Johns Rappin - Born This Way (2015) Discussion

[–] eholzapfel26 8 years ago

Yeah, in all honesty, it's awful.
But then again, most rap is awful. It's not musical because it's just talking fast to a drumbeat. And in John's case, he can't articulate all that well in the first place, which makes his rapping sound unskilled.

I don't mind people capitalizing on their disability, but when the final product is something people will only buy out of pity (not because they actually enjoy it) well... pity purchases probably can't be a consistent form of income.

reply

[–] mayobrown-1 8 years ago

Oh my God he is terrible. Please forgive me for being honest but I feel like muting my TV whenever he starts to sing that terrible song.

reply

[–] weemidge 8 years ago

I admire John for going after his dream, but no he is not a musical performer and his rapping isn't good....I loved it when they showed John working at the Shelter/Pet Store, he seemed in his niche and you could tell he really loved the animals....I'm hoping that is what he gets back too, cause yes his rapping is like nails on the chalkboard...

"Life is like a banquet and most poor suckers are starving to death."

reply

[–] IrisJ123 8 years ago

The monotone/robotic speech and short fingers that typically come with Downs make it very difficult to develop real skill in the musical realm (yes, that does include rapping). It's hard for most of us; it's that much harder for anyone with Downs.

So John is doing the best he can, I am sure. If he just considers it a hobby, it's harmless, but no one should encourage it as a true source of income. His mother seems to be very realistic about it.

I do think he's freakin' hilarious, though. He could seriously do some scripted comedic work. He actually has demonstrated good timing, which is not as easy as it looks.

reply

[–] heyitsboomer 8 years ago

You pretty much said everything I was going to, haha. I really don't see him ever being signed to a label, because his rapping just isn't good at all, unfortunately. I agree with you about him being hilarious, he's so sassy, he cracks me up!

reply

[–] IrisJ123 8 years ago

And he's quick! They should cast him in a movie with Kevin Hart and Owen Wilson. He'd kill it.

reply

[–] IrisJ123 8 years ago

Did you watch him tonight? "Girlll, you better back that up!" He's freakin' hilarious. Someone seriously needs to hire him for a supporting role in a comedy flick.

reply

[–] IrisJ123 8 years ago

I also love how he was the one to call all the other folks out on their party drama, and to note that they should be examples for other Downs people. He's the best.

(Of course, the party drama did seem fake/manufactured.)

reply

[–] scooters-55892 8 years ago

Wow, I'm glad someone finally brought this topic up!! Totally agree. I am not a fan of rap by any means, but I think I have heard enough rap to at least know what reasonably skilled rapping sounds like. John is NOT it by any stretch. I hate to disparage him, but he is horrible!! Plain and simple. I certainly hope he has a "Plan B" in mind because he surely won't support himself as a rapper.

reply

[–] Katiedidd 8 years ago

Being a lead rapper is not for John. He seems a little more interested in the lifestyle anyways, not that hard work it takes to make it as an artist. I could be so wrong, but just being into the clothes, photoshoots, the "being fabulous" seems more his thing than putting out material.

I know he has almost a full-length album already produced, so he has come up with some material, but honestly, it's not up to snuff. He actually has pretty decent stage presence and some moves, but as a frontman rapper? No. A lot of people couldn't cut it as a rapper, and developmental delays have nothing to do with it. However, I feel really mean saying it because I feel like he doesn't have the skills lyrically or the ability to drop rhymes. At most, he could do backup, or be a "featuring" artist (not to be confused with "featured," which he just should not), but even him getting a spot with other acts would be pretty much a pity-invite.

Feels super harsh to say, but it's not really for him.

reply

[–] IrisJ123 8 years ago

He's no rapper, but he is charismatic and has great comic timing. As I said elsewhere on this board, I think he'd do great in small roles in scripted comic films and TV shows.

reply

[–] Katiedidd 8 years ago

I second that. I think John is a hoot, and he has good stage presence. .

reply

[–] Katiedidd 8 years ago

He seems a little more interested in the lifestyle anyways, not that hard work it takes to make it as an artist. I could be so wrong, but just being into the clothes, photoshoots, the "being fabulous" seems more his thing than putting out material.

Having seen John at Tree Sound Studios, he was very committed. In fact, that was one of his strengths. I don't know if that's sustainable because he was there for a day (or two?) at most. It did show he was dedicated to the production though.

I did really like Mali, the producer. I noticed John sounds the most authentic and well-spoken when just speaking and not trying to fit a rap persona. I'm sure other viewers notice this as well. I thought how great it would be to just record him speaking freely and use that as lyrics--it's still his words. Then, about 20-30 seconds later, Mali did just that. She recited some of what John had expressed about his sister's death. Having him share that and journal entries is a lot better than what John thinks his lyrics and image should be.

reply

[–] IrisJ123 8 years ago

Sure, but you could say that about most people who appear on reality TV shows. Many of them have no actual talents to speak of, or "fake" talents/businesses that are played up for the purpose of the show. Why should the folks on this show be any different, just because they are intellectually challenged?

reply

[–] eholzapfel26 8 years ago

Yes... that could be a potential problem.

A "typical" person who gets on a Reality TV show may be quite able to realize they only have sudden notoriety due to their appearance on a show, and know they're not really talented, and know that this fame will most likely be fleeting unless they can display some real skills or capitalize on their fame in some other way by say, segueing it into another career path.

But the Born This Way folks may not have that capacity to varying extents, and some of them may be in for some very hard emotional times when it all ends or comes crashing down.

We've seen how simple disappointments can send some of them into a downward spiral... for instance, Christina's reaction tonight to coming in 2nd in the dance contest (a "typical" would've been thrilled, but she was upset because her wish & Disney-esque expectation was that she'd win). Her reaction among some of those of the others show how very rudimentary let downs can be quite devastating to people who have not developed normal levels of intellectual & emotional maturity due to cognitive handicaps.

I'm just wondering, should people with mental disabilities be protected from the sudden highs and the most certain crashes of the "15 minutes of fame" phenomenon?

reply

[–] CoraJack 8 years ago

I could not agree more about the show changing their realities. As far as the parents capitalizing... I HOPE they are investing most of the money towards the children's futures. No worries about John especially... he might not be a good rapper, but I can see some TV or movie roles coming his way.
I really think the parents are overall so supportive. Having a DS cousin... I know it takes a lot for parents to even "hang in there" much less be able to raise fantastic children.
There is one parent who bothers me a bit. It's almost a case of over acting due to guilt.
Parenting is difficult for everyone...who am I to judge? But I'm not on TV with my kid either.
Cheers!

reply

[–] 8 years ago

[deleted]

[–] minidiva48 8 years ago

I feel a bit guilty to say but he isn't very good...I do hate to see his dreams crushed though.

reply