The music/Rap industry is cooked
Anyone black that wants to dj or rap needs to build a international audience and leave the USA alone . No wonder azealia banks is in Stockholm. A lot of people don't wanna admit they sold out thier culture to people who weren't post to be in rap and now everything is pure garbage. Thier is no diversity, originality and new spark interm of sounds. Nyc when it comes to hip hop is dead/not great because true Black Americans artist aren't even the face of thier own genre anymore. Nyc lost it when BA started to move in droves down south. Female Rap is now in stage that it's not about the artistry but about selling cat, men, and seggual expolition. It's not new lil Kim already did that interms of hyper seggual. Rap , R&B is becoming diluted just like the NBA because now its no fully black people that are the face of thier own genre. I remember growing up video vixions were brown/darker skin. Black men where writing songs about black women. remember melanin has rhythm and spirit ✨️. Now its people who shouldn't have been pushed or been the face of the culture now representing the culture. Too many black people are just open to everyone and not enough gatekeeping. Now its too the point that ya gave your pearls to swine. Once ya started replacing Black Women and only not pushing artist to actually have talent = they write thier own music and compose and produce thier own sound= original like Kanye west. Now the music industry is horrible and I know why a lot of the real talent people are building a international fan base and not even investing in the American music market because it's become a huge trafficking hub and its not balanced anymore. its not about the music its about pure expolition and how to pimp a butterfly.
From my own experiences as a music enthusiast and observer of the hip-hop scene, it’s clear that the industry’s landscape has shifted dramatically over the past decades. The sense that true Black American artists are no longer the central figures in rap and R&B is something I’ve noticed not just in the music but in the culture surrounding it. There used to be a vibrant authenticity—artists who wrote, produced, and performed music deeply rooted in their heritage and community. Now, originality and diversity seem to have taken a backseat to mainstream marketability, often at the expense of the very culture that shaped these genres. This dilution has led many talented Black artists to seek audiences beyond American borders, where their artistry is appreciated without the same commercial pressures or exploitation. It’s inspiring to see artists like Azealia Banks resettle in places like Stockholm, signaling a shift to international markets that may offer more respect and genuine connection. Another point that resonates with many is the way female rap artists are often pushed towards hypersexualized content, echoing trends established by icons like Lil Kim but without the same artistic depth or intention. This can overshadow the artistry and message of their music, reducing their representation to mere market tools. There’s also the issue of cultural gatekeeping—or lack thereof—which some argue has led to the infiltration of artists who may not fully embody or respect the culture they represent. Authenticity in hip-hop culture means more than just performing a style; it’s about lived experience, storytelling, and genuine connection to the community’s struggles and triumphs. Reflecting on early days when music videos and songs celebrated Black identity—from skin tone to cultural pride—I feel a sense of loss but also hope. The global recognition of Black artistry is growing, and with it a chance to revive originality and true representation. For those passionate about hip-hop and R&B, supporting independent, original Black artists both at home and abroad is crucial to restoring balance and honoring the roots of this powerful musical movement.
