[W T Clark]

I would not be as confident as Jim to put down this music. I have learnt more about compression and energy from most rappers than from some poets of the past esteemed highly here. Rap has true authentic energy combined with craft: twofold vision; in this sense: it is a truer formalism than half the versified metrical efforts I am told is "formalist". Not that Kendrick can hold me like Blake or Dickinson or Mandelstam; but to deny his energy would be braver than I am. Of course much of it is trash; but what isn't very much trash? — And to deny all rappers when I hear them every day is beyond me! — And To Pimp a Butterfly has an effect I would not disdain.

As for this talk of pettiness; it is true: yes John. but show me a poet who isn't and I will show you ten. As with everything: silliness is stranger and older than we know.