Source: Julio Aguilar/Getty
Hip-hop in this new generation isn't exactly known for being a music genre full of lyricist couch potatoes like it once was in its heyday. While it still struggles regardless of its supposed lack of skill or content, old heads still feel ways about how far it has fallen in regards to lyricism and rhyme schemes.
Recently, TI touched on the subject while sitting down with Shaquille O'Neal for his podcast, The Big Podcast with Shaq. And when it came to this new generation of rappers in the Hip-Hop game, Tip thought of a metaphor that Shaquille could relate to.
“This generation reminds me of every other generation. You've got some people who are super dope and some people who are okay, that is?' TI said. “But it's a lot more to choose from now… I feel like, really, what they've done with music is the equivalent of them opening the arena doors and saying, 'Whoever thinks you can play basketball, come in!' Come stand out here on the floor. Here's a shirt, man. Get into the game.”
Shaq said he doesn't like that this new crop of rappers (and NBA players) are “disrespecting” the OGs of the game that “paved their way.”
Continuing to elaborate on how the game has changed in this new digital age, TI went on to break down how not having to go through labels and retailers has affected how this generation goes about their business.
“What has happened is that there has been what we call a paradigm shift in the industry. It went to a direct-to-consumer industry. Which means you don't need a distributor. You don't have to go through Best Buy or Target or Blockbuster if you're that big,” TI said. “You shouldn't do that. You can go direct to the consumer. And the consumer probably wants to hear something that reminds them of themselves. Sometimes, too much talent intimidates the consumer because “I can't get that!… I'd rather hear something that sounds like me or my friends.”
This is an interesting point of view. Don't be surprised if young people take to social media and bash these guys for being old and out of touch with the game or something. They might even bring up some of their old dirt just because. Social media is a cold place, b.
Check out the interview below and let us know if you think TI is on to something in the comments section.
