These mumble rappers aren’t in the studio delivering rhymes into a microphone with a mouth full of marbles they don’t have some sort of speech impediment and they aren’t so faded off the lean that they simply can’t pronounce anything correctly (okay, no promises on that last one). Their calculated use of voice inflection and ad-libs become increasingly more pioneering and impressive, and much less reminiscent of gobbledygook. It is only after a multitude of listens that one can appreciate the sort of inventive language that these rappers have brought onto the scene. Now, I’m not going to argue against the fact that, occasionally, the first time hearing a Future or Thug feature can sound like some sort of rap collaboration with Charlie Brown’s parents, but, as is true with all music giving a song, or even a verse, only one listen absolutely does not certify you to be able to fairly or accurately review its quality. The main difference that people argue between fast-paced rapping and mumble rapping, elevating the one above the latter, is that fast rapping contains an impressive number of lyrics, while many are convinced that Young Thug “isn’t even saying anything.” However, this style of rap received very little criticism in comparison to mumble rap, and is even often praised as indicative of immense talent in a rapper. Rappers like Busta Ryhmes and Twista mastered their own distinctive flow by dominating an impressively fast-paced delivery, often rhyming words so quickly with such ease that it would likely take 60 milligrams of Adderall and two hours of intense studying for even the most passionate of rap fans to attempt to memorize their verses. Mumble rap isn’t the first instance in which a style of rap music has focused less on audible verses and more on overall flow, specifically delivery. Various styles and flows of different rappers have thrived for months, even years, simply to subsequently wither away, allowing for a more unique, progressive rapping technique to take its place. Because of this, mumble rap has garnered a great deal of attention, most of it critical and rooted in both negativity and inability, or rather unwillingness, to allow for the transformation and progression of rap music. The lyrics characteristic of mumble rap are often quite difficult to understand, and, to the untrained ear, these songs will give you a look into what it’s like to be a 93-year-old with a malfunctioning hearing aid. Piloted by the creative minds of Future and Young Thug, this style, dubbed “mumble rap” by Wiz Khalifa (who is still searching for the lyrical dexterity and seamless flow that he lost somewhere in “Rolling Papers”) tilts the focus away from decipherable lyrics and more toward flows that seamlessly mesh right into the beats, serving, on the surface, as more of audible pleasantries as opposed to actual expressive content. Thus, an intriguing new style emerged onto the scene to do just this. Paak and Khalid, or even old standbys like 2 Chainz, something had to be done to stir the waters of lyricism and flow. In an age of rap that so heavily relies on clear, sharp lyrics infused both with creativity and intellectualism and peppered with audible allusions to pop culture, such as those expressed by staple rappers, such as Drake, Kanye and Chance the Rapper, as well as coming-of-age rappers, like Anderson.

Since the rap game is so constantly changing, it’s anything but surprising that every so often there is going to be a controversial style that permeates the feeble barrier protecting the criteria of what exactly constitutes rap music. The fact of the matter is that there are so many differing flows and unique stylistic approaches that it is extremely difficult to choose a favorite sub-genre, let alone a favorite rapper. Arguments regarding who holds the title of “Best Rapper Alive” have driven sharp divides through even the firmest of friendships, and allegedly make up for around 57 percent of all divorces in the U.S. Rap has always been a staple genre of the music community, and an ever-changing one at that.

Mumble rap examples