Ghostwriters for.. rappers??

Since the last thing I wrote about had to do with rap music, I thought I might as well continue on the subject. In the last few years, I have come to understand there to be a phenomenon called “ghost writing.” The term comes from the situation where a rapper does not write his own lyrics (rhymes, raps, etc.), but rather has them written by another individual, and then simply deliver what was written. Although I am very familiar with song writers, I am completely puzzled by this idea of rappers not writing their own material.

As far as I know, rappers got signed to record labels based upon their talent and ability to be able to write amazing things, and of course their “swag” and delivery as well. But I truly thought the main part of a rapper’s skill was in his (or her) writing. However, if I’m mistaken, could someone tell me where it lies? A painter is a good painter because he paints well. A track star is what he is because of his gift in running. So where is the skill in a rapper who doesn’t—rap? When using the term “to rap” in a sentence, had it all of the sudden changed to a different meaning?

I feel like ghost writing is a mockery to the game and should not be tolerated. Shouldn’t a rapper be laughed at if someone finds out that he is a fake? A phony, because his amazing lyrics do not belong to him? If times have changed, then I guess I have to accept it. Perhaps signing rappers because they get the girls or because they’re the record label head’s nephew is all it takes these days…

Someone could argue the point “a lot of singers don’t write their own lyrics. It’s no different.” But it is. Singers are recognized for their—singing ability. Not their writing ability. Song writers are noted for writing songs because that’s what they do. Singers are noted for their voices because what they do is sing. We don’t necessarily expect them to write, play the banjo and tap dance too.

I just wish someone would explain when rappers began to be credited highly without being original. I thought as a rapper, you were supposed to tell your story.. Give an account of what you've been through and what you've seen--say what's on your mind.. Not say what some person you don't even know has on their mind. Someone standing in front of a microphone reading from a piece of paper does not justify or earn the title or an MC in my opinion. Boy, times have changed…

Related:

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20071227142811AANYGgv

http://www.futureproducers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=34635

http://www.nasforum.net/showthread.php?t=16481