In honor of the 50th anniversary of hip-hop, we’re highlighting some of the masterful word choices that exemplify music’s most language-loving genre.

🎤 Ladies first, there's no time to rehearse
I'm divine and my mind expands throughout the universe
A female rapper with the message to send
The Queen Latifah is a perfect specimen

Queen Latifah and Monie Love, "Ladies First" (All Hail the Queen, 1989, Tommy Boy Records)

✏️ Excellent is used to describe someone or something as being outstanding, but divine goes even further, suggesting supernatural superiority. Divine is often used hyperbolically to express the utmost appreciation for someone or something, such as a person’s world-class talents.

Tune in to tomorrow’s Synonym of the Day for a perfect word choice from a track by A Tribe Called Quest.

In honor of the 50th anniversary of hip-hop, we’re highlighting some of the masterful word choices that exemplify music’s most language-loving genre.

🎤 One love, one game, one desire
One flame, one bonfire, let it burn higher
I never show signs of fatigue or turn tired
Cause I'm the definition of tragedy turned triumph

The Roots, "The Fire (feat. John Legend)" (How I Got Over, 2010, Def Jam Recordings)

✏️ Triumph is a stronger word than victory. Triumph refers to a particularly noteworthy or important victory. While victory could mean a single success, triumph implies a complete, overwhelming success or one that was finally achieved after much difficulty.

Tune in to tomorrow’s Synonym of the Day for a perfect word choice from a track by Queen Latifah.

In honor of the 50th anniversary of hip-hop, we’re highlighting some of the masterful word choices that exemplify music’s most language-loving genre.

🎤 Constant elevation causes expansion
I write my rhymes while I cool in my mansion
Then put it on tape and in the city I test it
Then on the radio the R is requested

Eric B & Rakim, "I Know You Got Soul" (Paid in Full, 1987, 4th & B'way Records)

✏️ Advancement refers to the process of moving forward, while elevation specifically refers to moving upward—and both terms are used literally and figuratively. When used metaphorically, elevation suggests that something, such as an art form, has been raised to a new level.

Tune in to tomorrow’s Synonym of the Day for a perfect word choice from a track by The Roots.