words: swagrporters

In his Felt collaboration with Atmosphere front man, Slug, Murs explains that the 3:16 motif in his music is not a biblical reference but is instead “the formula for every rap song that you sing.” 3 verses. 16 bars for each verse. The listener likes predictability. The listener wants to turn on the radio and hear the same recipe. The more standard deviations a song is constructed away from this norm, the more the listener will feel uncomfortable. This is settled science.

However, what if that’s exactly the reaction a rapper wants to create?

Going hard is hitting a track with just raw lyrics and no hook. Going hard is the crucible; the proving ground that can separate the great emcees from the merely catchy. This form of raw delivery has been with us since the early days of hip-hop because of its ability to convey a passionate intensity that the standard formula simply cannot. It provides a stage for an artist to transcend the lyrical “fourth wall” and outright demand that the listener pay attention.

Murphy Lee, from the here yesterday gone today St. Lunatics crew, ironically claims that he “don’t need no hook on this beat” in the song’s hook. To be clear, this is the perfect example of what going hard isn’t (we included the link because we know that you were about to play it anyway. We can’t hate).

Fortunately, the usually on-point Pigeon’s & Planes has produced a veritable syllabus for Going Hard 101 - a list of tracks from some of hip-hop’s most gritty artists. Unfortunately, they make a rather glaring omission by not listing Philly’s Professor on the topic; the best current embodiment of the hardline demeanor that this particular rapper and his hometown both share.

Meek Mill. In the Dreams & Nightmares joint off the album that shares its name, Milly comes in on the track over melodic piano keys signifying the dream sequence. At 1:36, this “dream come true” fades away as the listener is asked, “Y’all thought I was finished?” before homie drops an honors thesis on going hard.

The track is a metaphor on duality. The first: an overnight dream come true. Making it in the rap game in spite of the odds. The later: the need to maintain a tough-as-nails image despite the achievements. Despite the fame, the wealth, and the drastic change in lifestyle. As the opening track on Meek’s first studio release, it’s as much a statement about his career as it is a statement about his childhood. It’s Philly.

No hook. One verse. Two beats. Three minutes and change of going hard. This is raw hip-hop. This is why we listen.

Be on watch for that new Meek Mill album later this year. Let’s see what you can do with it, homie.