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The History of Hip Hop: 50 Years Later Part 7 (2012-Present: Modern Hip Hop)
To describe hip hop today is interesting. From 2012 to the present, the new era of trap music, drill music, lyrical hip hop, Soundcloud rap, mumble rap, underground hip hop, and other types of hip hop are in existence. This time is not without controversy. There is a generation gap where many older hip hop artists (and older hip hop fans) don't like some of the soundcloud rap today because of various reasons. Some want a more emphasis on lyricism, and some don't like the messages presented by some modern day hip hop artists. Some believe that much of the soundcloud rap or trap including drill rap lack authenticity, diversity, and originality. The truth is obvious. Many modern day hip hop artists do promote violence, drug abuse, hate for women, murder, and other evils that shouldn't be glorified as good. We should criticize and condemn music that glorifies bashing women, promoting colorism, glorifying violence, and glorifying anti-black murders. These artists (who advance such evils) aren't responsible for the origin of crime, but some artists advertise these evils under corporate control. Some modern hip hop artists lack respect for elders and harbor little musical talent (like Lil Xan, Lil Pump, and 6IX9INE). Yet, this is not representative of every young hip hop artist. In every generation ever since hip hop was created, you will still find many hip hop musicians flourishing with great talent. Today, the following hip hop artists of modern days have great talent: Sampa the Great, Sa-roc, Rapsody, J. Cole, Joyner Lucas, Kendrick Lamar, Vince Staples, Joey Bad__, Ab Soul, Big K.R.I.T., Earl Sweatshirt, Danny Brown, CyHi the Prince, Logic, Brother Ali, and other human beings. Trap music of today uses double or triple time sub-divided hi-hats, heavy kick drums from the Roland TR-808 drum machines, layered synthesizers, and some use other themes.
By the 2010's to the present, many artists are part of the trap, drill, and soundcloud hip hop movement like Future, Chief Keef, 21 Savage, Fetty Wap, Rae Sremmurd, etc. During this modern era of hip hop (from 2012 to the present day of 2021), there is the growth of a new generation of women showing hip hop like Megan Thee Stallion, City Girls, Nicki Minaj, Cardi B, Tierra Whack, Doja Cat, Chika, Young M.A, Kash Doll, Rico Nasty, Dreezy, Tokyo Jetz, Saweetie, Noname, Kamiayah, Flo Milli, Ivy Sole, Ill Camille, and so many other people. The world of hip hop in 2021 is that it's diverse. It has changed from its start in the modern sense from 1973. These artists sacrificed a lot to get at their positions today. Very few people know of their struggles from contracts, people doubting them, and management. With 2021, we see the BLM movement, a new President, a pandemic still spreading, political crisis, and other important issues that hip hop artists are readily talking about, not just about having fun (as it is fine to make music about joy, having fun, romance, love, and political issues as well). Sometimes, folks underestimate music. Songs in this generation that have long lasting relevant and power are songs like Glory by Common with John Legend and Lecrae's This is America. One secret in life is to know that real music includes music that uplifts the human soul, that respects women, that goes out to think beyond the status quo, (in acknowledging the greatness of black music) and shows creative soul. At the end of the day we want women, men, and all human beings to experience happiness, justice, and freedom. We want people to have a sense of self while maintaining integrity. You don't have to degrade a person to be real. You can be real by treating a human being with dignity and respect along with showing your authentic personality. We are clear to put things into context of acknowledging talent while being clear to promote righteousness in our lives.
Different Hip Hop Styles (from Trap to Drill Music) (2012-2013)
Hip Hop in 2012 was an age of transition. After 2012, it came 2013. Hip Hop in 2013 saw the growth of mumble rap, soundcloud rap, and similar genres. In January of 2013, TI completed his 10 year contract with Atlantic Records. On January 20, 2013, Lupe Fiasco was removed form the stage by security after criticizing Obama's foreign policies (in dealing with drone strikes, wars, etc.) in Washington, D.C. during Obama's 2nd Presidential inauguration. Rick Ross survived a murder attempt when he crashed his car in Fort Lauderdale. Jay Z signed Timabland to Roc Nation. Vado signed with DJ Khaled's We the Best Music Group Label. By February 2013, Drake won his first Grammy Award for Best Rap Album for Take Care. Drake would be one of the most influential artists of the 2010's and 2020's. People love him or hate, but they can't deny his talent. Jay Z and Kanye West took three Grammy each, 2 for the song N____ in Paris and for No Church in the Wild. On February 18, 2013, Kollegah and Farid Bang topped the German album charts with their collabo album Jung, brutal, gutaussehend 2 selling 80,000 copies in the release week. It is the highest number for a hip-hop album in Germany for the last five years. According to Billboard, Jay-Z and his Roc Nation imprint signed a “worldwide publishing administration deals with Warner/Chappell Music,” giving Jay-Z the rights back to his music post-Def Jam (The Blueprint 3, Watch The Throne) as well as future works, with most of his older catalog moving to the Warner umbrella within the year. A separate deal will put the past and future catalogs of Roc Nation's numerous list of artists on the publisher's roster immediately, including songwriters Philip Lawrence (Bruno Mars, Flo Rida, Cee-Lo Green), S1 (Kanye West, Beyoncé, 50 Cent), Carmen Key (Flo Rida, David Guetta), and British singer Rita Ora, among others.
On March 1, 2013, former No Limit Records rapper Mr. Magic and his wife were killed in a car accident in Mississippi, their daughter who was with them at the time survived the crash. Magic was 37 years old at the time of his death. On March 2013, Method Man announced on stage that the Wu-Tang Clan are working on a sixth studio album, that will be released this year to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the release of their debut album, Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers). Cleveland Rapper Machine Gun Kelly took home the 2013 MtvU "Woodie of the Year" award at the 2013 MTV Woodie Awards. 2013 is the year when drill rappers like Chief Keef were very popular. On April 2013, Tyler, The Creator released his 3rd studio album Wolf (Tyler, the Creator album). On May 1, 2013, Chris Kelly of hip hop duo Kris Kross died at the age of 34.
On June 14, 2013, Kanye West's Yeezus leaked online in its entirety. It was the last of the June 18 album releases to leak as Born Sinner and Mac Miller's Watching Movies with the Sound Off had leaked earlier in the month. Yeezus would be Kanye West's most controversial and debated album. It was in total left field on what people expected. At first, many people criticized it, but as time went on, people understood what Kanye West was trying to do. He was experimenting with songs, showing his political and social messages (along with showing his enormous ego), and used a lot of rock influences on it too. Blood on the Leaves was one of Yeezus' most famous songs being similar to Billie Holiday's Strange Fruit song. The album was debuted at number one on the US Billboard 200 with 327,000 copies. Yeezus dealt with issues of religion, romance, love, heartbreak, and many facets of his life. Yeezus was misunderstood by many at first. Then, more people understood what Kanye West was trying to do. He worked with Justin Vernon, Chief Keef, Kid Cudi, Assassin, King L., Charlie Wilson, and Frank Ocean. Rock artist Lou Reed reviewed Yeezus in July 2013 shortly before his death, describing it as majestic and inspiring. Reed said, "He's really trying to raise the bar. No one's near doing what he's doing, it's not even on the same planet." On June 22, Drake released four new songs, and announced the release date for his third album Nothing Was the Same.
On August 13, Big Sean released a leftover track from his sophomore album Hall of Fame, "Control" which features Kendrick Lamar and Jay Electronica. Kendrick's verse caused controversy as he "called out" J. Cole, Big K.R.I.T., Wale, Pusha T, Meek Mill, A$AP Rocky, Drake, Big Sean, Jay Electronica, Tyler, the Creator, and Mac Miller and called himself the "King of New York." Many rappers took offense to the lines without even being mentioned by name. Rappers including Lupe Fiasco, Papoose, Joell Ortiz, Cassidy, Joe Budden, A$AP Ferg, J.R. Writer, Mickey Factz, Mysonne, Bizarre, and Fred the Godson all released a response or a diss song within a week. Kendrick Lamar wanted to raise the level of competition and battle rap mentality in the hip hop atmosphere. He succeeded in his plans. On September 26, 2013, Chicago drill rapper LA Capone was shot to death after leaving a recording studio. On October 8, Nipsey Hussle released his mixtape Crenshaw for free online, and in a limited 1,000 physical copies for $100 each. He sold out all the copies earning over 100,000 dollars in one day. On November 7, Eminem became the first artist since The Beatles, to be the lead artist with four songs in the top 20 of the Billboard Hot 100 during the same week ("The Monster" at #3, "Berzerk" at #15, "Survival" at #16, "Rap God" at #17). On December 20, Three 6 Mafia member and DJ Paul's brother Lord Infamous died from a heart attack. In 2013, old school artists released albums like MC Eith, DJ Muggs, Sole, LL Cool J, and Brother Ali. It was also the time when new artists started to show their music like Angel Haze, ASAP Rocky, Blu, Sho Baraka, ASAP Ferg, Earl Sweatshirt, Big Sean, Drake, Mac Miller, etc.
Legends with Comeback Albums (2014-2015)
Hip hop in 2014 was in a state of total change. In the start of 2014, Outkast announced a reunion tour in many places. On January 26, Macklemore & Ryan Lewis won four Grammy Awards at 56th Annual Grammy Awards, including Best New Artist and Best Rap Album for The Heist. Jay-Z won two Grammys for his two collaborations with Justin Timberlake "Holy Grail" and "Suit & Tie." On January 28, J. Cole announced that his record label Dreamville Records had signed a distribution deal with Interscope Records. Later that day, Jay-Z gave him his original Roc-A-Fella Records chain. On February 1, five rappers French Montana, Jadakiss, Chinx Drugz, Smoke DZA and Buckshot were all arrested on warrants, while leaving B.B. King Blues Club in New York City, where they were attending Funkmaster Flex's Tunnel Party. They would all be released by the next day. On February 10, it was revealed that Dr. Dre was suing his former record label Death Row Records for 3 million dollars, due to unpaid royalties. On February 20, it was revealed that 50 Cent had officially left Shady Records, Aftermath Entertainment and Interscope Records, also announcing that he was now signed to Caroline Records, an independent sister-label of Capitol Records. Lil Boosie was out of prison by March 5, 2014.
On March 11, it was revealed that Diddy had bid 200 million dollars on the Madison Square Garden Company-owned Fuse television channel. However, he would be outbid by Jennifer Lopez's NuvoTV. Freddie Gibbs publicly shown his rivalry against Young Jeezy via music. On March 23, Jay-Z addressed Drake's recent comments in a Rolling Stone interview regarding Jay-Z's references to art, during Jay Electronica's remix to Soulja Boy's "We Made It." In the song Jay-Z disagrees with Drake. The Migos were involved in a Florida shootout that left one of their members in the hospital on March 28, 2014. Benzino was shot by his own cousin during his mother's funeral procession on March 29, 2014. On April 3, 2014, Tray Dee of the Eastsidaz was released from prison. On April 9, Chief Keef's cousin and Glory Boyz Entertainment signed Blood Money was shot and killed in Chicago. Blood Money had been signed to Interscope Records just two weeks prior to his death. On April 18, the NYPD thwarted an alleged multi-million-dollar extortion plot by producer Chauncey Mahan against Jay-Z. Mahan who worked with Jay Z from 1998 and 2002, was in possession of a number of Jay-Z master recordings that Jay-Z and his associates assumed were lost. They were estimated to be between $15 million and $20 million. One thing that I say about Jay Z is that he is a Northern black man, but he always gives respect to Southern hip hop.
On April 27, DJ E-Z Rock of duo Rob Base and DJ E-Z Rock died from unknown cases. The duo was best known for the single "It Takes Two" and its respective album. On May 5, 2014, XXL revealed their annual freshman class to include Chance the Rapper, Isaiah Rashad, Ty Dolla $ign, Rich Homie Quan, Vic Mensa, August Alsina, Troy Ave, Kevin Gates, Lil Bibby, Jon Connor, Lil Durk and Jarren Benton. The list had previously been rappers only, but this opened it to two R&B artists, namely August Alsina and Ty$. During May of 2014, there was the rivalry among Tyga and Game vs. Lil Durk and 40 Glocc. Later, resolutions was made except with 40 Glocc. On May 18, at the 2014 Billboard Music Awards, Eminem won the awards for Top Rap Artist and the Top Rap Album for his eighth studio album The Marshall Mathers LP 2. Macklemore & Ryan Lewis won Top Rap Song for "Can't Hold Us". Drake, Jay-Z, J. Cole and Pitbull were also nominated in various categories. Dr. Dre and Jimmy Iovine sold Beats to Apple Inc. On May 31, OTF NuNu, a member of Lil Durk's OTF crew, was shot and killed in Chicago. He was sitting in a parked SUV at the Chatham Village Square Mall on the city's South Side when the shooter walked up to the vehicle and fired several rounds at NuNu. He was struck multiple times and tried to escape the scene in the SUV before crashing into a nearby store. On June 1, 2014, Gunit reunites among 50 Cent, Lloyd Banks, Young Buck, and Tony Yayo. At the 2014, BET Awards, big winners are Nicki Minaj, Young Money, etc. Remy Ma was released from prison on August 1, 2014 after more than 6 years in prison.
On August 24, Suge Knight and two others were shot multiple times during a Chris Brown-hosted event at a West Hollywood nightclub. Knight was taken to an area hospital. Juvenile reunited with Cash Money Records. At the end of 2014, Bobby Shmurda was arrested and charged with shootings and drug trafficking in NYC. New artists like Sarkodie and Kid Ink made albums. Willie the Kid and Bronze Nazareth released The Living Daylights. Kid Cudi and Schoolboy Q had albums too. Young Money was at their primes at 2014. Onyx had their comeback album too. New artists like Farid Bang, Ana Tijoux, Cyne, Sage the Gemini, Lil Debbie, and other people released music. Sole and DJ Pain 1 had the album of Warfare. N.O.R.E. released Noreaster. Daz, Future, Zion I, Tech N9ne, Styles P, The Roots, 50 Cent (with Animal Ambition), Canbius, G-Eazy, Ab-Soul, Twista, Lecrae, and many artists have shown their music. Rapsody (Marlanna Evans) form North Carolina released the album of Beauty and the Beast in 2014 too. She is known for being lyrical, having messages, and being serious on the art of rap.
2014 had diversity from Vince Staples, DJ Quik, Childish Cambino, Logic, T.I., Teyana Taylor, Joe Budden, Azealia Banks, Too Short, Wu Tang Clan, Crooked I, Ludacris, etc. Music in that year had songs like Nicki Minaj's Anaconda, Thank You (done by Busta Rhymes with Q-Tip, Lil Wayne, and Kanye West), and Kendrick Lamar with I. In the year, there the domination of that drill sound and trap music in mainstream music. Tons of songs in drill music readily talks about violence, murder, and even glamorizing death in a vicious fashion. Trap music readily talka about drug addiction, selling drugs, and even pimping women. Both of those forms of music are filled with wickedness, and let's keep it real. The lyrics from artists showing drill and trap like Stebo, Blacc Zacc, Rico Recklezz, Montana of 300, Skippa Tha Flippa, Hote Headdz, etc. show music with worse messages than some old school gangsta rap (overtly glamorizing murder, violence, selling poison, materialism, etc.). Bad messages are bad for the youth. Also, I don't just blame the artists alone, who promote evils like murder, alone. It's bigger than that. Corporations pay money for that type of music to exist. Many corporate interests and racist institutions permit poverty, racism, economic deprivation, lax education, and other problems that has ruined many poor communities for generations. That is why the solution isn't just about critiquing certain music. It is about transforming societies and establishing justice, so people in suffering communities don't face oppression. That's real talk. A lot of people of afraid of pointing this out (of exposing nihilistic artists and exploitative corporations), but we fear nothing but God. Underground music still was powerful.
In 2015, we see new developments. On January 18, ASAP Mob's founder ASAP Yams, was found dead at the age of 26. On January 28, Lil Wayne filed a $51 million lawsuit against Birdman and Cash Money Records over the delay of Tha Carter V. On January 30, Suge Knight was arrested for murder after a fatal hit and run in Compton, California. The situation was that Suge Knight wanted to go into the movie set of Straight Out of Compton in order for him to give advice on his portrayal. Suge was met with Bone. Bone is a well known former gang leader and bodyguard on the movie set. Suge was in the vehicle, and Bone came to punch Suge in the face multiple time. Suge drove out, and then he backed up his vehicle to run both Bone and Suge's friend over. Bone survived, and Suge's friend died. If Suge just drove his vehicle away, he probably wouldn't be in prison now. On March 27, Lil Durk's manager, OTF Chino, was shot and killed in Chicago, Illinois. Vic Mensa was signed to Roc Nation. The rapper Chinx died in 2014. Chicago drill rapper Young Papy died too. On June 22, Puff Daddy was arrested for assaulting a football coach at University of California, Los Angeles. On July 13, 50 Cent filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, subsequently following a $5 million lawsuit in which he was ordered to pay Lastonia Leviston, Rick Ross' baby mother, after leaking a sex tape in which she was featured. On August 1, Action Bronson cancelled his Osheaga Festival performance in Montreal following the circulation of a petition against his misogynistic and violent lyrics. He was subsequently replaced by Mos Def. In 2015, DMX had the album of Redemption of the Beast. Lupe Fiasco had Tetsuo and Youth, which is one of his greatest albums lyrically. Sadat X had the album of Never Left. Kind Ink, Slim Thug, Big Sean, Lord Finese, Marc 7 (of Jurassic 5), and Lil Flip released music. Kendrick Lamar had the album of To Pimp a Butterfly on March 15, 2015. This album was his 3rd studio album and made him further one of the greatest hip hop artists of this generation. It had tons of producers, and it featured George Clinton, Bilal, Anna Wise, Snoop, Ronald Isley, Rapsody, and James Fauntleroy. Kendrick used jazz, soul, spoken words, and other genres in it. His album talked about real issues like love, depression, racial oppression, police brutality, and Black African culture. Kendrick Lamar was inspired by visiting South Africa to make this work.
To Pimp a Butterfly sold 324,000 copies in the US in its first week of release, earning a chart debut at number one on the US Billboard 200, while also becoming Lamar's first number-one album in the UK. It was eventually certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) and sold one million copies in the US by 2017. Five singles were released in promotion of the album, including the top 40 hit "I". Lamar also supported the album with the Kunta's Groove Sessions Tour from late 2015 to early 2016. Kendrick Lamar's song Alright was an anthem of the BLM movement and black protesting in general. Songs like These Walls, King Kunta, The Blacker the Berry, etc. focused on his views. The album received widespread acclaim from critics, who praised its musical scope and the social relevance of Lamar's lyrics. It earned Lamar seven nominations at the 2016 Grammy Awards, including a win for Best Rap Album and an Album of the Year. Kendrick Lamar said real messages. David Bowe and Prince were fans of the Lamar's album too. Kendrick Lamar inspired future young artists to talk about fun subjects too along with the social commentaries in a world filled with fights against oppression. Earl Sweatshirt, Action Bronson, Wale, Currensy, Cashis, Flo Rida, Bones, Murs, A$AP Rocky, Boosie, and Large Professor released music. The album of Every Hero Needs a Villain from Czarface is one of the most lyrical albums of the 2010's, and it has creativity. Inspectah Deck, 7L, and Esoteric were part of the album. It is the 2nd album of Czarface. The album features guest appearances from Method Man, Large Professor, JuJu, GZA, MF Doom, Meyhem Lauren and R.A. the Rugged Man. Meek Mill, Pete Rock, King Los, and other people released music. Legendary artists like Scarface, Styles P, Method Man, Warren G, Erick Sermon, Redman, Krayzie Bone, Tech N9ne, and other artists had music. By the end of 2015, artists with popularity was Kendrick Lamar, Dr. Dre, Big Sean, Future, ASAP Rocky, Logic, Meek Mill, G-Eazy, Pusha T, Young Thug, Vince Staples, Shamir, and other people.
Contracts and the Industry plus music (2016-2017)
This time saw more artists deal with contacts, new music, and other parameters of the overall music industry. In the industry, artists sign contracts. Most artists hire lawyers to deal with contracts, especially with large label (as legal contracts have to hold up in court). The problem is that many lawyers don't know how to negotiate a record deal, and many have never seen such a deal as the contract is readily copyrighted. Many lawyers that do know how to negotiate a deal typically will not sign an unsigned artists as a client. So, those lawyers won't push too hard against a label for a better deal, because they don't want to ruin the relationships. Labels are controlled by corporations, and corporate leaders have huge international powers. Many of these corporations (with links to Big Oil, Large Biotech companies, and media conglomerates) work with the intelligence community and other entities in monitoring celebrities like musicians, athletes, talk show hosts, etc. Many elitists advocate global government. In the words of David Rockefeller:
“…The world is now more sophisticated and prepared to march towards a world government. The supranational sovereignty of an intellectual elite and world bankers is surely preferable to the national auto-determination practiced in past centuries.” (quoted by Aspen Times, August 15, 2011)
Many lawyers have trouble to get on the phone with executives at a label. This causes many artists to have bad deals as some lawyers have relationships with the label. An upfront advance is nothing without concrete benefits for an artist. That is why my advice for many artists is to have lawyers, study the business, and make sure that your financial contractual situation is not detrimental to you.
By January 20, 2016, Yasiin Bey (formerly Mos Def) dealt with legally issues in South Africa over a passport. Kanye West promoted a freestyle and his GOOD Fridays music series. By February 2016, the problematic hip hop artist Future was the the fastest artist (less than seven months) to chart three number-one albums on the Billboard 200 since Glee soundtrack albums in 2010. On February 3, American Hip Hop DJ Big Kap who was part of New York city DJ Group The Flip Squad died due to a fatal heart attack at the age of 45. On March 4, 2016, rapper Bankroll Fresh was shot and killed in Atlanta, Georgia. On March 22, 2016, hip hop legend Phife Dawg from A Tribe Called Quest died from complications due to diabetes. Phife was one heart and soul of A Tribe Called Quest. He worked hard in his travels, and he had great lyricism. On April 23, 2016, Beyonce released her 2nd visual album of Lemonade on HBO. By May of 2016, there is the hip hop feud among Joe Budden and Drake over the song No Shopping. Joe Budden had more lyrical responses (like his June song of Making a Murderer Part 1 on June 2016) to Drake. Later, both artists ended their feud.
On May 26, rapper Gucci Mane was released from prison after serving two years for possession of a fire arm by a convicted felon. He was slated to be released in September this year. The same day that rapper Troy Ave was involved in a shooting at Irving Plaza during a T.I. concert that left three people injured, including Troy Ave, and one dead. Footage later revealed Ave accidentally shot himself in the leg, his bodyguard BSB Banga, and two other people. He was later arrested for his role in the incident. On July 2016, Kanye West promoted his controversial song of Famous. YG signed a deal with Interscope Records for his label 4Hunnid Records, and Teyana Taylor (on August 28, 2016) starred plus danced in the video for Fade from Kanye West's The Life of Pablo album. Fade was the video that showed Teyana Taylor's excellent dance moves. On September 7, Kanye West announced that he had signed Tyga and Migos to GOOD Music. Though it was later noted that Migos' deal with GOOD Music is only a management deal, not a recording contract. By September 16, 2016, the rapper the Game released many diss records against Meek Mill, and vice versa. On September 21, Shawty Lo was killed in a single-car accident in Fulton County, Georgia.
On September 30, Solange Knowles released A Seat at The Table featuring artists like Q-Tip, The-Dream, and Lil Wayne. This also marked the first #1 album of her career. On October 22, Beyoncé and her sister Solange Knowles made history by being added to a very short list of siblings with #1 albums on Billboards 200 list in the same calendar year. Kid Cudi promoted mental health awareness. On November 20, Kanye West was committed into UCLA Medical Center for paranoia and hallucinations after cancelling the remainder of his Saint Pablo tour. He would go on to be released from the hospital on November 30. On December 5, Big Syke was pronounced dead, believed to have passed by natural causes although his autopsy has never been released to the public. On December 23, Paul Wall and Baby Bash were arrested for delivering and manufacturing a controlled substance in Houston, Texas. During 2016, albums came from Boosie, Snoop and Daz, Beneficence, Kevin Gates, Trae That Truth, Wiz Khalifa, Young Thug, Future, Crooked I, Selektah, Kanye West, Yo Gotti, Young Dolph, Macklemore and Ryan Lewis, and other people. Kendrick Lamar, Domo Genesis, Joell Ortiz, Elzhi, J. Dilla, Royce da 5;9, Lil Uzi Vert, ASAP Ferg, T.I., Berner, Dom Kennedy, The Lox, Kid Cudi, J. Cole, Charles Hamilton, Ab-Soul, Czarface's A Fistful of Peril, Common's Black America Again, Joe Budden, the Game, Dave East, and tons of other artists.
On January 8, 2017, Drake's Summer Sixteen Tour was declared the highest grossing hip-hop concert tour in history with a gross of $84,300,000 from a total of 54 different shows. The previous record holder was Jay-Z and Kanye West's Watch the Throne Tour, which made a total of $75,000,000 from 63 live shows. On January 9, West Coast record producer and DJ Crazy Toones died at the age of 45 from a heart attack. On January 18, 21 Savage announced that he had signed a deal with Epic Records. The same day that Fat Joe announced that he had signed a management deal with Jay Z's Roc Nation company. On January 19, XXXTentacion's court date for his October 2016 arrest was pushed back to April 1. On February 7, Jim Jones announced that he signed a management deal with Jay Z's Roc Nation company, ending their long-standing feud. On February 10, Gucci Mane announced that Ralo was the first artist to sign to his latest imprint of 1017 Records. On February 20, Atlanta-based rapper J.I.D announced that he had signed to J. Cole's record label, Dreamville Records. On February 24, Nicki Minaj's lyrics on the songs "Make Love" and "Swalla" ignited a feud between herself and Remy Ma. The following day, Remy Ma released the song "ShETHER" in response.
On March 3, Shady Records announced that it had signed a deal with Griselda Records for artists Westside Gunn and Conway. On April 1, Big Sean was awarded the key to the city of Detroit for his work with his own charity, the Sean Anderson Foundation. He is the youngest person in history to receive the award. Other holders of the key to the city of Detroit include Stevie Wonder. On April 4, Kanye West's The Life of Pablo became the first streaming-only album to be certified platinum by the Recording Industry of America (RIAA), with it being streamed over 3,000,000,000 times worldwide. On April 12, Birdman revealed on picture-sharing social network Instagram that he had accepted a plaque in honor of his record label Cash Money Records, selling 1,000,000,000 units. On June 13, 2017, XXL released their tenth annual Freshman Class, including A Boogie wit da Hoodie, PnB Rock, Playboi Carti, Ugly God, Kyle, Aminé, MadeinTYO, Kamaiyah, Kap G, and XXXTentacion. On June 20, Prodigy died in Las Vegas, Nevada, with no official cause of death known. Initially, it was presumed his death was from sickle-cell anemia; which he had suffered from his entire life. However, it was revealed in August that he died from accidental choking at a hospital in Las Vegas. On July 17, Forbes reported that hip-hop/R&B (which Nielsen SoundScan classifies as the same genre) had recently usurped rock as the most consumed musical genre, becoming the most popular genre in music for the first time in U.S. history.
On September 2017, Lil Wayne survived multiple seizures, Young Dolph survived a gunfight, and Rapper Rittz released his last album on Strange Music Label called, "Last Call." On October 30, Remy Ma signed a deal with Columbia Records. On December 3, 2017, Quelle Chris and Jean Grae got engaged. Artists like Chief Keef, Bones, PnB Rock, Yukmouth, Fredo Santana, Boldy James, Problem, Prodigy (with his Hegelian Dialetic album), Migos, Big Sean, Paul Wall, Slim Thug, Lupe Fiasco, Fat Joe, Remy Ma, Jidenna, Future, Tef Poe, Drake, Freddie Gibbs, G-Eay, Kodak Black, Young M.A., Czarface, Lady Leshurr, KRS-One, B.o.B., Snoop Dogg, 2 Chainz, Joyner Lucas, Eminem, Jezzy, Scarface, Rapsody, and other artists released music. Rapsody's album of Laila's wisdom was released on September 22, 2017. It was her 2nd album. In early September, Rapsody released "You Should Know" by Busta Rhymes as the first song from the album. In an Instagram post, Rhymes called the album "the best album I've heard not only from a female MC but in Hip hop period as well that I've personally had a chance to hear from top to bottom in its entirety that I've probably in the last 10 yrs [sic]" Songs like Laila's Wisdom, Power, Chrome, Pay Up and other songs prove that Rapsody is one of the greatest MCs of the 21st century. Back in 2017, popular songs were Kendrick Lamar's DNA, Bad and Boujee from Migos ft. Lil Uzi Vert, Wild Thoughts with DJ Khaled ft. Rihanna including Bryson Tiller, Jay Z's The Story of O.J., and other artists.
Modern Women Hip Hop Artists (2018-2019)
2018 saw a growth of women involved in hip hop music. In January of 2018, rapper Kevin Gates was out of prison and Chicago rapper Fredro Santana died in LA from a seizure. Craig Mack passed away from congestive heart failure on March 13, 2018. Kendrick Lamar was the first hip hop artist to win the 2018 Pulitzer Prize for Music for his album. Meek Mill is out of prison. By this time, new artists come up like Ski Mask, Trippie Redd, BlocBoy, Lil Pump, Smokepurpp, etc. On June 18, 2018, the hip hop artist XXXTentacion was shot dead in his car in Deerfield Beach, Florida, the same day that Pittsburgh rapper Jimmy Wopo was shot dead in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and Atlanta rapper Rich the Kid suffered a home invasion where he was robbed and shot at his home in Atlanta, Georgia (Rich the Kid, however, would survive). On June 21, XXXTentacion's mother announced at a candlelight vigil that the police had arrested Dedrick Williams, one of the men involved in XXXTentacion's death. On August 24, Geto Boys' founding member DJ Ready Red died at the age of 53, from an apparent heart attack. Eminem released his 10th album of Kamikaze of targeting and dissing mumble rap in general. A lot of old school hip hop fans don't like mumble rap at all. Mac Miller died of a drug overdose on September 7, 2018. On October 13, 2018, Chris Brown and Drake squashed their longtime beef at the Staples Center during Aubrey and The Three Amigos Tour.
The disgraceful artist 6ix9ine was arrested by federal agents (on November 18, 2018) in relation to racketeering and firearm charges. 6ix9ine and five others faced trial in September 2019. People criticized him because he snitched, but it's bigger than that. He is a disgrace to hip hop, since he says the n word, abused women, contributed to the abuse of a child in a graphic way, glorified violence, and worked with evil black sellout gang members (but he plays the victim when he is caught after he committed crimes). I have no respect for 6ix9ine period. On December 23, Atlanta-based DJ and producer Christian "Speakerfoxxx" Nilan died at 35. Dave East made his album of Paranoia 2 in 2018. Evidence, Paul Wall, Planet Asia, and Mistah F.A.B. released music in early 2018 too. Younger artists showed music like Alontae, Gunna, etc. The Black Panther movie soundtrack had artists like SZA and Kendrick Lamar that made it filled with talent. Many women artists of 2018 were in the world like Saweetie (who is a biracial woman), Jean Grae, Cardi B, Teyana Taylor, Nicki Minaj, and other human beings. Teyana Taylor can rap, sing, dance, and act. She is one of the most talented people of the younger generation. Drake released Scorpion. Travis Scott had Astroworld, LIl Wayne had Tha Carter V,, and J. Cole had KOD. Kanye West released Ye, and Migos had Culture II.
One of the best albums of Black Eyed Peas of all time was Masters of the Sun Vol. 1. That is their 7th studio album. It was released on October 26, 2018. It had lyricism, political messages, and it was filled with overall important messages. It had a boom bap style to it. It featured the first appearance of the new member of the BEP group named J. Rey Soul (who is a great singer and is biracial woman with African American and Filipina heritage). J. Rey Soul is a great addition to the musical group. Songs in the album are Ring the Alarm, Constant, Big Love, Dopeness, New Wave, Wings, Yes or No, All Around the World, Get Ready, etc. For years, the BEP band always talked about political issues like police brutality, gun violence, the Syrian Civil War, the refugee crisis, health, etc. The Black Eyed Peas also took inspiration from Atban Klann, an early 1990s hip hop group that involved a teenage will.i.am and apl.de.ap; the group often envisioned what their teenage selves would have written about the world today. Masters of the Sun Vol. 1 is a very talented album.
In 2019, it was a new world of hip hop. On January 23, 2019, 6ix9ine admitted to being guilty of all charges related to racketeering and gang violence. One 22 year old rapper died in a drive by shooting in West Palm Beach, Florida. On February 3, 21 Savage was arrested by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for having an expired visa and was revealed to be a United Kingdom national. On February 10, Cardi B won a Grammy Award for Best Rap Album with Invasion of Privacy and Drake won a Grammy Award for Best Rap Song with God's Plan. On March 26, Billboard controversially removes Lil Nas X's breakout single "Old Town Road" from the Hot Country Songs chart for "not [embracing] enough elements of today's country music." On March 31, 2019, Nipsey Hussle was murdered outside of his clothing store in Los Angeles, California. He was just 33 years old. The murderer is Eirc Ronald Holder Jr. Nipsey Hussle was a talented artist who was in a stage of transition. His mother is an African American woman named Angelique Smith and his father is an Eritrean immigrant named Dawit Asghedom. He was born in Los Angeles. In his life, he was part of the Rollin 60's Neighborhood Crips. Later, he started to do community activist work after visiting Eritea in Africa. He loved to work in businesses and invest. He worked with people like Karen Civil and Jorge Peniche. Nipsey Hussle fought gun violence, worked with students, and wanted STEM fields to flourish in the Crenshaw area. Hussle was also intimately involved in the planning and advisory stages of the Destination Crenshaw project that will showcase the history and culture of African Americans in his neighborhood. In March 2019, Hussle had contacted officials from the LAPD to arrange a meeting with him and Roc Nation about what they could do to help prevent gang violence in South Los Angeles. The meeting had been scheduled to take place on April 1.
Nipsey Hussle loved Luaren London unconditionally. At the 2020 Grammy Awards, DJ Khaled, Kirk Franklin, John Legend, Meek Mill, Roddy Ricch and YG gave tribute to Hussle in honor of his legacy. On April 18, Cypress Hill receives a star in the walk of fame, making them the first Latino group to receive a star in the Hollywood Walk of Fame. On April 21, Kanye West lead an Easter Sunday Service performance at Coachella, the group's first public performance. On June 9, Bushwick Bill of the Geto Boys died at the age of 52, from pancreatic cancer. On October 23, Lil Nas X's "Old Town Road" received an RIAA Diamond certification, 2019's first Diamond certification and the fastest song in history to reach this milestone. On December 18, 6ix9ine was sentenced to two years in jail after already serving 13 months because of racketeering and gang violence. Juice WRLD passed away on December 8, 2019. 8Ball & MJG made an album in a comeback. In 2019, Big K.R.I.T. had their album of TDT. Albums came from YNW MElly, Future, K-Rino, G Herbo, Slim Thug, Sean Price, Wiz Khalifa, Bones, and T-Pain released music in 2019. In 2019, Megan Thee Stallion released the song of Big Ole Freak from her EP Tina Snow. Megan Three Stallion is a rapper with lyrical ability and with the messages of being open about her sexuality. She was born in San Antonio, and raised in Houston, Texas. She signed with 300 Entertainment in 2018. In 2019, her mixtape of Fever increased her popularity. She has worked with Beyonce, Cardi B, and other artist. Her nick names are Tina Now, Hot Girl Meg, etc.
Throughout her career, Megan Thee Stallion has received several accolades, including two BET Awards, five BET Hip Hop Awards, two MTV Video Music Awards, a Billboard Women in Music Award, and four nominations at the Grammy Awards. In 2020, Time magazine named her one of the 100 most influential people in the world on their annual list. She cites Beyoncé, Pimp C, The Notorious B.I.G., Three 6 Mafia, and her mother as her biggest influences. Of two she has said "I like Pimp C's cockiness. He makes me feel so confident and he makes me feel so cool. So definitely when people are listening to my music I want them to feel like that too. Biggie inspires me too. I love his wordplay." She also credits Q-Tip as her mentor. In an interview with Pitchfork she stated, "It's not just about being sexy, it's about being confident and me being confident in my sexuality." In the future, we will see more of Megan Thee Stallion involving music, fashion, and philanthropy. She dedicates her music career to her mother, Holly Thomas. Many artists released songs in 2019 like Trina, B.o.B., Freddie Gibbs, Madlib, Spice 1, E-40, YBN Cordae, Wale, Akon, and other younger plus older hip hop musicians. Many famous hip hop songs in 2019 were: Kanye West's Selah, Nicki Minaj's Megatron, Saweetie's My Type, DaBaby's Vibez, City Girls' Act Up, Logic's Keanu Reeves, Trevor Daniel's Falling, and other singles.
One of the greatest albums from the hip hop artist Rapsody was Eve, which was released on on August 23, 2019. Each song is named for an influential black woman, including Michelle Obama, Oprah Winfrey, Myrlie Evers, and Aaliyah. Eve also samples artists like Phil Collins (his hit single "In the Air Tonight" was sampled on the second track "Cleo"), Nina Simone and Herbie Hancock. She made Eve to celebrate her black women heroes. Universally, the album is filled with talent, lyricism, commentaries, and realness. Eve is an album that wants the audience to be made aware of the joy, pain, and other experiences of black women, so the black community and humanity in general can reach its highest potentials via a possible direction. Rapsody loves black people a great deal, and her music is one more further evidence that true hip hop is here to stay. In the song of Hatsheput ft. Queen Latifah, Rapsody showed the following verse:
"...You telling me this (You telling me this)
You telling me that (You telling me that)
I promise once you been with me baby you'll never go back (Never go back)
Queens'll always have your back (Always)
I'm thinking Roberta Flack (Yeah)
First time I ever saw your face I fell in love just like that (I fell in love)
I know your burden gets bad, you take and carry my bags
We cry together, hold you down the days you broken and sad
And I'ma always keep it real, no I don't care if you mad (I don't care)
I'm here to make you better, I'm just like Coretta in fact
See only Kings would understand just how that metaphor match (You dig)
Latifah still a Queen, I'm just tryna follow her path (You dig)
A long walk to freedom, Winnie fought through all of the wrath
I got a number if you want it, I got all of the math
All my hoodlums, I think all of us are good ones, Saint Claire
I see the God in you, even if we different than Claire
(Even if we different though)
I know we all different when we paid (Yeah)
Been through a lot, we got a lot still to repair
(We workin' on it)
Did it all with love, God, and Jesus (Amen)
World in his palms, Akeem still needed Lisa (He needed her)
I hope he treats her better than Tommy Boy treated Keisha (For sure)
You gotta love your Queen 'cause God knows that you need her, it's real (It's real)
U-N-I-T-Y..."
The last year of the 2010's saw hip hop filled with changing sounds and other artists asserting their creativity.
The Journey of Hip Hop Continues (2020-2021)
2020 in hip hop represented the start of the 3rd decade of the 21st century. Saint Paul, Minnesota rapper Lexii Alijai died of an accidental drug overdose in January of 2020. At the same month, G Herbo and DaBaby were accused of charges. G Herbo is the person who was accused of beating up the mother of his child named Ariana Fletcher in Atlanta, Georgia. Only a coward would beat up a woman. On January 6, 2020, G Herbo pled guilty to battery. On January 17, Eminem released his eleventh studio album, Music to Be Murdered By, with no prior announcement and he became the first artist ever to have 10 consecutive albums debuting at number one on the Billboard 200. On January 26, Tyler, the Creator won a Grammy for Best Rap Album with Igor, and 21 Savage won a Grammy for Best Rap Song with "A Lot" featuring J. Cole. Nipsey Hussle posthumously won two Grammys for Best Rap/Sung Performance with "Higher" with DJ Khaled and John Legend, and Best Rap Performance for "Racks in the Middle" with Roddy Ricch and Hit-Boy. One of the sad moments of hip hop was when the hip hop artist Pop Smoke (from MYC) was murdered in an apparent home invasion robbery at Hollywood Hills, California. Kodak Black started his 12 month prison sentence on March 30, 2020. On April 2, 6ix9ine was released from prison because of his health condition due to Coronavirus concerns. He now has to spend the rest of his sentence at home. On the same day, YNW Melly told fans he was diagnosed with COVID-19 in a Florida jail.
Rapper and model Chynna passed away on April 8, 2020. French Montana and Jim Jones end their beef after 15 years on April 16, 2020. Lil Wayne created Young Money Radio on Apple Music on April 21. Fred the Godson died of the pandemic virus on April 23, 2020. The hip hop artist Huey was murdered at St. Louis on June 25. Kanye West announced his 2020 Presidential campaign on July 4, 2020. The incident of the hip hop musician Megan Thee Stallion being shot in the feet happened on July 13, 2020. Tory Lanez was arrested for gun possession. Megan said that Tory did it, and Tory denies it. This story shows the necessity to defend the human rights of black women. On July 29, American rapper and singer Malik B. died. He was a founding member of hip hop group The Roots. Rick Ross and 50 Cent end their beef on August 9, 2020. FBG Duck was murdered in Chicago on August 4, 2020. On October 8, Tory Lanez was arrested for the felony assault with a weapon in the shooting incident of Megan Thee Stallion. By October 31, 2020, MF Doom died. MF Doom was a underground hip hop legend. King Von was murdered in Atlanta, and Mo3 was murdered in Dallas. On November 19, Gucci Mane and Jeezy squashed their beef after 15 years during a Verzuz battle. On December 1, Casanova was charged by the FBI for racketeering murder, narcotics, firearms, and fraud offenses. Later on, he turned himself into the authorities. Ecstasy of Whodini passed away on December 23, 2020.
Albums in 2020 came from people like Famous Dex, Lil Wayne (with Funeral), Yo Gotti, Jaz O, Pop Smoke, Royce, Jadakiss, Lil Uzi Vert, Megan Thee Stallion (with Suga. Suga is about mixing women empowerment with sex positive themes. The remix to her song Savage featured Beyonce. Both women are from Houston), and other artists. Paul Wall, Childish Gambino, E-40, Freddie Gibbs, Run the Jewels, Gucci Mane, Black Thought (with Streams of Thought Vol 3: Cane and Able), and other people made albums in 2020 too. Hip Hop in 2020 was dominated in the mainstream level with trap music, drill music, pop songs, etc. In 2020, Pop Smoke grew to be a very popular hip hop artist with his album of Shoot for the Stars Aim for the moon. He worked with 50 Cent on the song of The Woo. Pop Smoke was from Brooklyn, NYC. The Bay Area rapper Saweetie made the song of Tap in that went global. Music is massively different now than when I was growing up, I tell you. Drake worked with Lil Durk on music. One song that brought controversy was WAP made by Megan Thee Stallion and Cardi B. It was released on August 7, 2020. WAP stands for Wet A___ P____. The song has heavy bass. The music video wants men to please them sexually with tons of sexual innuendos. The controversy deals with the message and the lyrics. One side said that the song is good as it promotes empowerment women to control their bodies in a feminist fashion with a sex positive message. The other side (mainly made up of conservatives) said that it degrades women and uses stereotypes about women sexuality.
The truth is nuisance. We shouldn't have a prudish attitude about sex. Sex is natural, and sex causes the wonderful creation of human life. Also, we know that a moral code and boundaries are important to promote. WAP shouldn't be marketed to kids as it deals with adult themes. Many people who criticize WAP are silent on 2 Live Crew, NWA, and other artists who said words much worse than WAP. I don't agree with the song WAP calling women the w word. I understand that the song wants women empowerment, but just because some want to reclaim the n word with the a at the end doesn't mean that black folks are the n word. The n word is still offensive. Cardi B is known for calling black women cockroaches and other nonsense (like admitted to drugging people), but some of the fake "woke" types want to glorify her. Isn't ironic that many of the same ones who lecture us on being woke are sensitive about critique. No musician is immune from critique. That's part of our free speech rights. As for Meagan Thee Stallion, she knows how to rap. The song WAP is not new. Lil Kim, Millie Jackson, Adina Howard, Foxy Brown, and other artists did this before. For the record, I don't agree with anti-women, glorifying nihilistic violence messages from NWA, 2 Live Crew, and other groups who degrade women because I'm consistent. What is new is that social media is talking about these issues more. Music from Doja Cat, DaBaby, Tavis Scott, Young Thug, M.I.A., and other people existed in 2020 too. Nas' 13th album was King's Disease. It was released on August 21, 2020. It had old school sounds and new school artists from Charlie Wilson, Big Sean, Anderson Paak, Fivio Foreign, Lil Drik, and ASAP Ferg. Songs like Car #85, King's Disease, Replace Me, etc. had political messages, music about love, and music about the NY scene.
Hip Hop in 2021 was new. On January 5, Dr. Dre was admitted to the hospital after suffering a brain aneurysm. On January 19, Lil Wayne and Kodak Black were both pardoned by President Donald Trump on his last full day in office. Albums in 2021 have been released by Bun B, Griselda, Pharoahe Monch, Marcus Machado, Darus Jones, Chip, The Alchemist, Papoose, Devin the Due, Big Ghost LTD, Conway the Machine, and other musicians. The movie of Judas and the Black Messiah: The Inspired Album soundtrack had many hip hop artists on it. In early 2021, artists like Juice Wrld, Young Thug, CJ, Saweetie, Lil Durk, Lil Baby, and other artists are high on the charts. Underground artists and unsung artists are in hip hop too like Sa-Roc, Rapsody, Canibus, Sampa the Great, Rasheed Chappell, Heem B$F, 38 Spesh, Chronixx, Jasiri X, and other human beings.
2021 and Beyond (Hip Hop Certainly is not Dead)
Hip Hop today have gone through tons of changes since it has been founded in 1973. From fashion evolution to evolution of sounds, hip hop is not the same as yesteryear. Just like the past, debates around hip hop continue in dealing with lyrical content, soundcloud, sexuality, politics, and other matters. Hip hop went from a musical genre centered in America to have spread internationally in multiple countries. The truth about hip hop is complex. Like the human race, hip hop artists are diverse. Many hip hop artists are righteous people who love the music. Other artists are violent, participate in criminal actions, and exploit hip hop music for solely profit (not for the love of the art). We know the names of many hip hop artists who represent integrity and those who represent being fake. After the many decades of its existence, hip hop is a business. New artists especially should study contracts, have professional lawyers, and use common sense in making sure that they aren't manipulated in an unjust fashion. There is a secret history of hip hop-oriented very powerful businessmen and businesswomen who control tons of influence in certain sections of hip hop like Big U, Deb Antney, Trick Trick, Bimmy, and others. Even Haitian Jack has a long history in the underworld. Many of the most powerful corporations involved in hip hop include Universal Music Group, Live Nation Entertainment, etc. The paradox is that many of these corporations for years now permitted a lack of diversity, a lack of originality, excessive materialism, misogyny, glorifying unjustified violence, etc. in mainstream hip hop music for the sake of expanding profit as documented by the research from Solomon Comissiong. Hip hop, as an artform, originally was meant to give voice to the oppressed not mimic the acts and the mentalities of the oppressor. Hip Hop originally rejected materialism and showed compassion to the poor not mock the poor in so many songs in the mainstream level. That is why it is important to not only speak out against injustice, but we should be involved in the solution making process. At the end of the day, we want solutions to our issues plus healing. Hip Hop is still here in 2021, and people are continuing fighting for its improvement and righteousness in general.
The next chapter of the Hip Hop series will be Hip Hop's Legacy and Culture.
By Timothy
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