Plugged In

If you ask anyone from the ages of 10-70 what Hip-Hop meant to them and what they think of it now, you’ll probably get a million different answers. I think more than any other genre Hip-Hip/Rap is the most criticized. The current narrative is that a lot of rappers lack substance, lack rapping ability and are not living up to their predecessors. The term ‘Mumble rap’ is thrown around when describing today’s acts.

Why is it that Hip-Hop is the only genre with no sub-genres? For Example, In Rock & Roll when artists started to veer from the originally set path they earned titles like Alternative Rock, Classic Rock, Heavy Metal, and the list goes on. This is true for multiple other genres as well, but when it comes to Hip-Hop/Rap the same luxury isn’t afforded. Rap/Hip-Hop has long been the unwanted step-child of the music industry. People don’t regard the skill that goes into the art regularly.

I think it’s time that the world acknowledges the Hip-Hop community the same way they do other genres. If we’re being honest, even with its negative reputation Hip-Hop remains at the forefront of music. Currently more than 50% of Billboards top 10 are Hip-Hop acts and it accounts for all genres. This stat can be checked multiple places, but the eye test is the easiest method. The endorsement deals, clothing lines and most other businesses revolve around the Hip-Hop community and employ rappers in one way or another.

I’m a universal Hip-Hop fan, I love it all. I believe everyone has their own taste, but the current field of rappers offer not only new styles but the same ones music purists are used to. Rappers like Lil Yatchy, Yeat, Playboi Carti, Lil Uzi Vert and others constantly push the limits of the genre. A lot of them incorporate elements from other genres like Rock, but ultimately still maintain Hip-Hop themes and style for the most part. These are the newer age of artists and they lean further from the lyricism and more toward the production end of things.

Although there are more experimental artists out, there are also new artists that mirror a lot of the same qualities and skills of their predecessors. I would personally highlight the rap group out of Buffalo, Ny…Griselda. Griselda consists of Westside Gunn, Benny The Butcher, Conway The Machine but the group is also affiliated with acts like Stove God Cooks, Rome Streetz and more. These are some of the best artists out right now. When it comes to rapping ability, production, and overall skill they are in a league of their own, much like a modern day Wu-Tang. They offer the old school rap style with a new twist that would be enjoyable by younger or older listeners.

The Hip-Hop world also has people like Tyler the Creator who embody a combination of everything. Tyler is a rapper but has always provided a unique perspective of his own. He originated from the group Odd Future and they embed teenage angst. They gravitated to skateboard culture, took bites from goth culture, parodied other groups and each member was unique in their own way. Tyler translated a lot of this to his music, he has made himself almost unclassifiable. While I’m certain he is rapping, his discography will show that from album to album he has actively tried to push the limits of the genre and while doing so given us some of the best music of the era.

G Herbo is a Chicago rapper who is considered to be “Drill”. This is a term given to a certain area of street rap but make no mistake that he is one of the best artists out now. His rapping skill is undeniable and continues to improve.

I think there is a wide variety of rappers and styles in the world of Hip-Hop and they and the community itself need more recognition and respect from all generations. From Kendrick Lamar to Freddie Gibbs to Veeze the Hip-Hop world offers a number of options for whatever you may want to hear. Whether you consider it good or bad