Illogic- (n) a lack of logic; invalid or incorrect reasoning.

Ill- (adj, Slang) awesome; possessing the characteristics of being great or above average.

Logic- (n) A system of reasoning; Valid reasoning; Reasoned and reasonable judgment.

These word mean one of two things, the emcee by the name Illogic is either a mad ranter of words that lack a sense of correct reasoning or an awesome lyricist whose words display a valid system of poetic reasoning. After hearing Verbage, one can make a definite decision.

Verbage acts as a two way manifesto both denouncing wack rappers from the art of rhyming as well as proclaiming his prowess as an exceptional lyricist. The beat in itself is a mellow backdrop to this lyrical dissertation as it sets a claim mood that is not particular to songs that attack below average rappers. Combined with Illogic’s smooth and intelligent flow, the instrumental provides an ethereal aura for the listener to submerge himself in. It is likely that the beat was produced by Blueprint, head artist (producer/emcee) on Weightless Recordings, who usually handles production for Illogic.

But it is the lyrical content that makes this song so extraordinary. The hook acts as the thesis of this manifesto as Illogic spits: I take time to make rhyme conformed to my purposes/ Committin’ hate crimes against cats that spit worthless/ I make mines and take lines my fine skill disperses/ Verses to the intimidated perforated by verbage. Just the hook displays his poetic prowess in that he uses several rhyming tactics to connect the various line of the hook- using end, middle, and end-to-beginning rhyme. The whole song is laced with this type, and other forms, of awareness of poetic structure. Lyrically, Illogic will make you feel intellectually inferior by his ability to combine words in a sensible and smart manner. Very few people would say to a person: You abyss of nothingness/ epitome of contingency/can’t elevate ‘cause I slash your elevator shaft in half before I left you faculty. Or have the bold cleverness to say: Stop acting feminine and let your purse rest/ With an open chest/ You got the nerve to serve words from clef notes/ but I spit notes/ Revolting daggers through the sounds at most. Or this line: With the assistance of an oxygen mask/ Your oxygen won’t last long enough for you to catch your breath between this and my next masterpiece.

This song is full of intelligence and wit that if it was a written piece without music (i.e., a poem) it would still be powerful. This song is definitely worth the listen, the repeat listen and a little bit of time afterwards to reflect on the words and message. Then check out any one of Illogic’s albums, it might change your view on hip-hop music.

One Response to “Illogic- Verbage”

1. That Dude Says:
   March 6th, 2006 at 3:03 am

   Good Catch, Why did I SLEEP? Shit is hot, non-stop. I’m impressed. Good job, Mr. Mute. You describe this just like Copyrights album, high exalted, hip-hop. Ez.

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