Discussion: Is Hip-Hop and R&B really dying?

The following is an opinion that might touch some nerves. Especially for the younger generation. All those grown ups (experienced Hip-Hop lovers) are telling us that we have have no idea about quality Hip-Hop because it was before our time and that we shouldnt't take it personal. They say that we are only aware of the ”yeah, I make money” music that is being installed in us via the radio. And that we just dont know any better. But lets be real, we all see that Hip-Hop and R&B is dying! All of the music that is in rotation on the radio is not the only form of Hip-Hop and is limited and untrue representation. Soulja Boy or Pitbull dont represent Hip-Hop. Although we should be happy that there not hustling or snatching purses. It is simultaneously discomforting to see real, lyrical, substantial Hip-Hop slowly die as we hear lyrics like “Super man that ooooh”(Soulja Boy) or “Now pu-pu-pu-pu-pump it up and back it up like a tonka trunk DALE”(pitbull). I dont support the porch monkey movement, but not everyone is meant to be a rapper, basketball player, or any other stereotypical “make it out of the hood” career. There are other avenues!

This is what happens if Hip Hop is dead!


And what about all the R&B joints turning into house music?
A few months back when 50 Cent expressed his interest in making dance music he received quite a bit of negative feedback and chatter from the hardcore rap fan base on blogs and websites with many even making mockery of him for having the thought. But in a business context it is easy to see how he would view dance music, it is an emerging market, and a lucrative one at that, capable of adding to the longevity of his music career.

This is what Erykah Badu had to say: “How y’all gone stand by and let our music turn into pop techno cornball music. We don’t own our music no more. Come to think of it, did we EVER own it? when I say own our music , I’m not talkin bout the artist I’m talkin bout the people … let me be quiet. I wanna hear from the young people? easy for me to complain about this techno-pop cause i have a taste for something else. but how do u feel? These rappers ought to be ashamed of they selves, I’m talkin bout the mc’ s rappin over this pop techno music. I believe in pimpin the system but, not like this.
#pop-technosongs. I like the idea of no distinction in race when it comes 2 music, but SOULkeepers, U dont give up the boom bip and the hump 4 the payday. I love house and techno as a side dish. But now it’s served as the main course AND that’s ALL u gone get. like chittlins in the back house. I love music PERIOD. just not ready to say goodbye to the boom bip and the hump .. kinda painful for my generation to see. just strange 2me. Yes, no1 wants 2B poor again. artist have2 sacrifice integrity of the music sometimes 2 make ends meet. (that’s terrible ain’t it .) lol”
Do you agree with Ms. Badu or Nas’s statement in the youtube video? FREE YOUR MIND!