Again to the Fundamentals
Being a lyricist usually looks like a misplaced talent lately, nevertheless it all relies on who’s requested. Listed here are 18 rappers, radio personalities, music business executives and extra sounding off on the present state of lyricism.
Interviews: Georgette Cline, C. Vernon Coleman II, Mackenzie Cummings-Grady, Joey Echevarria and Aleia Woods
Editor’s Word: This story seems within the Winter 2024 problem of XXL Journal, on newsstands now and accessible on the market on the XXL web site.
When Nas mentioned, “Hip-hop is lifeless,” in 2006, he was annoyed with the weak state the tradition was in, and wished artists to reclaim their energy. Practically 20 years later, an identical sentiment is felt by many rap followers relating to the state of lyricism. However their opinion does not maintain all the burden. There are differing ideas on the polarizing topic.
Rap lovers like to argue over an opinion. That’s the great thing about music—it’s subjective to the ear of the beholder. Some individuals assume the artwork of crafting significant rhymes via metaphors, similes, double entendres and inventive excellence has lengthy been thrown out the window. A complete different set of listeners imagine lyricism has simply modified with the occasions, and it’s nonetheless thriving in 2024.
The rappers who’re critical about their craft and showcase the depth of their lyrical skills do exist. Whereas these artists might not be pushed to the forefront of hip-hop as a lot as they as soon as have been even 10 years in the past, a part of the viewers nonetheless yearns for the poet laureate.
Social media, streaming platforms, radio play, fickle followers and a brand new technology of rappers have affected how tried-and-true lyricism is obtained throughout the board. Many more recent rhymers aren’t coming into the sport with the basic lyrical sound and talent set hip-hop sometimes praises. However search and also you shall discover artists previous and new dropping recent music that both lives as much as the golden-era vitality or delivers a brand new spin.
With all this in thoughts, XXL related with rappers, radio personalities, music business executives and extra to share their ideas on the present state of lyricism. Good, dangerous, alive and properly? See what hip-hop has to say.
See 18 Rappers, Radio Personalities, Music Trade Executives and Extra Sound Off on the Present State of Lyricism
The Winter 2024 problem of XXL journal that includes the hip-hop group discussing the present state of lyricism is on the market for buy now and is on newsstands. The difficulty additionally contains GloRilla and Sexyy Purple on the quilt, conversations with Quando Rondo, Ab-Soul, Dej Loaf, Ferg, Nav, Kash Doll, Sauce Walka, Anycia, Child Kia, OsamaSon, BLP Kosher, Sugarhill Ddot, dancehall artist Skillibeng and producer Ace Charisma. There’s additionally a take a look at the brand new season of the Netflix actuality competitors present Rhythm + Movement via the eyes of its judges Latto, DJ Khaled and Ludacris, and a dialogue with high-powered hip-hop lawyer Drew Findling.