Shakespeare: Rap Genius?

What is your definition of poetry?  Is it a confusing jumble of words written by an old dead guy?  Or can it be something more modern?  Although some might disagree, many contemporary scholars view rap and hip-hop as a modern forms of poetic expression.  What do you think?  Is rap a form of poetry?  Do you have the skills to tell the difference between a line from Shakespeare, the most well known and quoted poet, and a line from contemporary rap song?

Test your skills(z) in a game of Shakespeare or Hip-Hop.

Literary Allusions in Rock

 

If you think that musicians don't care or know about literature, think again!  Many rock musicians make references to classic novels, poetry, and characters in their songs.  Led Zeppelin allude to J.R.R. Tolkien's works in several of their songs.  The Police song "Don't Stand So Close to Me" is a direct reference to Lolita, a novel by Vladimir Nabokov, whose name is mentioned in the song.  

Check out some of these and more literary allusions in rock.

THE FAMILY GUY & Literary Allusions

The Family Guy is known for its politically incorrect humor, but did you know that it often references classic literature and writers?  There have been several allusions to The Catcher in the Rye, Macbeth, and even the poetry of William Wordsworth.  So for all of the times that you sit in class and wonder why you have to learn about classic literature and long-dead poets, at the very least you'll understand the references to these works in pop culture!

 
William Wordsworth in The Family Guy
 
Lady Macbeth (bear baiting?) in The Family Guy