Keep It Real

5-12-25

Let's keep it real. So what is real? If reality is perception, is anything real? We consider things "real" when we all experience the same thing. What if we all are under the same illusion.

So let's talk hip hop. And life. Life is hip hop. Hip hop is life. Anyway...

In hip hop, we say we keep it real. I'm Phil 4Ril. Was Phil 4Real, then I figure if Phil is feel, then Ril is real, and this is music you feel for real.

Is Phil 4Ril my alter ego? Is it just a rap name, and I'm being me? Well, its both. It's still me, hence my actual name. I don't have to transform to become Phil 4Ril. 

At the same time, its not Phil, its Phil 4Ril. It's not a character, but its a performance name. A brand. A company. An entertainer. You get it.

I think of the Sopranos episode. I think its the one where he takes his daughter meadow to college in season 1. There was a picture Tony read sayin' "You can't wear a mask to the world and one to yourself, without remembering which is which." Or somethin like that.

Meaning, you can't put on a fake face before it becomes your real face. Think of like when your mom said don't make a funny face, or it might get stuck that way. If I'm mean muggin all the time, I'm gonna be in a bad mood. If you make yourself smile, you might just get happier. You can't lie to yourself tho. Its tricky.

So as far as rappin', Phil 4Ril is the "real" version of me. He can say what I feel, what I've done, and what I wanna do. At the same time, it may be exaggerated at times to prove a point. Music is also very emotional based at time, and you have to look into your past to bring up certain feelings or bring up current problems. Doesn't mean everything is chaotic all the time. Same with happy stuff. I rap about when I want, but can't force it all the time. 

I actually think the real Phil is crazier than Phil 4Ril. The more I put my personal life in song, the more people think I'm crazy. They almost want it to be fantasy. I can only put so much in my raps at a time. If you knew the entire story at once, people wouldn't believe me. Phil the person doesn't care about anyone. Phil 4Ril has to present himself as a businessman and a brand.

So rap is supposed to be real. But its so "keep it real" all the time. that it's fake as fuck. If you think its 100% truth, then you're stupid. Let's be real. Nobody's pushin keys still rappin. And if you are, you're stupid. You will get caught. And your rap career is done. It won't help your buzz or street cred when nobody remembers your ass. Except your cell mate wil...

If every rapper can only rap about what they've done, then there's 4 options. 1: Tell exactly what you did and its boring. I did this. I do that... 2: Exaggerate and lie. 3. Keep it real, and incriminate yourself. Or 4, mix it up. Keep the fans guessing. Make it real, but maybe not so real. Nowdays rappers tell who they shot, when they did it, and where to find the body and everything. I never shot nobody...

If we're keepin' it real. I'm just a guy who likes hip hop. Grew up on it, and been listening to it since at a kid tuning in on my nickelodeon radio. And even before that just crusing in the car. I'm just a local rapper, no deal. Don't really want one. Just want enough fans, who support where I can make a living. I'm not rich, not really trying to be. If it happens cool. Anyway, time to keep it real with ourself. Do rappers lie anymore than the average person in society?

We only share our good times, bad times, and random things that don't matter. Maybe some personal beliefs. Usually only if you think others can relate. What about the situation or ideas or feeling nobody has talked about? Does that mean they don't exist? Should we not talk about it. What if it upsets people? Who cares anymore. Just keep it real.