How to Be a Lyricist-Pt. 2 – Unlock the Wordsmith (Theme: Discover the Power of Language)

 I have been an artist, an m.c., a poet, a songwriter and a writer for 45 years of my life since the age of eight. Today’s very important topic is related to where we use technology for everything in communication. When you communicate about different issues, viewpoints or display ideas it is key to articulate the idea or concept. I'll take for example the idea that working somewhere people always convey information to you face to face, on the phone or through social media apps.

Every lyricist is a wordsmith — not just a rhymer, but a craftsman of expression. The beat might move the body, but the words move the soul. Unlocking the wordsmith in you means learning to manipulate language with intention, elegance, and edge.

Start by treating words like tools. A hammer can build or break. A metaphor can heal or sting. Master the mechanics: Using these areas below will help you on your pathway.

• Alliteration sharpens rhythm.

• Internal rhyme adds music between the bars.

• Double entendres open doors to layered meaning.

• Imagery paints emotion in high definition.

Be playful. Be surgical. Stretch the language until it sings.

Study the greats — not just hip-hop icons, but poets, playwrights, storytellers. Shakespeare, Maya Angelou, Nas, André 3000, Nina Simone. Notice how they say more with less, how they leave space for interpretation, how a simple phrase can feel eternal when placed just right.

Don’t just write what rhymes — write what reveals. Challenge yourself to say “I miss you” without using the words. Say “I’m angry” through metaphor, through storm, through silence.

Great wordsmiths know the difference between saying something, and saying it in a way that sticks.

This is where technical skill meets emotion. Where punchlines meet poetry. When you unlock the wordsmith, you stop writing at people and start speaking into them. The pen is your sword. Sharpen it.

And as always……r u using ur mind?