R.A.P Ferreira expresses his love for poetry 

There is no doubt that rap music has strong ties to poetry. Bars and phrases are creatively put together in many different and distinct rhyme schemes and spit with many different flows. Like poets, rappers use said words and phrases together to describe emotions, scenarios or anything else they seek inspiration from. It will entirely make sense if a rapper has one poet that inspires them and whose aesthetic is matched somehow through their work. For the Chicago born rapper, R.A.P Ferreira, his poet was Bob Kaufman. Kaufman’s work synchronized his words and jazz music with a flow that made it feel as if it was improvised. In turn, Ferreira uses this template for his sophomore album, bob’s son: R.A.P Ferreira in the garden level café of the scallops hotel.

Before introducing himself to the world as R.A.P Ferreira, a play on words with his real name, the artist was going under the name milo. His debut album under the new moniker, Purple Moonlight Pages, introduced people to the more jazz infused sound of the rapper’s music. His latest LP takes that inspiration and elevates in. bob’s son opens up with “battle report” featuring Pink Navel. It is more of an introduction rather than an actual track. The next track, “the cough bomber’s return” gives a more song feel, however, and brings in that Kaufman inspiration. The lyrics come in a spoken word like delivery with the melodic piano and sleepy drum pattern underlaying. The same energy is kept in “diogenes on the auction block.” The track hints at Ferreira’s opinions on the US’ treatment of racism as he effortlessly flows over the beat lines like, “I’m the type of slave you buy if, uh, you, uh, need a new master” and “political spectrum be Sprite or Sierra Mist, it’s disgusting.”

“redguard snipers” featuring SB the Moor gives the catchiest and most traditional chorus on the album. The production itself is more rooted in what seems to be a modern hip-hop production. The beat sports a synth piano and steady drum pattern that distorts and abruptly ends halfway through. The two artists melt over the track with their quick-witted bars. “bobby digital’s little wings” brings forth a mid-tempo guitar pattern with a basic drum beat that allows Ferreira’s words to shine. Lines like “Titanic sank cause Black people weren’t allowed on it. How’s that for power?” become open and heard much more easily. The LP comes full circle at the final track, “abomunist manifesto.” Over a bendy jazz bassline, Ferreira recites Kaufman’s poem of the same name.

Lacing the albums with wise words of poets such as Gregory Corso and Ted Joans, R.A.P Ferreira really takes time to highlight his appreciation for poetry. Before there was rap, there were poems, and by inserting words of these greats, it’s as if he is paying homage to those who paved the way. bob’s son: R.A.P Ferreira in the garden level café of the scallops hotel continues the sound of Bob Kaufman’s legacy brought in such a great display.