A Far too Short Wrap up of Rap

Written by: Dylan Williams

A Far too Short Wrap up of Rap

(Of the past decade)

            When NAS famously proclaimed, “hip hop was dead,” in 2008 he was definitely on to something.  With the gradual conformism towards radio driven songs, it was imminent that true hip-hop fans lacked a wide scale of ‘real’ artists.   One of today’s most successful artists today has changed greatly.  Lil Wayne, the self-proclaimed “greatest rapper alive” was once in fact thee greatest rapper alive.  He was everywhere, from features to albums to mixtapes.  In just 3 years, he provided over 6 free mixtapes to the Internet.  But as many things are, it was too good to be true as he experimented with rock albums, auto tune and the vast takeover of corny punch line rap.

“ALL ABOUT MY RICHES, MY NAME SHOULD BE RICHARD”-Lil Wayne

Some, however stayed true to their sound (for the most part) in the examples of Jay Z, Andre 3000, Kanye West (besides 808’s and Heartbreaks) and of course the numerous underground rappers.  However.  To those that follow rap as much as I do, punch lines of all but ruined the genre. 

              listen to soulja boy at 1:32….

There are always those on the rise though.  In this case the vast takeover of NEW SCHOOL RAP.  JCole, Kendrick Lamar, Wale, Macklemore, and some other honorable mentions have helped restore mine, as well as various others’ faith in hip hop.  They refer to it as a revolution.  And it seems like it to me.

                                   Peep the new school revolution:

Macklemore: Thrift Shop

Kendrick Lamar: B*tch Don't Kill My Vibe

 

J Cole: Visionsz of Home