2007 : 16 "Water Line" by Sage Francis

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Sage Francis is sometimes classified as "emo rap." I do not use this label myself, primarily because it is stupid. In a backhanded way, though, it does sort of tell you something about him; much of his stuff is not about straightforward narrative, but about psychology and, yes, emotion. If rap songs were novels, Sage Francis's would be short on plot and long on character development. This is not totally unique, or really all that new; think of the difference between NWA's "Straight Outta Compton" and the Geto Boys' "Mind Playing Tricks on Me." Sage's subject matter is very different, though, and his approach is to the material more abstract. He's also been one of the most exciting new discoveries for me in the last few years; had I been more on the ball, I would have posted songs from him for 2004 and 2006 as well. This is from his latest, and will accomplish more in two minutes than seems reasonable to expect. —John French Listen: Sage Francis >> "Water Line"