Your Favorite White Boy

Round 2. Jabari builds on the last discussion with Neef, Chris, 9th and Young Guru, this time talking about the influence hip-hop’s past has on its present.  The view of the participants seems to be that, while many artists tend to emulate the style and fashion of those who came before them – especially in the so-called “hipster movement” – they haven’t taken the same time to learn about the history of this thing called hip-hop.

I agree, but I do not think that this is limited to artists or even rap.  This is a phenomenon that is generational in scope.  You can look anywhere down the line with, ahem, kids today and you’ll see that there is no appreciation for the generation before them or beyond.  Indeed, this new generation of kids (of which I am virtually a member – off by a few years), like some before them, think that the things they are doing have never been done before.   Artists, like others of their age, think the stuff they put out is wholly original. 

That, plus in a world where things are moving forward so quickly, there is little time/space to look back.  It amazes me how little heads today know about artists that were huge not even 10 years ago.  This is where hip-hop and other musical genres differ.  Maybe, as I said, its because hip-hop tends to connect with young listeners more than other forms of music, but there is no appreciation for artists who opened doors for this current crop of artists to do their thing.  How many records did EPMD sell last year?  What’s Special Ed up to these days?  What size venues is Big Daddy Kane rocking right now?

In rock, legends are held to almost god-like status.  The Rolling Stones have been on tours for years and they still sell out stadiums.  Elton John.  Bruce Springsteen.  Bob Dylan.  I could go on and on.  Again, I suppose that part of that is because hip-hop is primarily a young, hip culture.  If you’re not “next” you’re forgotten.  Things change at a rapid pace and even rappers themselves think its corny to rap into your late 30s (sorry, Jay).

That being said, its a shame that heads don’t have a deeper appreciation for those who came before them.  There was a time when no labels would touch a rap act and it was largely seen as a fad.  Without the hard work of these legends breaking down barrier after barrier and establishing hip-hop as a true musical force, your favorite rapper would be working at UPS.

That alone is worth celebrating.

Tags: HipHopGame, Jabari, Roundtable