As the world celebrates Hip Hop with the Pulitzer Prize and title of “first billionaire rapper,” what is lost in the noise of recognition is the craft, artistry, and techniques of Hip-Hop music or rapping. Hailed as a “genius” by Dr. Cornel West and acknowledged as one of the most innovative musicians by Hip-Hop legends and icons of rap, O’hene Savànt redefines the rapper as an “emsee”—an artist with vision and not simply rote technique.
In Becoming an Emsee, the multi-instrumentalist, producer, and Hip-Hop artist Savànt offers the rapper and anyone who wants to learn the art of emseeing a first-of-its-kind guide, organized into seven principles and packed with original insights for every artist from a master musician. It is one thing to rap, but it is quite another to know how to rap and then teach it.
Becoming an Emsee introduce readers to philosophies that lay at the foundation of rap as well as disc jockeys, jazz musicians, and other Hip-Hop pioneers. Lyrics from Savànt and a range of rappers are analyzed to show technique, evolution and the musical structures underlying rhymes, while immersing us in the art of composition, wit, word manipulation, voicing, flow, and live performance. Through Becoming an Emsee, Savànt reclaims the craft, artistry and musicianship of Hip-Hop music.
“O’hene Savant is the Stevie Wonder of today in Hip Hop.”
—Pete Rock, acclaimed producer, DJ and rapper of the duo Pete Rock & CL Smooth
“I [have] had the upmost pleasure playing and curating catalog songs from Ohene Savant. He dares with the boldness of truth but the knowledge, wisdom, understanding, and talent to transform listeners into a positive space.”
—Chuck D, Hip-Hop activist and artist from the legendary group Public Enemy
“I consider [O’hene] to be an exceptional artist in an interesting age where music and entertainment is concerned… His work is mental and emotional nutrition.”
—Christopher “Play” Martin, legendary actor and rapper from the duo Kid N’ Play
“This man is a genius, he is one of the grand musicians of our time.”
—Dr. Cornel West, Professor of the Practice of Public Philosophy at Harvard University and Professor Emeritus at Princeton University
“O’hene Savant is one of the illest producers I’ve seen in a long time. He’s multitalented and deserved to be measured with some of the greatest hip hop producers of our time. His talents are unmatched…. If you’re looking for a new experience, O’hene is the one.”
—Ron Lawrence, Grammy award winning producer for Rakim, Jay Z, Notorious B.I.G., Common
“In order for [Hip-Hop] music to grow and evolve there has to be those that… think out the box, allowing creativity to be his guide…. That artist’s name is OHENE SAVANT.”
—Chip Fu, Hip-Hop legend and innovator from the group Fu Schnickens
“We lost James Brown, we lost Michael Jackson, we lost Prince…. I am so grateful that I still have… Stevie Wonder and Ohene Savant.”
