The State of Hip-hop

I've been wanting to write something on this for the past few weeks. I hesitate because I really wanted to ask my self what is the current state of hip-hop and where is it going? Well we all know that record sales are at an all time low. Obviously do to the fact that the digital world is here and here to stay. I still think it is highly possible to sell albums. People just need to find other avenues or streams to market their albums. The old fashion way just doesn't cut it anymore. The record companies aren't backing their artist like in the early 90's and 20Th century. Where artist were getting large budgets. I mean millions of dollars to promote, advertise, and to make videos to get a strong enough buzz just before their album would drop. Now a days only those artist who have a history or a track record showing their ability to generate profit for the record companies are seeing that. Which is mostly in pop music. A lot of hip hop artist are trying to reach over into that market and get a slice of the pie. They may use several different ideas but the most popular one seems to be collaborations with pop artist. The problem with doing that is that the people who don't listen to pop music reject it. Then say the artist is selling out. I guess what I'm trying to get at is that it truly is the future. Things of the past aren't things of today. Rap is changing and evolving right before our eyes. Many people have not and are not willing to except it. They probably never will. I don't think the youth really cares though. Its more what have you done for me lately then I remember what you've done in the past. Now today's audience will make you bow out as fast as the give you a grand entrance. So the tactic would be to stay relevant, hot, fresh, but at the same time original. So you don't seem like a bitter. You better have plenty of good material too. today's audience wants to hear you and a lot of you. If its good. Take Lil' Wayne for instance. He has such a strong backing from the 100's of appearances he did before his recent album. Along with the countless mixtapes he put out. Lots of material, easily accessible to the public across the world. So by the time his album dropped, which I also credit its success to the album being pushed back so many times to build an anticipation like no other. It sold a million copies in one week. Which is absolutely absurd in today's music market. OK so enough with that. I want to address Kanye West new album. We know Kanye for being a hip-hop artist first. So when the album songs started coming out one by one. Many people were taken back by its difference from his previous albums. Less drums and kicks and more melody. We think its a hip hop album. He calls it "Pop Art". Kanye West has been pushing the envelope since he came in the game. So honestly I expect nothing less. I think Hardcore hip hop which I'm a huge fan of is dying. Not hip hop in general. This is my statement to all hip hop fans, and to anyone who is sitting at home writing their next 16, their next hook, or making their next beat. I'm going to capitalize this for you also. IF YOU DO NOT HAVE ANY SUBSTANCE OR MEANING BEHIND WHAT YOU ARE DOING AND WRITING. YOU WILL NOT LAST LONG AT ALL PERIOD! Everybody wants the party songs. They do wanna hear about the good life. That's your tracks that are more mainstream, but for the meat and potatoes you better do more than just that. You take a look at the people who have lasted long in this game. Even the people in other genres that have lasted as long as they have. Look what they have done. Look at the total body of work. That's the definition of substance. They talk about things that a person not in their position can relate to. If you have songs that people can relate to. They are more draw in by it. It gives them more of a sense of where you are coming from and it makes them think. It makes them say "wow, he/she is just like me, me too, I can relate to that. Thus bringing them closer to you. My strongest passion in life is music. For those who are the same as me. just make sure that when your doing this music shit. That you convey it in a passionate manner. If you half step it. You will get a half ass result. Everyone cant be the artist, but there are many other ways of making your mark in the world of hip hop. The key is finding your niche.


Q