Why is Hip Hop today so formulaic? There was a time when “rap” artists were so unique, not only in their styles and delivery, but in their overall vibe. Just think about some favorites from the golden era of the culture.
Even the earlier ‘90s delivered unique artists such as Gangstarr, Tribe Called Quest, Black Moon, etcetera. The mid-nineties brought Tupac and Biggie. Where are the poignant artists today? Who’s bringing it to a new level? Are 50 Cent and Kanye doing this? Or, is the entire Hip Hop sound today lackluster and non-dynamic? This isn’t a slam on these artists, just a question. Are they raising the bar? Are they doing something today that is changing the genre? Are they doing something that has never been done before? Think of other artists that are on the charts and on the radio today. Who looks different? Who truly sounds unique?
I could not have agreed with you more! Damn what you said hit the nail on the head. On da real tho’~~ its been years since I’ve heard anything from the Hip Hop/Rap indusrty that was worth listening to. What’s out there now on the radio, MTV, media & what’s been accepted by the so-called hip hop generation, is crap. This hip hop culture, which by the way are lil’ fuckin’ kids who don’t have any appreciation for what hip hop used to rep cause they were born too late, is the generation thats keeping this crap music on the air. Everything sounds the same either because the artist has sampled something from the past (which proves my point that hip hop sounds were better back in da day), the lyrics suck because they don’t make sense & they’re repeated phrases that are so lame its not even funny (i.e. “Ay Bay Bay…”) or because the artist literally has no skill what-so-ever (i.e. T-Pain. Can anyone seriously explain him to me? How is he talented?). There aren’t any defining characteristics of the hip hop artists today.
Back in da day hip hop artists were bringing something to the table. Their music was unique & of substance (lyrically & musically) those songs taught you something, & every song had a message that hit home. You could relate to it & most importantly you could fucking understand what they were saying. I honestly think that the trend of this type of hip hop/rap will continue only for the simple fact that the majority of great hip hop artists such as 2Pac, Biggie, RBL, Run DMC, Mac Dre, Grandmaster, Rakim the list can go forever, are dead or retired. The kids today have no clue what they’ve missed out on. They’ve got nothing to compare it to. Its sad to know that so many people have lost out on the privelage of knowing what Hip Hop used to stand for. Yeah it began as a movement, it was educational an introduction to understanding new culture, it gave folks a voice….Now it just annoys the fuck outa all us old skoolers!
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I’d have to disagree with both of you. I believe that there are plenty of unique artists out there today whose music will stand the test of time. The only problem is that most artists who are doing something different in hip-hop will never become as popular as some of the others that you have mentioned. It’s not young people’s fault either. It’s just business. Think about it. If hip-hop was edible, young people would eat the candy, bubble-gum songs. Grown folks would enjoy the meat, potatoes, and greens. The labels (majors) that have the resources to market hip-hop to the masses care more about sales than substance, and candy has always been easier to sell than steak. It’s a fact of life. All we can do as consumers (and producers) is expose our children to a healthier portion of hip-hop and what it has to offer, past and present.
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