Following the 50th year of Hip Hop, which was in 2023, it would appear as if the entire culture has taking a nose dive. No longer are hip hop, or most would say, rap artists celebrating mainstream success or platinum plaques with each album or CD release. Digital streaming platforms have become mainstays for many avid music listeners. Streams have all but washed away any chance of more than one urban music recording artist reach titular success with charting-topping sales. Low DSP music, royalty payouts have independent artists scraping the bottom of the music industry barrel, so-to-speak, in order to earn their keep.
Most, but not all, female rap artists are failing to use their own platforms to promote positive messages to women listeners. Contrary enough, they are objectifying themselves, verbally dragging their male counterparts, and teaching other women to live life in a vindictive manner. Female rappers finally have the mainstream mic at their fingertips only to further dilute the culture with consistent messages of raunchiness and savagery roaming the airwaves. Don't look for a new Lauryn Hill-type to rise from these ashes like a phoenix from this current palate. Everyone is only looking for the bag.
A recent event has semi-marked the erasure of a previous era in rap music. What was once known as the Bad Boy Era in hip hop is forever marred by mounting criminal allegations against its former leader, Sean “P. Diddy” Combs. One of the founders and the face of Bad Boy Records, Sean Combs has reportedly left the country (US) to escape prosecution. He leaves behind his IP's as well as his family and friends in total dismay. In the past, many onlookers celebrated P. Diddy's reign as a rap music mogul. The new dark cloud that looms over his previous works will completely do the opposite of outshining (no pun intended) his accomplishments. One can say it is currently a dark day in hip hop/rap.
But then again, let's not forget that hip hop and rap was never about the glitz and glamour nor the spotlight. When it originally started, before the Sugar Hill Gang, hip hop was a way of life and rapping became an outlet for the people who spoke the words. If we forget the origins, then yes the art form will forever be lost. If we keep hip hop near and dear to our hearts, the culture will never die. Hip Hop didn't die off somewhere…it returned home where it belonged away from Hollywood lights!
In conclusion, on the mainstream road, hip hop/rap is more than likely moving across international waters. While blending in with afrobeat sounds, major labels are looking to align themselves with artists that have a more diverse and eclectic background. The future of mainstream rap will no longer consist of artists solely from the inner cities of the US but rather the hardened areas of Europe, Asia, Middle East and Africa. Pay attention, world!