Hip-hop in 2024 was on a wild ride
All Songs Considered
Deep Dive
Why did Drake's reputation take a hit in 2024, and what was the catalyst?
Drake's reputation took a significant hit in 2024 due to his public feud with Kendrick Lamar, which culminated in the release of Kendrick's diss track 'Not Like Us.' The song, which became the summer's biggest hit, accused Drake of being a culture vulture and not authentically part of the hip-hop community. The track's popularity and Kendrick's subsequent success, including a Super Bowl performance and Grammy nominations, further damaged Drake's brand.
Why did the trial of Young Thug create a vacuum in Atlanta's hip-hop scene?
The trial of Young Thug created a vacuum in Atlanta's hip-hop scene because it led to his prolonged absence and legal troubles, which affected the YSL (Young Stoner Life) label and its artists. The case, which involved allegations of racketeering and other crimes, disrupted the community and left many unanswered questions. The use of lyrics as evidence in the trial also raised concerns about the impact on artistic expression.
How did Southern female rappers influence the hip-hop landscape in 2024?
Southern female rappers like Lotto, Glorilla, Dochi, and Megan Thee Stallion had a significant impact on the hip-hop landscape in 2024. They brought a fresh, authentic, and multifaceted approach to their music, addressing personal and social issues with depth and creativity. Their projects, such as 'Suga Honey Iced Tea,' 'Glorious,' 'Alligator Bites Never Heal,' and Megan's latest album, showcased their unique voices and set a new pace for the Southern rap canon.
Why did the line between mixtape and album blur in 2024?
The line between mixtape and album blurred in 2024 because many artists started calling their projects mixtapes even when they had the quality and structure of albums. This trend was driven by the desire for creative freedom and the need to navigate the label system. Projects like Dochi's 'Alligator Bites Never Heal' and others demonstrated album-quality production and conceptual depth, challenging the traditional definitions of both formats.
Why did the use of lyrics as evidence in hip-hop trials become a contentious issue in 2024?
The use of lyrics as evidence in hip-hop trials became a contentious issue in 2024 because it raised concerns about the impact on artistic freedom and the authenticity of rap music. Cases like the Young Thug trial and the Lil Durk indictment used lyrics to argue that rappers were involved in criminal activities. This practice was criticized for conflating artistic expression with real-life actions, potentially criminalizing rap lyrics and silencing artists.
How did country music and hip-hop intersect in 2024, and what were some notable examples?
Country music and hip-hop intersected in 2024 through collaborations and the crossover success of artists like Big X Da Plug and Shaboosie. Big X's album 'Take Care' featured country-influenced samples and a rural, Texas sound, while Shaboosie's hit 'Tipsy' combined rap and country elements. These fusions highlighted the growing influence of hip-hop on country music and vice versa, despite cultural and racial barriers.
Why did the Kendrick Lamar and Drake feud highlight issues of regionalism and authenticity in hip-hop?
The Kendrick Lamar and Drake feud highlighted issues of regionalism and authenticity in hip-hop by emphasizing the importance of cultural roots and regional identity. Kendrick's diss track 'Not Like Us' positioned him as a true representative of Compton and the West Coast, while Drake was portrayed as an outsider and culture vulture. The feud underscored the ongoing debate about what constitutes authentic hip-hop and the role of regional identity in the genre.
Why did the 2024 hip-hop year see a return to regionalism, and what were some key examples?
The 2024 hip-hop year saw a return to regionalism as artists from various parts of the country, including the South and the West Coast, produced distinctive and influential music. Key examples include the rise of Southern female rappers like Lotto, Glorilla, and Dochi, and the resurgence of West Coast artists like TDE's Schoolboy Q and Ab-Soul. This regional focus emphasized the importance of local culture and identity in hip-hop, moving away from a more homogenized, mainstream sound.
- Big X Da Plug's album "Take Care" blended hip-hop and country music.
- Shaboosie's success and subsequent exclusion from the CMAs highlighted racial disparities.
- The debate around genre fusion and cultural appropriation within hip-hop and country music.
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