To me, the real core of the issue is, how the level of the desired
opulence and fortune (both perceived,imagined and factual) have
skyrocketed during the past years,now to the point where we
almost have, not just a sub-genre, but an actual hub-genre,
classified as "luxury rap".
I'm admitting that crazy riches, and displaying them overtly,
have always been an integral part of the music.
We all agree on that. Both in the content of the lyrics and the
details of the visual presentation. However, the shift that has
occurred from gold chains and beemers, to customized
corporate-style jets,limited edition super-cars and Fortune Top 500
(aspirational) imagery is downright staggering.
Acting alone this ongoing escalation of flossing does not pose
any significant "threat" to the evolution of the art form,
but the unhealthy side effect,and difference from the bravado
of the earlier "skools", is that you no longer need to flaunt an
impressive skill-set to substantiate the constant hyperbolic boasting.
Today the boasting itself has been given a global platform
from which it convincingly and almost unopposed dominates
the commercial markets. This unfortunate direction is steering
us towards two culturally detrimental destinations
(regarding worldwide mainstream exposure).
1. Artists with no other focus than boasting (ego,manhood,wealth,prowess)
will continue to prove themselves as the most viable commodities
on the market. The acceptance of this consequence will gradually push
other categories of artists into commercial obscurity.
2. Artists who put emphasis on other aspects of emceein than boasting,
will grow tired of attempting to sell their creative and diversified brands
to no avail, and subsequently end up re-focusing their energy on
streamlining their product in accordance with the demands
of the current status quo.
TLDR :
In short, regression, that's that shyt I don't like.
Insert .gif of Ralph Wiggum rapping
into an unplugged, pink Fisher Price
mic with noticeable teeth-marks).
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