Rap is dead, huh? Hip-Hop is dead is what they say. It wasn’t a faint whisper…I heard them myself. For those that mumble those words in passing, is that true, or did Hip-Hop die within you? Maybe Hip-Hop is alive and well, and a little piece of you has died over the years. For me, Hip-Hop is alive and well. As a matter of fact, Hip-Hop is probably better off today than it was twenty years ago…
Now, before you throw hate my way old school, let me spit something at you…“Here’s a little something that you need to learn, old school artists don’t always burn.” See even KRS understood back that that you would have your turn, but now it’s my turn, and I am really concerned, about the idiots that fail to embrace the lyricists of today that will carry Hip-Hop’s fiery torch into the future.
You have had your turn. And even though I respect my forefathers that paved the way, I do feel a certain level of animosity when I watch or read interviews and they are asked to speak on the state of Hip-Hop today. As a matter of fact, I’ve even read a couple of stories posted on this site, in which people we’re trying to bash the current trends in Hip-Hop.
The reality of the situation is that the rebelliousness that has always existed in the music no longer exists within you. I’m always perplexed when I hear someone say that rappers today don’t talk about anything. One day my man showed me a tape of Busy B and the Treacherous Three for me. My question for you is, have you ever listened to that crap? No disrespect, but lyrical content has obviously evolved since then. And, if you’re compelled to call some of these old school legends lyricists, I would have to mention Lil’ Jon in the same vain.
Lyrics, flow or creativity were obviously not of utmost importance. Neither was fashion. Just being facetious. But, when you attack rap music today, you attack people like myself that have watched it evolve. I appreciated the Native Tongues, the Kanes and Kool G Raps, the Scarfaces, Snoops, Tupacs and Biggies. But you know what, I also appreciate the Jadakisses, the Camrons’, Kanyes, Twistas, T.I.s, Lil’ Waynes, Chamillionaires, Papooses, etc…
If you can’t appreciate Hip-Hop expanding as a culture and rap music evolving, I say that you should look no further than yourself. A piece of you is dead…not Hip-Hop. Hip-Hop will continue to change, and survive several more facelifts and variations. Every region on this vast earth will get an opportunity to shine and express their thoughts and give you a little insight into their experiences. The question is, where will you be?
Will you be somewhere hating, or will you venture to find out why there’s a buzz about Skyzoo, Maino, MF Doom, Lupe Fiasco, Blackalicious, the Justus League and other up and coming artists? You old school lovers need to learn to embrace and mentor those that are coming up, if you want them to care for the culture. Hate breeds hatred. And on the real, nobody’s feeling somebody twice their age preaching to them about how things used to be. But, then again it’s so hard to say goodbye to yesterday. Ain’t it?
The Original ILL WiLL from BK
The Original ILL WiLL from BK is a community member. His comments do not necessarily reflect that of 88HIPHOP or its staff.