Ghostwriting has become THE hot topic in hip-hop right now and artists are giving their opinion on the subject from every angle. After Meek Mill called out Drake for allegedly not writing his own verse on the Dreams Worth More Than Money track "R.I.C.O.," rappers from all across hip-hop decided to add their two cents on the ordeal. Lupe Fiasco has written a lengthy piece on his Instagram, giving on perspective on the practice of "ghostwriting," trying to make it clear that things are not so black and white when it comes to writing rhymes.
In his post, fittingly titled "The Haunting," Fiasco notes that the practice of collaborating with others and ghostwriting has always been in rap and will always be a part of rap. "Some of the most pivotal moments in rap have been ghostwritten verses."
The issue is that if you are trying to portray yourself as an authentic rapper with a strong pen and then buy verses from writers, then there is a problem.
"It is nothing to go crazy over or be offended about unless you are someone who postures him or herself on the importance of authenticity and tries to portray that quality to your fans or the public at large."
However his bigger point is that rapping and writing and two distinct skills that aren't always mastered at the same level.
"Rapping is not an easy thing to do. It's takes years of work and trial and error to master some of its finer points."
He then brings it into context of Meek and Drake, sharing stories of when he first heard the two rappers in their hometowns of Philadelphia and Toronto and why this discussion is important.
"Meek Mill struck a nerve accusing Drake of having a ghostwriter and the entire rap world reacted on all sides of the fence because rap is alive."
Read the rapper's Instagram posts in full below:
