There is something strange going on in mainstream music and change is coming in the most logical way.
Since I can remember, I've loved all kinds of music, but the most listened to has always been hip-hop. I've loved rap since I heard Dj Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince. lol. I'v grown up with hip-hop, it's in my soul. In the past decade or so, I have been very disappointed with mainstream rap. The music that defines the genre.
I mean, Drake is nice, but he brings his phone to the basement...
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="
frameborder="0" gesture="media" allow="encrypted-media" allowfullscreen></iframe>There are some shining lights like Kendrick, but overall this is what has been hot in the past couple of years...
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="
frameborder="0" gesture="media" allow="encrypted-media" allowfullscreen></iframe>And of course...
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="
frameborder="0" gesture="media" allow="encrypted-media" allowfullscreen></iframe>Now don't get me wrong. I picked these two videos because I actually like the songs, but they don't compare to hits from OutKast, Jay-Z or even a Lil Wayne hit. They just don't measure up on any lyrical level. Not even close.
But right now, something strange is happening in hip-hop and there is a new focus and yearning for skill and positivity. Rap doesn't have to be all about money, sex and violence. It can have more meaning.
When it comes to skills, you know the music loving world is missing lyrical talent when this amazing freestyle went viral by Black Thought.
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="
frameborder="0" gesture="media" allow="encrypted-media" allowfullscreen></iframe>But it isn't just old cats, showing off... there is some real young talent in hip-hop that really gives me hope.
One of those rappers is a man named Logic. I have to be honest, I've never really been a huge fan of his music, but I'm a huge fan of what he represents. I've known of him for a while, but what really got me hooked was a video where he sat down with my virtual mentor, Gary Vaynerchuck.
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="
frameborder="0" gesture="media" allow="encrypted-media" allowfullscreen></iframe>After that interview, I went and listened to everything Logic, started following on social media. I got hooked, the guy is a good guy and exactly the kind of talent that hip-hop needs.
This past year he has seen some amazing success due to his latest album, Everybody. I bought the album in pre-order and got an autographed poster for free, which was pretty cool. I now have it up in my office.
You may have heard his huge song, 1-800-273-8255. Which is the suicide prevention hotline number. Like I said... he's the kind of artist we need in hip-hop right now.
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="
frameborder="0" gesture="media" allow="encrypted-media" allowfullscreen></iframe>For me, I'll always be in love with hip-hop, but sometimes I am really proud of the positive impact music can have. That's why I'm a fan of Logic and happy to see his success in 2017. Hopefully more positive role model rappers will make it to mainstream this year.
What are your thoughts on the state of mainstream hip-hop right now? Do you even listen? If not, what do you listen to? I bet I listen as well. I love music.
Thanks for reading and let me know your thoughts in the comments below.
I have never been a fan of hip-hop or rap. The closest I ever got to liking rap was the rap song "Blondie" did, and I can not even remember the name of it. I like a lot of different music, but rap/hip hop was not one of them. Prince, Concrete Blonde, Siouxsie and and Banshees, Morris Day, mazzy Starr, and well yes even Johnny Cash, Ted Williams, and Elton John, and a hundred and fifty or more. From "Dan can you see that big green tree - - to - - You got a fast car and I got a plan - - to - - Jack and Jill went up a hill Jack burned out on booze and pills - - I think that was some of the lines, they words may be off on a couple of them, but Hip Hop nope, I prefered Tracy Chapman, and lots and lots of others. I just did not agree with a lot of the violence associated with and around Rap and hip hop. I hope it has changed.
Rapture, was the song. lol
You listed some great music. I love me some johnny cash. Who doesn't like Prince? Mazzy is a good pick and that song..."fast car" is awesome.
I do agree that it is hard to get in to, but when I was growing up in the 80's it was different, then NWA went mainstream and everything changed. I love the stories, but it's like country music in a way, either you like it or you don't. lol Thanks for the great reply and the awesome music. I want to go listen to fast car now.
Thanks for sharing, I invite you to follow me and I follow you.
To be honest, I follow everyone that writes a reply based on my post. I also upvote everyone I can that reads and replies to my post. Read and reply, and I'll be happy to vote and follow.
I agree with you
i will follow you.
I absolutely love hip-hop. I cant say I'm an old school fan, I'm only 20 and my native language isn't even English, but since I listened to jay-z empire state of mind, Kendrick's good kid mad city, Em's marshal matter lp and of course J. Cole... idk man, hip-hop is all I've been listening lately. Any less mainstream recommendations?
p. d. I love Logic's message. I don't particularly like the way he expresses it in all of his songs. I feel like he REALLY wants you to know that he's biracial... I still like the dude personality tho.
Damn, how I didn't hear about him before, he sounds really good. Thanks for the suggestions! I'll give Jay-z's old albums a try!