Written by Michael Thervil
Lil Yachty
Long gone are the days in which Hip-Hop/Rap Artists actually not only stood for something, but they actually meant something. However, today’s Hip-Hop and Rap music, if you can call it that, seems to have gone the way of what is known as “Fast Fashion”. If you don’t know, what Fast Fashion is it can be summed up to the following according to the Oxford Dictionary:
“Inexpensive clothing produced rapidly by mass-market retailers in response to the latest trends.”
This is exactly what is going on with Hip-Hop/Rap music today. The origins of Hip-Hop were predicated on skill and creativity which was followed by the message of whatever Artist you were listening to – but again today that’s no longer the case.
Make no mistake about it, record labels (major or independent) require “hits” which fuels their bottom line financially – but what happens when the bottom line becomes the sole reason for making music? Another factor why its game over for Hip-Hop/Rap beyond the obsession with the bottom line is the fact that record labels have played a huge part in conditioning up and coming Artists to literally copy and paste the formula used by another Artists hit record. This sets the precedence for nearly all the music being produced to sound the same within the last decade plus.
Dr. Dre stated during an interview with Kevin Hart:
“Hip-Hop is what it is; anyone talking about the state of Hip-Hop right now, talking about it from a negative place sound like somebody’s fucking grandfather. This is just what it is – Hip-Hop is evolving – if you don’t like it don’t listen to it.”
Kodak Black
But you should listen to your grandfather and respect him. Unless your grandfather is senile, failure to do so shows a lack of maturity, but giving him his respect is unconditional no matter his mental state. Granted there are people out there that bootleg music and engage in the illegal downloading of music – but could it be that the Fast Fashion approach used within Hip-Hop/Rap music industry is the reason why Juicy J of Three 6 mafia (RIP to La Chat aka “Gangsta Boo”) was able to make the claim that Hip-Hop/Rap sales are down 40%.
So, in response to Dr. Dre’s comment – maybe people aren’t listening to the crap we are calling “Fast Music” being put out today. Moreover, if Hip-Hop/Rap music is evolving: then what is it evolving into? Technically all most people hear is Artists (if you can call them that) sounding like drugged out zombies talking over played out trap sounds and issuing fake threats, all while talking about things they don’t actually own or have done.
Sexyy Red
But there is another element that needs to be addressed. It could be said that the Hip-Hop/Rap Artists of an exceptionally high caliber such as Busta Rhymes, Jay-Z, and Rick Ross (for example) seem to be too afraid to actually call out garbage Artist and their music within the industry such as “Sexyy Red”, Niki Minaj, Cardi B, Megan-Thee Stallion, and just about anyone with the prefix “Lil” before their name (For the exception of Lil’ Wayne) for God sakes. However, if Hip-Hop/Rap Artist of the highest calibers do happen to address an Artist (now seen more as personalities) who makes “Fast Music”, it seems to be in a vague, non-threatening way; using the words “they” and “them” like some weird sex/gender confused jerk that hates what they are.
Whatever happened to being assertive, taking a stand, and calling a name? Be precise and unafraid in your language, thoughts, and articulation and say the name of the Artist who you think doesn't make the cut musically and or lyrically. Maybe these outstanding artists don’t want to ruffle feathers? Maybe they’re afraid of retaliation from the person they are talking about? Maybe they are afraid of getting canceled? Who knows? But the people in the know, who actually know anything about the history and the growth of Hip-Hop/Rap music know that Hip-Hop and Rap as we know it – is dead.
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