It seems that the new generation in hip-hop is constantly under attack. From both fans of the genre, and artists from eras gone past. The reasoning varies from case to case, but it's never the best reasoning. Almost always the criticism is hypocritical and more often than not, it comes from a place of hatred.
Let's start with the fashion. A lot of people have complained that younger rappers are desecrating the toughness of hip hop with their clothing. Bright colors, designer clothing, animal print, tights, and dresses. All of this has been blamed at some point for hurting the image of hip hop. The problem is these people have short term memory loss. They have a problem with Chance The Rapper wearing a nose ring, but to quote Jay Z "Stop acting brand new, like 2Pac ain't have a nose ring too."
You may say that dresses are a new trend in hip hop and you'd be right. But, how does a dress compare to five men standing on stage together doing shows in nothing but sneakers and a cod piece. That's right, a cod piece that only covered the genitalia. I'd much rather watch Jaden Smith perform wearing a skirt. The real basis of the issue isn't which generation had the stranger fashion choices. It all comes down to plain homophobia. During the 80s, nobody questioned these guys but in the 90s homophobic lyrics became more regular such as "I stabbed her brother with an ice lick because he wanted me to fuck him from the back" or "I can freak, fly, flow, fuck up a faggot. I don't understand the gays I'm not down with their ways." It's not a problem that men in hop hop are exploring new fashion avenues. It's just homophobia being expressed in a different way. Your problem isn't with Jaden Smith or Young Thug. It's with your homophobic thinking.
I won't lie, a lot of new artists have been suspected of domestic violence. A few end up being caught on camera or facing charges in court. If you think I'm suggesting we give them a pass, you're wrong. I'm saying you shouldn't use that as an excuse to write off an entire generation of music when past generations were no better. XXXTENTACION certainly did abuse his former girlfriend and should be held accountable for his actions. The issue is you can't keep calling to end these people's careers then get defensive when someone brings up all of Dr. Dre's past actions. Although he was never convicted these aren't accusations when a dozen people watched him beat Dee Barnes. Not to mention the abuse Michel'le suffered at his hands. She was forced to have reconstructive surgery after one beating and had broken ribs after another. Cli-N-Tell a member of World Class Wreckin' Cru with Dre has gone on record about the disputes they would have over Dre manhandling women backstage. Lil Reese and Famous Dex were both caught on camera beating women. Lil Reese's career came to a screeching halt, it's unclear where Famous Dex will land as the video is rather new.
Then there's the sexual assault with rappers like Kodak Black. A terrible rapper more famous for memes and prison stints than his music. But, let's not act like this is a new trend in hip hop, Hollywood or anywhere else. Rapper Mistykal has been found guilty of rape on two separate occasions. Not to mention other accusations. Homophobia in hip hop may have helped Africa Bambaataa hide the fact that he molested dozens of young boys over the decades. South Park Mexican probably doesn't sound familiar, that's because despite being a platinum selling artist he's serving 45 years for the rapes of 5 girls between 9 and 14. Tupac a rapper many consider to be legendary served eight months in prison for rape. It's not a new trend, certainly one that needs to end, but it's not new.
Some people complain about the violence in new rap music especially after the rise and fall of drill music from Chicago. Many of the artist rapped about violence and many of them have died living lives the same as those in their songs. Violence in hip hop is nothing new. Murder was the case that they gave Snoop Dogg and he was found not guilty. Artists that were include Chi-Ali, Slick Rick, G-Dep, and many others.
At this points it's just plain hypocrisy. We can talk about lyrical content if you'd like. Sure, some new artists may mumble but let's not act like there's a decline in overall lyrics just because you don't want to listen to J. Cole, Kendrick, K.R.I.T. or others. We can also stop pretending Future saying "Imma put my thumb in her but" is any less lyrical than "if your girl starts acting up then you take her friend."
I'm someone who has no problem criticising current trends in hip hop. The problem is a lot of the things used to shame hip hop just aren't new. Sexual assault, domestic violence and murder certainly should be shamed. You just have to make sure you're throwing out your Dr. Dre too. If we're going to shame young people for their actions we're going to shame old people as well. We're not just going to look at hip hop either. We're going to shame rock stars and country singers too because they rarely get the criticism they deserve. We're not going to have the delegation of hip hop hypocrisy deciding to hand out passes and look the other way.
I'm 44, and the things people my age are always saying about "these rappers today" are the same things people have always said. It's whatever. There is more than enough hip hop music being made for everyone to get what they like. I just listen to music that speaks to me, promote what I think is dope, and keep it movin'.
ReplyDelete