When I was in high school I listened to rap. Not exclusively, but I definitely put plays on Marilyn Manson, Metallica, White/Rob Zombie and other personal rock/metal favorites of the time. Now I almost look at that time with some shame, sometime rationalizing this as bass fodder for my truck’s “system” (a fairly ironic status symbol in small Texas towns such as my hometown, where my lily white friends and I blasted 1000+ watt subwoofers). It’s not that I actually think negatively of those rappers (mostly Snoop Dogg, Dr. Dre, and smaller Southern artists/groups), but the state of rap today forces my retrospective shame.
In my humble [white bread] opinion, rap hasn’t said anything new in about a decade now. I might just be getting old (25), but it seems like the vacuous popular rap of today is even more meaningless and devoid of talent than it was even a few years ago. I readily admit I am no musical expert, certainly no rap aficionado, but who actually kicks back to enjoy a good rap album these days? Is it even possible to have such an experience with a newly released album from the genre?
When I was in high school rap was all about arrogance, perceived skill in rhyming, wealth, big assed women, with a sprinkling of aggression. Now it seems rappers can’t even realize those simple goals, instead resorting to just telling you how “hot” they are while attempting to (unsuccessfully) tell you why they are hot. Of course this is picking on a particular song, but really, why is this crap even selling? It seems the genre is meant for nothing more than expression how lacking you as the listener are in your mental faculties. When a song is composed from a 1st grader’s vocabulary it just seems they have given up. I can see and understand that, but why the hell would anyone pay money for it? I’m just hoping the next shift in popular music comes quickly. Can’t we please have a new trend put a bullet in the head of rap for good?
5 comments:
There are still some standouts, but they're not on the radar. Almost all popular rap blows more cock than my sister when the sailors are docked in town.
Still, of that genre, I must admit liking Kanye West. His music, not his personality. He's one arrogant son of a bitch.
And I'll listen to anything Wu-Tang puts out, even if it's only once a decade. I don't much like the work the members of the group have done solo, but together they're fucking sweet.
As for older rap, I was listening since the days of NWA and Big Daddy Kane, before moving to Dr. Dre and Snoop. But overall, Rap these days is a mess, as you've said.
Was there a point I was going for? I sure as fuck don't remember it.
I agree most of the rapper listed aren't bad, but they have been out for a while now. You know, not this newer breed of idiots. As far as Kayne West goes, his attitude is so incredibly arrogant and self centered I don't think I could appreciate anything he does...
I hear ya, but I've given a lot of thought on the subject of separating a person's artistic works and their personal life. I could never appreciate Alec Baldwin as much as I do if I focused on all of the stories I've read of him yelling and demeaning Kim Basinger, if that were so.
I'm not great at it all the time. I detest people who have been caught drunk driving or celebrities who get away with hit-and-runs. So much so that I have a hard time appreciating their work. But, I really try to view people's work as separate from their personalities - as much as possible, anyway.
You are most evolved than I. I just get this pit of rage in my stomach when I hear of West repeatedly complaining about losing out on awards. I certainly see the value of your point though, that none of us are that great all the time.
Hey man, we're both better than Kanye West. So we've got that going for us.
Post a Comment