1. Here’s the thing. Hip-Hop as a movement was not about production, it was about a message. A message that was presented thru Dance, clothing, graffiti, and music. The whole debate over lyricist vs. production is a rap culture debate, not a Hip-Hop culture debate. Imo
2. Hip-Hop culture says it’s all about the message. How skilled & creative a person was in getting across a message has always ruled within Hip-Hop culture.

Rap culture is another phenomenon entirely and it is the fruit of the commodification & commercialization of Hip-Hop.
3. Listen, there ain’t to many folks who are part of Hip-Hop culture anymore. Rap culture is the predominate cultural expression within spaces that used to be dominated by Hip-Hop. In rap culture, cats like Drake (has ghost writers) & even Tekashi (snitch) can championed as elite
4. IMO, much of the debates that go on regarding rap music are really battles over culture. They are really about Hip-Hop culture vs Rap culture and folks governed by each cultural dynamic defend their cultural preferences. Lyricism vs beats. Content vs record sales. Etc.
5. Funny thing is, I often here folks who aren’t part of Hip-Hop culture weighing in on those who are as if they are operating out of the same paradigms. Like this recent Kendrick & Lupe thing. I’d bet they both Hip-Hop & assess themselves & each other different than avg joe.
6. Imo, at end of the day, Lyricism rules in Hip-Hop. Hip-Hop started as a house party movement where DJs were center & MCs (Master of ceremonies) role was largely introducing the DJ But as the culture grew, lyricists became centered & producers became support & no longer leads.
7. Folks who say, “I just like the beats”, Or, “the best rappers are those who make me dance”, have simply appropriated Hip-Hop culture for their entertainment. Real Hip-Hop folks care about lyrical ability & content; not merely about who makes them dance & has a catchy hook.
8. Okay, soap box over. Cards on the table; Hip-Hop is my culture. I don’t belong to rap culture, I am straight up Hip-Hop all day & everyday. I’m not a fan of how my culture has been appropriated & downgraded so it could be commodified. Just venting a little. 🙂
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