Opinion: Is Hip Hop really dead?
October 13th 2006 08:09
Not too long ago, 50 Cent released a mixtape entitled ‘Hip Hop is Dead’. In fact, I first heard of this from a fellow Orble Blogger, Trina. Check out her blog: http://www.hiphop.com.au
In fact, 50 Cent stole the idea from Nas who’s first album under ‘Def Jam Records’ is also entitled ‘Hip Hop is Dead’.
I’m not here to comment on 50’s mixtape or Nas’ album. This post is all about where hip hop once was and where it’s going. Is the wonderful culture of hip hop really gasping for its last breath of air?
On the surface, it seems not. If anything, R&B and commercial rap is gaining ground in the realm of popular music. Rock has claimed center-stage since the late 50’s, but we’ve recently seen the surge of urban music in music charts across the globe. Take, for example, Kanye West, 50 Cent, and Busta Rhymes, who’ve had massive hits this year.
The problem is, very little of the urban music you hear on ‘MTV’ or Australia’s ‘Video Hits’, are not REAL hip hop songs. Hip hop, in its purest form, is not about cash, cars, and hoes. Neither is it about love.
Hip hop is a lifestyle; a rebellion against everything that is wrong in this sick, sad, little world. Do you feel that in today’s rap music?
Hip hop is not dead, but it’s certainly not feeling very well. It is alive and kicking in the underground, but the power it dealt in the 80’s and early 90’s is diminishing fast. Where are your Public Enemies, Run DMC’s and your NWA’s? I’ll tell you where they’re not; and that’s in the popular music charts.
What do you think? Is hip hop as dead as the dodo bird or just a little sick? If so, what can cure it? If hip hop is truly alive, what are the examples?
Take care and peace out…
In fact, 50 Cent stole the idea from Nas who’s first album under ‘Def Jam Records’ is also entitled ‘Hip Hop is Dead’.
I’m not here to comment on 50’s mixtape or Nas’ album. This post is all about where hip hop once was and where it’s going. Is the wonderful culture of hip hop really gasping for its last breath of air?
Nas' new album is entitled 'Hip Hop is Dead'
The problem is, very little of the urban music you hear on ‘MTV’ or Australia’s ‘Video Hits’, are not REAL hip hop songs. Hip hop, in its purest form, is not about cash, cars, and hoes. Neither is it about love.
Hip hop is a lifestyle; a rebellion against everything that is wrong in this sick, sad, little world. Do you feel that in today’s rap music?
Hip hop is not dead, but it’s certainly not feeling very well. It is alive and kicking in the underground, but the power it dealt in the 80’s and early 90’s is diminishing fast. Where are your Public Enemies, Run DMC’s and your NWA’s? I’ll tell you where they’re not; and that’s in the popular music charts.
What do you think? Is hip hop as dead as the dodo bird or just a little sick? If so, what can cure it? If hip hop is truly alive, what are the examples?
Take care and peace out…
| 101 |
| Vote |
Subscribe to this blog
Comment by TonyK
AFL Central
Comment by Chantal
I dont think hip hop's dead or even suffering from any sort of serious ailment, I think hip hop has always been underground and what's more, I think it's meant to be that way.
Until a couple of years ago, I didnt even know there was a hip hop scene in Australia but I did a hip hop course with Trey and Maya Jupiter and they taught us that hip hop is both alive and extremely well to those who seek it!
Comment by Dan
So what was the hip hop course for?
Comment by Trina
Hiphop
Confessions of a Serial Dancer
Competitions
Clubbing
It's all true.
Yeah Chantal, I'm quite interested to know about that hip hop course...
Comment by Anonymous
tahn!!!!!!!!!!
Comment by Anonymous