NAS says rap has officially kicked the bucket but others say it's alive and well but evolving. Perhaps, into a creature of a different sort. Should we appreciate change in the industry or is the culture being robbed of its essence?
Today, much of Hip Hop/Rap music is specifically marketed toward Generation-Y hipsters and branded as a sort of commercial hybrid of Pop culture: let's call it Hip/Pop. OK, it is what it is right? And change is usually good; especially within an ever changing industry. Artist's must keep up with trends or else they'll be forced to put "starving" back in front of their name. However, the art form of rap itself should not be compromised as it is the very essence of HIP HOP. As an old school fool what irks me is when the new-schoolers confuse rhyming and rapping as one in the same. Someone could be rhyming for no reason and some hipster will jump up and say, "OMG, he/she can rap!" No. It's apples and oranges kids. The difference? Will Smith can rhyme but Biggie could rap. So, is Nas right? Has Hip Hop died never to be seen or heard from again or is it evolving (and if so, is it for the better or worse)?
