📷Lately, there has been a constant debate in the Rap industry over who’s more impactful: recent Trap music influenced, Mumble Rappers like Future or classic, conscious-driven, lyrical MC’s, such as Nas. To a long-term Hip-Hop enthusiast, the latter would be an undeniable preference. Since its birth in 1973, Hip-hop relied heavily on 5 elements: MC’ing, DJ’ing, breakdancing, graffiti art, and beatboxing.
As the genre went mainstream during the 80’s and even became a global phenomenon in the 90s, more styles emerged, subgenres were created, and with more popularity came more accolades. People now are still shocked at the fact that DJ Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince (Will Smith) won the very first Rap Grammy Award!
As a culture we have long-since moved away from those traditional elements unto a new wave that has changed the face of urban culture once again. Trap music is the sound, mumble rappers are the composers. However, old school fans and pioneers aren’t too fond of the new sound. Most would argue that mumble rappers lack the essence of true Hip-hop, and that somewhere down the line the objectives towards success for the genre flipped.
Club bangers and catchy hooks have taken over the genre that used to be known for its political consciousness. Earlier MC’s, such as Rakim and Eric B, have faded to gray while artists like Future and the Migos continue to drive the genre into a new coming of age. Not to mention, Future and the Migos are both Grammy nominated Hip-hop acts with widespread critical acclaim.
Nevertheless, both old and new school sounds are widely accepted… maybe, from different generations of fans, but both have impacted the urban music culture significantly.
So, Creatives, I pose two questions: Which do you feel is the most effective when reaching young Hip Hop enthusiasts? And in what ways do you think Rap artists could bridge this generational gap?
Let your opinion be known in the comments below.
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