Some rappers happen to be thoughtful, intelligent people. Each week, Rocks Off will have some of them here discussing issues relevant to their culture.

This Week’s Panel: Bun B, Cory Mo, Slim Thug, E.S.G., Chingo Bling, Doughbeezy, hasHBrown, B L A C K I E, Renzo, #Thurogod, CB Kings, Brad Gilmore, Young Sensation, Zavey, more.

Not Invited: Mozart

This Week’s Prompt: A common discussion among music dorks: Are rappers musicians or performers*? The prompt, then: a) Do you play an instrument; and b) Do you know how to read music?

*The answer seems clear (musicians), but whatever. Music dorks argue about everything.

CB Kings: BC is the musician of the group. he plays guitar, keys, bass and reads music.

B L A C K I E: I played nearly all the instruments on my new album, GEN

Chane: A. Yes, electric guitar. B. No.

Yung Truth: No to both.

Renzo: I can play “Hot Cross Buns” on any instrument known to man.

D-Risha: A. I played the snare drum in my middle school. B. I used to know how to read music [laughs].

Nosaprise: I play a couple instruments; guitar and keys mainly in Screwtape [a rock band]. I can read music for both. I also play drums like a caveman.

#Thurogod: I know a little piano. Very little. And no, I cannot read music.

Medicine Girl: Neither. I refused piano and guitar lessons and tricked my choir professor.

hasHBrown: A. The piano. B. Yes.

Chingo Bling: A. Little bit of keys. B. Little bit of music theory.

Mac: I can’t read music but I can play piano by ear.

Preemo: Does banging on tables count as playing an instrument? And unfortunately I cannot read music.

Zavey: Can’t play an instrument but if there is a hole in the blunt I hold it like a flute. And yes, I can read music.

Brad Gilmore: Both. I play a little piano and I am classically trained in reading vocal music.

Jack Freeman: A. Partially. B. No.

Chuckway: Yeah. Percussion.

Slim Thug: Nope.

Bun B: No and no.

Cory Mo: I play keyboards and a little guitar. Can’t read it for nothing. [laughs].

E.S.G.: No. [laughs].

Scooby: A. Yes. B. Hell nah.

Doughbeezy: No to both.

Young Sensation: A. I used to play the electric guitar. I need to sharpen up on that. B. A little bit; haven’t read any in a while.

Follow Rocks Off on Facebook and on Twitter at @HPRocksOff.

This article appears in Apr 5-11, 2012.