Since music taste is a highly subjective issue, there are many different genres that can appeal to anyone. Despite the variety of genres, people often associate themselves with only a certain few and eventually develop distinct opinions and tastes. There is no right or wrong in preferences, and no one’s musical tastes fully align with anybody else’s. Music speaks to people in different ways, which is probably one of the most beautiful things about art in general.
While a lovely melody can make someone emotional, it can also do nothing for others. Thus, getting into fights over musical tastes is somewhat pointless because nobody will ever win. Yet everyone, including prominent artists, has the right to express their opinions about other music genres they don’t enjoy. As an outspoken musician, the Rolling Stones icon Keith Richards also had something to say about a particular genre.
What Does Keith Richards Think About Rap Music?
As the co-founder, guitarist, and songwriter of the Rolling Stones, Keith Richards has enjoyed a tremendously successful career with the band for six decades. Besides his talents, the guitarist has also been on the agenda with his sharp tongue and surprising statements. He has never hesitated to express his opinions on various artists, including the Beatles, David Bowie, Led Zeppelin, and other music-related topics.
In 2015, he targeted a specific music genre in an interview with New York Daily News5. After talking about the current state of rock and stating his opinion on metal, the Rolling Stones icon moved on to rap. The guitarist claimed that rap was fast and full of words, but it ultimately didn’t say anything meaningful.
Then, the musician continued by saying that rap music’s popularity proved the presence of many tone-deaf people who could not distinguish the differences between musical sounds. According to Richards, most people have trouble telling the difference between notes and appreciating good music, so they like rap.
Keith Richards’ statements on rap are as follows:
“Rap – so many words, so little said. What rap did that was impressive was to show there are so many tone-deaf people out there. All they need is a drum beat and somebody yelling over it, and they’re happy. There’s an enormous market for people who can’t tell one note from another.”
Considering his remarks, it seems clear that Keith Richards has never been a fan of rap, although there are many rockstars who are and have even collaborated with some. With his harsh words on a music genre loved by millions, the guitarist added a new one to his previous sensational statements.
