So let me start by saying I am one of the 
on this board. Perhaps my perspectives are skewed based on the prism through which I observe and engage hip hop. I grew up on Sedgwick Ave., one building over from where hip hop was born. So I was born into it. It runs through my blood. I couldn’t ignore it even if I tried (and I have).
All that said, I am curious to hear your thoughts on whether the industry has used ageism to dilute the quality of hip hop music, commercially at least. Every time an old head laments the state of the game a younger brother says “that’s just because you flabby and sick”...that phrase is still funny as hell, even when it’s used on me
. The narrative is dangerous though. It suggests that just because you’re younger your standards should be lowered and your expectations of artists should be waived. Nas was a legend as a teenager. Mob Deep was changing the game as teens as well. Rakim, Kane, BDK was barely in their 20’s while dropping classics. It didn’t matter the coast either. From Cube and Snoop to Kast and Goodie Mob the QUALITY was tremendous. They influenced young gods like Kendrick, Cole, Drake (older stuff that I will assume that he actually wrote), Big Sean, etc. At some point, which I rather not give my opinion on, expectations were dramatically lowered for quality (again I stress mainstream). There became a universal acceptance for repetitive, non-unique conformist beats and flows. Swag moved to the forefront and vibe overtook creativity. This has been a slippery slope. Do you see it differently? If so why? Are you more optimistic? Is there a perspective I am overlooking? I have a genuine interest in being edified. I’m eager to hear your thoughts on this, hopefully in a mature fashion on a HIP HOP board we all love.
on this board. Perhaps my perspectives are skewed based on the prism through which I observe and engage hip hop. I grew up on Sedgwick Ave., one building over from where hip hop was born. So I was born into it. It runs through my blood. I couldn’t ignore it even if I tried (and I have). All that said, I am curious to hear your thoughts on whether the industry has used ageism to dilute the quality of hip hop music, commercially at least. Every time an old head laments the state of the game a younger brother says “that’s just because you flabby and sick”...that phrase is still funny as hell, even when it’s used on me
. The narrative is dangerous though. It suggests that just because you’re younger your standards should be lowered and your expectations of artists should be waived. Nas was a legend as a teenager. Mob Deep was changing the game as teens as well. Rakim, Kane, BDK was barely in their 20’s while dropping classics. It didn’t matter the coast either. From Cube and Snoop to Kast and Goodie Mob the QUALITY was tremendous. They influenced young gods like Kendrick, Cole, Drake (older stuff that I will assume that he actually wrote), Big Sean, etc. At some point, which I rather not give my opinion on, expectations were dramatically lowered for quality (again I stress mainstream). There became a universal acceptance for repetitive, non-unique conformist beats and flows. Swag moved to the forefront and vibe overtook creativity. This has been a slippery slope. Do you see it differently? If so why? Are you more optimistic? Is there a perspective I am overlooking? I have a genuine interest in being edified. I’m eager to hear your thoughts on this, hopefully in a mature fashion on a HIP HOP board we all love.
