re: Eminem and Kanye found to use wider vocabulary than Bob Dylan in new song study

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Also, I guess this puts an end to the "rap is for dummmies" ideology that is often present on this board

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Any and all mainstream music, regardless of genre, is typically popular among the predominantly simple-minded who value simple, accessible hooks and melodies, catchy choruses, and visual aesthetics, more than instrumental innovation, virtuosity, challenging lyrics, and originality. There have been a few exceptions to this rule (e.g. Pink Floyd), but mainstream America often likes something that is easy to listen to and doesn't require a great investment of time or thought on the part of the listener to enjoy it.

Hip-hop has had a number of highly intelligent lyricists who presumably lack the formal education to employ such a diverse lexicon.

However, the general perception of hip-hop's lyrical merit is often hindered by the gratuitous references to gangsta lifestyle, materialism, and misogyny. The same is often true with metal artists who routinely reference occultism, violence, sex, and drugs in their songs.

Yes, many of the mainstream, commercial successes are writing for the lowest common denominator of listeners, but there are those that dare to challenge the system and discuss matters pertaining to socioeconomic status, classicism, social injustice, oppression, contemporary philosophy, etc.

Again though, how many different words you utilize in your writing will not simply result in lyrical genius.