IT’S A HIP HOP WORLD

BY: Dante Fresse

Hip hop has changed over the last half-century. Classic artists like Eric B. & Rakim shaped how they created vocals and beats. Songs like “When I B on tha Mic” showcase the genre. Rakim’s messages are uplifting and his skillful writing also shapes the voice of the nascent music. The current leaders of hip hop, Jay-Z, Alicia Keys and more recently, Drake–are also changing rap’s commercial landscape.

Drake started as an actor who morphed into hip hop. Acting experience elevated his performances and press appearances. Now, dances like the “Hotline Bling” and the new “Toosie Slide“ get a lot of attention. Drake’s role as an influencer helped the rapper land a hosting gig on Saturday Night Live. As rappers weave themselves into the mainstream, the reach of other artists helps the genre grow.

Now that hip hop is part of the fabric of social media, the work of hip hop musicians is turning more mainstream. Artists like the late XXXTentacion relied on Instagram to express feelings and others like Fabolous use the platform to provide opportunities for young artists and get attention for good causes.

Now, what makes hip hop so unique is again changing with newer artists and genre splicing. Today, artists like the late Lil-Peep, Playboi Carti and Lil Uzi Vert rework hip hop by infusing it with elements of punk rock. These new voices own the genre now, along with the minions who troll the music on social media. This trendsetting in hip hop creates fluidity and growth in the category. Lil Nas X, a new artist, even took country music and added hip hop to the song, “Old Town Road.” The song is a significant hit.

In summary, hip hop is fluid and an ever-expanding art form taking advantage of its environment. Hip hop artists are giving new power to the music, the message and its artists. PROVOKR invites you to examine the evolution of hip hop and listen to the wide-range musicians creating the sound.