, but th person
In order to get past this difference in opinion we have to...hold up... we don't have to do anything! It seems that many have forgotten that we have dictionaries with the definitions of many words included, and "classic" is no exception. Take a look at some of the definitions:
A. Belonging to the highest rank or class
B. Serving as the established model or standard
C. Having lasting significance or worth; enduring
Simple enough definition right? So when people make claims that an album needs to have 2 or 3 of these elements they are incorrect, as only one of the criteria is needed to be met (although something with more elements could be considered "more" classic of course). Following this set criteria does not however eliminate all debate about which albums can be considered classic, it merely means that arguments should be focused instead on if said album meets one or more of the criteria
So for example, an album like Hell Hath No fury can be considered classic, as it falls under A, as it received high acclaim from fans and critics alike. Even though it did not have great significance or set a standard for future work thus failing to fall under B & C,it can still be considered a classic. An album such as Get Rich or Die Tryin' although not classic in term of quality (it was good but not many people would easily give it a 9/10 or higher) has had long lasting significance as it brought gangsta rap to the forefront of music. For that reason it falls under C
Now to cover an issue constantly brought up, many feel that an album cannot be considered classic if it has not stood the test of time. Yes that is an element that can make it a classic (category C), but not the other way around, quality is still quality either way you look at it. If someone can listen to an album and then change their mind on the quality of it later, is that nothing more than the person not giving the correct rating in the first place? the album may not be as enjoyable but that's not the album changing over time, but th person