There is a growing debate on the definition of real hip hop, but this time not underground versus mainstream but real hip hop versus the new rising sub-genre hipster rap. Apparently people have a problem with this new genre because the artists have a lack of knowledge about what they rap about; for example, the hipster group, Cool Kids, rap and maintain an image of an 80’s, early 90’s group like EPMD, with that individuals would say that they know nothing about the artists they claim to get their inspiration from. Another argument against this new fad is that the artists and their style of music are solely based on their fashion sense.

Me, personally, I don’t understand the objections to this new style. In my opinion, the criticisms are weak and I feel like the critics have forgotten the beginnings of hip hop, because it has always been about style and attitude (HIP hop). When we reminisce back to the starting points of hip hop, rappers either boosted their lyrics or how fresh their styles and attitudes were, so that aspect is not new at all. The other argument is that these new artists know nothing about fundamentals, which I think is irrelevant. Unless these artists say they have no knowledge of the pioneers, how can we say they don’t, and even if they don’t, but make good music, why should that affect their quality as an artist (Lupe knows nothing about Tribe Called Quest, but still is a great artist).

One thing that is important to realize is that there is a good and bad in everything, but it wouldn’t be fair to penalize a whole style of music because of a few bad rappers. That’s like an individual cursing out a whole race of people, because of the actions of a person or two.

I feel that people need to lighten about this whole matter. We should be able to invite new ideas and methods so that the hip hop genre can diversify, and grow into a more varied genre like Rock. One thing that I have noticed from the hipster artists that I have encountered (Cool Kids, Gym Class Heroes, Pac Div) is that they make actual music with some sort of talent, even if it is a pinch, and I would much prefer that over any Soulja Boy material.

Alexx

FYI: Samples Of Hipster Rap

Cool Kids - 88

Pacific Division - Paper