[Nick McRae]

Originally Posted by Jim Moonan

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Nick: Hip hop isn't for everyone, but some of Kendrick's work is worth a look. For someone who grew up in poverty in Compton, surrounded by gang culture, his work is revolutionary in the genre, and in American black culture."


Hmm. In the main, I don't think they are documenting what it is like growing up surrounded by gang culture as much as they are exploiting it. Self-absorption, fame and destructive language will get you somewhere fast: nowhere. Nowhere is where the two have officially arrived. Grab your popcorn and enjoy the show.

I find it impossible to separate the garbage from the flowers that is hip hop/rap. I recognize the gift, but reject the gift giver.

See Mark's link above.

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You've got to be careful generalizing, because the artists and writing are varied.

Almost all of Drake's music is pop that's designed to generate sales and radio play, and it doesn't pretend to be anything else.

Where some of Lamar's earliest albums are very poetic and intentionally conscious. And it's funny you mention, as his first major album was about documenting gang culture in L.A., and how those living in it struggle to survive and thrive.

Then there's an entire underground scene, which is where the real verse and poetry happens, because these are the guys who aren't constrained by radio play and sales. This might sound familiar to some.

I don't disagree that there can be an element of exploiting gang culture, but if Drake tried to emulate Robert Frost he'd still be living in a slum in Toronto. Hip hop audiences are largely African Americans, so the lyricism usually reflects the lives these people are living.

Given the chance, most of them would likely prefer to forego the music industry altogether, but there usually aren't many great alternatives.