Linguistic innovation is a crucial component in hip-hop or rap music and in everyday life. As Curzan and Adams mention in How English Works, there are an infinite number of possible expressions that can be created from the English language. So, who decides what is acceptable and what is not? Over the centuries the language has changed due to different influences. For example, hip-hop and rap music emerged when African Americans used it as an expression of their struggle against oppression and economic limitations. These changes may be acceptable in some circles, but are frowned upon by society who judges a person by the way they speak. We, the people, change the English language and no authority can control such changes. The use of double negatives, “incorrect” grammar, and the search for new meanings and contexts for words happens in everyday life; this doesn't take away from understanding and communication - that's what's important. Jay-Z and Kayne's Niggas in Paris begins with an expression, "so I dabble so much that motherfuckers want to fine me" (1). Jay-Z uses "ball" in a completely different context and thus changes the meaning of the word. Language experts would find this use of “ball” unacceptable. Dictionary.com has many definitions of ball, but none match what Jay-Z is communicating. In this context, "ball" means to have fun, and for added emphasis, he says play hard. This indicates that he is giving his all in the way he celebrates. According to Curzan and Adams, “language experts” are those people we trust to tell us what is correct and acceptable, especially in writing (33). These “language experts” would be lost as to the message the texts convey. He goes on to say, “…this……middle of paper……activity in hip-hop and rap should be given a license and because it is represented in most lyrics, the creative language has been taken .People often identify with a certain crowd and express themselves in different ways, furthermore, people may have accents that limit or favor different pronunciations and as long as people have personalities, there will be creativity in the grammar and syntax of the English language Works Cited Curzan, Anne and Michael Adams. “Chapter 1-2.” How English Works: A Linguistic Introduction. Boston: Pearson Longman, 2012. Print.Fiasco, Lupe. Warner Music, 2008. MP3.Jay-Z and Kanye West. "Niggas in Paris." Watch the Throne. MP3.Ma, Kai."The 10 strangest twin crime stories." Time, August 26, 2011. Web. March 13. 2012.