I was first introduced to hip-hop in the early 90's, now granted that's not during the time that it was originated but it was a time where it wasn’t mainstream, artists were hungry. It was something new, it told a story and almost every artist was unique and had their own style. Now almost every rapper out now is talking the same stuff. So when I watched the BET Hip-Hop Awards last night, I decided to write a blog about the state of hip-hop. Back in the early 90’s, hip-hop was more about making a statement, trying to become a master at your craft because hip-hop was a skill. Now it seems as if anyone can become a rapper, all you have to do is find a catchy phrase, put it on a dope beat and you got a hit record that will possibly get you on the top 10 hottest MC’s list. Now, I know if it works and it makes you successful then by all means do what you do but don’t classify what you’re doing as hip-hop, classify it as a hustle. This is why the state of hip-hop is a bad one.  

True MC’s are being phased out and bubble gum rap is being phased in. I don’t think we’ll ever get back to when freestyle battles and beefs were relevant. Right now it’s all about marketing, if you don’t have good marketing or you’re not on 10 pre-album mixtapes it doesn’t matter if you can spit. Joe Budden and Mos Def both released some near classic LP’s this year but your typical person doesn’t even care. They don’t even get any airplay and they have been consistently releasing good albums over the years. You won’t even hear anything on the radio unless it has a R&B artist on it. Fat Joe sold 8,800 albums this month in the first week for his new album, 8,800 albums! First of all, I didn’t even know Fat Joe dropped an album because I hadn’t heard any singles or even any mixtapes and I’m a fan of Fat Joe but 8,800 albums, that’s crazy!

When Nas said hip-hop was dead, it wasn’t a knock on the artists that were making music then, it was really meant because the origin of hip-hop was dying. Even some of the greatest like Jay-Z had to incorporate some of the new era into his last album and the critics didn’t like it so it’s almost like a double edged sword. I’m still a fan of hip-hop and will forever be - but it’s not looking good. I think hip-hop is on life support and I don’t know if even the greatest MC’s could revive it.

To hip-hop!!!

Ed Johnson