The Rapper’s Rapper ft Grafh

This week on The Almanac of Rap, Donwill sits down with Queens lyricist Grafh to talk about battle rap, mixtape culture, lyricism, and surviving the music industry on his own terms. Grafh reflects on discovering rap through Nas’ Illmatic, studying rhyme patterns with a dictionary, and developing the intricate writing style that would later make him a respected “rapper’s rapper.” The conversation explores the difference between writing a great verse versus crafting a great song, ghostwriting for major artists, and learning song structure from collaborators like Kanye West and 88-Keys. Grafh also shares stories about battling rappers in studios before the modern battle rap era, getting co-signed by the late DJ Kay Slay, working with Busta Rhymes, signing to Roc-A-Fella Records during the label’s final years, and eventually finding financial freedom through today’s underground rap ecosystem. Grafh breaks down: The art of lyrical wordplay The real business behind mixtape-era rap Busta Rhymes, Kay Slay & Roc-A-Fella Why underground rap is thriving independently 🤳🏾 Got a question, comment or compliment? Leave a message today at 1-877-DONWILL (366-9455) It might just end up in an episode!🎙️ Follow Donwill for fun hip-hop history, cultural commentary, and more. Substack: New Music Tuesdays Instagram/Threads: @donwill Mixcloud: Donwill Website: Donwill.me Follow Grafh: Instagram:  @grafh  Website: artbygrafh.com  Created and hosted by two time Webby Award-winning host Donwill, The Almanac of Rap is produced by Okayplayer, a division of AREYA MEDIA Inc. Originally launched in 1999, Okayplayer is the original progressive music site and maintains its position as the premier digital destination for music and culture connoisseurs worldwide. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices