The quote is true, but you gotta understand that Black America was in a much darker place then. It shouldnt be looked upon with nostalgia, despite the fact that the music was of high quality and a lot grittier and "real"
The late 80s/early 90s was the height of the crack epidemic, and the streets in NY and L.A were virtual war zones. The record industry had no choice but to reflect that. NY, which was the center of hip hop at the time, was averaging over 2000 murders a year. L.A was outta control too. People are losing their mind over the violence in the Chi, and they average over 400 murders a year currently speaking. That should put things in perspective.
The change in Hip hop reflects the growth of black america. Some good, some not so good. We're all not hood niqqas no mo, and Im glad the violent aspect of rap, and black culture, has been pushed to the margins.