The Current State of Hip Hop: Is the Magic gone?

Some would point to the continued dominance of mainstay pop artists like Taylor Swift and Harry Styles or the reemergence of Country Music with a younger streaming consumer or even the lack of releases by major Hip Hop artists as the reason the genre seems to being taking a backseat to other genres in the 2020s. A deeper look reveals that a shift in Hip Hop’s musicality and lyricism as well as the growing schism between older and newer Hip Hop artists as the true culprit

Carl Chery head of urban music at Spotify said “Hip-Hop needs new leaders who are intentional about dictating where the music and culture are going. It feels like artists either don’t think about it or don’t want that responsibility. We need it tho. Who’s gonna step up?” 

New school artists recognize the shift and acknowledge the need for change “He right, we gone bounce back tho. We let country and Spanish music take over cuz we too divided. That sh*t lame as f*ck.” said Trippie Redd. 

“People are putting out trash-ass music. Everything sounds alike, everything’s repetitive, same tempo, ain’t nobody doing nothing different,” Bow Wow (born Shad Moss) said. “It wasn’t like that [in the past]… And now we finally getting to a point to where I feel like now it’s about to shift back into the real shit,” he continued. “I think people are starting to get tired of it now, that’s why you don’t see nothing charting… Ain’t nobody doing nothing different. So, it’s time to shake the game up and get it back to what it needs to get back to., and that’s the real essence of artistry and real good music that’s gon’ last forever…” 

Hip Hop, as a cultural phenomenon, has witnessed a remarkable transformation over the decades and is on the precipice of more change as the genre celebrates it 50th anniversary. It’s safe to say that nothing less than the very existence of Hip Hop music is at stake

The Foundation

As discussed in a previous post, originally, Hip Hop was often an outlet for marginalized communities to express their experiences and challenges. DJs like Grandmaster Flash and Afrika Bambaataa were instrumental in shaping the genre's early sound, focusing on party anthems and community unity.

Lyrically, Old School artists delved into themes of religion, social inequality, and life in the inner city. The emphasis on storytelling and clever wordplay laid the foundation for the lyricism that would become a hallmark of Hip Hop.

Golden Age

The mid and late 1980s marked a critical shift in Hip Hop's development, often referred to as the Golden Age. During this era, artists such as Run-D.M.C., LL Cool J, and Queen Latifah and others paved the way for the genre's future trajectory both artistically and commercially. Lyrically, these artists expanded through intricate wordplay and evolved storytelling to more non-linear and viewpoint narratives. Many of the most memorable and impactful tracks in Hip Hop history come from this era.

Musically, Golden Age Hip Hop was characterized by its innovative sampling techniques and turntablism, which borrowed from various genres such as funk, soul, and disco. The beats were infectious, and the sampling of recognizable melodies created a nostalgic connection for listeners. Moreover, the focus on lyrical dexterity and the art of storytelling allowed for nuanced narratives that resonated deeply with audiences.

Mumble Rap

As Hip Hop progressed into the 21st century, a new sub-genre emerged: mumble rap. This style, characterized by its heavy reliance on auto-tuned vocals, repetitive hooks, and a seemingly casual approach to lyricism, has sparked both fascination and controversy. Artists like Lil Uzi Vert, Future, and Migos are often associated with this sub-genre.

Mumble rap diverges from the lyrical complexity of the Golden Age, often placing more emphasis on the overall vibe and energy of the music rather than intricate wordplay. Music whose ultimate test is whether It works in an Atlanta strip club. Critics argue that mumble rap lacks the social and political depth that characterized earlier Hip Hop, accusing it of promoting materialism, superficiality, and hedonism.  "I think people from my generation are really upset with what's going on with the youngsters because every week somebody's going to jail. People are dying off drugs, killing each other," Ice-T said. “My generation, we lost Tupac, we lost Biggie and we got the memo. Everybody calmed down. We all figured this out: We [were] rapping to get out of the streets."

Proponents argue that Mumble Rap represents a shift in cultural priorities, mirrors the changing dynamics of the modern world and is merely a reflection of a changing cultural landscape. They argue that while the lyricism may be simpler, the energy, melodies, and rhythms capture the emotions and experiences of a new generation. Mumble rap's popularity among younger listeners and its ability to adapt to evolving musical tastes cannot be dismissed.

While traditionalists argue that mumble rap deviates from the genre's roots, prioritizing commercial success over meaningful content, contemporary mumble rappers are expressing their own realities, including issues like mental health, substance use, and the challenges of fame in the digital age. These themes resonate differently with audiences, but they are undeniably relevant to the experiences of the artists and their listeners.

It's important to recognize that Hip Hop, like any cultural phenomenon, is not a static entity. It constantly evolves to reflect the ever-changing realities of society. The conflict between the Old School and the New is a testament to the diversity of perspectives within the Hip Hop community that ultimately contributes to the rich tapestry that makes up the culture. 

Hip Hop will continued to evolve, incorporating elements from both the Old School and New School eras. Contemporary artists draw inspiration from the past while embracing the technological advancements and changing cultural landscapes of today. The influence of Old School can be heard in the resurgence of boom bap production and socially conscious lyricism, while the New School's emphasis on individuality and genre-blurring remains prevalent. Add to this the growing influence of Latin sounds and African vibes, Hip Hop is poised to continue to evolve and grow beyond its current boundaries.

One things is for sure…Hip Hop, as an art form, will continue to be a medium for self-expression as artists draw from their personal experiences and social contexts. After all, as KRS-One says “Hip Hop is life”