There is an art to freestyling

I love when a rapper is skilled enough make it difficult to tell if s/he is freestyling. By that I mean he can either pretend to fumble over what lyrics, concepts or ideas he already has in his mind–whether they are rehearsed does not matter–or he can be so proficient in his ability to speak about what comes to mind that he begins to speak about his immediate surroundings as proof of the improvisation. This usually consists of objects or people in the room, recently told stories, or inside jokes. I find these are the best indicators. Typically, there is no safe assumption when one engages in a cypher. I have been known to switch from an improvisation to a 16 or at least a rhyme scheme that I’ve rehearsed or I’ve dreamed. Maybe dreamt, but I’m exempt cause I’m a vet and more than just a temp–orary. Not yet legendary, but definitely honorary. (Sorry I have “Sky’s The Limit” on in the background as I am writing and before I knew it this had become a home row freestyle.)

It is more than obvious that Bobby Ray is inching towards his 10,000.

After the show it’s the afterparty!

Last night was one of those nights. Benny called it Bright Young Things and in a lot of ways it was. It was the afterparty for the Atlanta leg of the Janelle Monáe tour AND the surprise birthday party of Wondaland’s own Nate “Rocket” Wonder.

But the operative word is party, and that is exactly what we did. More later.