Kendrick VS Drake: Rap Culture – A Reflection of Life’s Realities
#nowplaying Death Row East by Nas
10:59 est
I grew up in an era where rap was akin to a battle sport, and if you were raised in an urban environment, talking smack was just part of the game. A basketball court wasn’t complete unless someone was in your face, boasting about how they could beat you. Rap battles aren’t a new phenomenon. From Kool Mo Dee and LL Cool J to Foxy Brown and Queen Latifah, Jay Z and Nas, the list goes on. The ‘90s were my coming-of-age years, the time when rap culture took a significant turn. The violence that plagued ‘90s rappers is unspeakable. Freeky Tah of the Lost Boys, Big L, Notorious B.I.G., Tupac, Jam Master Jay – real people lost their lives. The Tupac and Biggie beef was so iconic, it fueled animosity between the East Coast and West Coast, resulting in tragic consequences. Fast forward to 2024, and rap has experienced a decline. According to industry reports from Billboard and Rolling Stone, record labels are laying off employees drastically, with a 25% reduction in staffing in the last five years alone. Rap isn’t dominating the charts like it once did; in fact, its presence has decreased by 15% compared to a decade ago, as reported by Nielsen Music. Now, we have Drake and Kendrick Lamar, both black men – though some may argue Drake’s biracial heritage. Despite this, the “one-drop rule” still applies in America and worldwide. As much as I love hip-hop and rap culture, I also despise it. I abhor the fact that death is glorified in the lyrics because there’s no coming back from that. I detest that it’s yet another tool of division, and I lament that 99% of the population may not grasp the gravity of its words and actions. The latest rap battle serves as a case study. The higher-ups have exploited it for increased streams and visibility, especially with festival and concert seasons approaching. Amidst the rise of gun violence, a real issue in America, my hope is that rap battles remain confined to records and don’t take a drastic turn. We don’t witness other genres pitted against each other in this manner. It’s always the black community, brown community, and people of color bearing the brunt of this division.
I’ve always viewed rap no differently than watching a film, TV show, or cartoon – where people fall in love, people die, people make money, people travel. It’s a form of entertainment that mirrors real-life experiences. The issue arises when some audiences actually embrace the negative aspects. Despite its decline, rap remains a powerful cultural force, reflecting the joys, struggles, and realities of life. As we navigate its complexities, let’s strive to celebrate its artistry while being mindful of its impact on society.
