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Losing Touch With Hip-Hop

© Steve Juon

* Why is it that I don't relate to the hip-hop in the clubs? * Why do I hear things like The Lox and wince each and every time? * Why am I the only one who doesn't seem to dig the late 90's hip-pop?

You're not alone kid. In the last two years hip-hop has definitely and undeniably split into two different realms and sadly the gap between the two is only getting wider and not smaller. Mostly it's due to the fact that TV stations, radio stations, and media outlets tend to promote the "sound" of one group or individual: in New York that would be Bad Boy and Puff Daddy, in Houston that would be Master P and No Limit. People tend to get locked into that "sound" and see their whole world of hip-hop through the rose colored glasses of that one sound. If you like Puff Daddy -- then you like Mase, The Lox, Lil' Kim, Biggie (R.I.P.) et cetera et cetera. If you like Master P -- then you like Soulja Slim, Fiend, Kane & Abel, TRU, et cetera et cetera.

Now understand I am *not* playa hating here. I'm not judging whether these are good or wack albums. What I am saying here is that people who get locked into a "sound" tend to automatically support anything that follows that "sound". The reasons No Limit has blown up are the exact same reasons Wu-Tang Clan affiliates blew up: Beats By The Pound has a "sound" that people are locked into just like RZA production and his proteges have a "sound" that Wu fans like. If you lock yourself in it tends to color your view of anything that you hear to a certain degree.

And as these rap families gain more power and prestige in their own region, their influence on the industry grows. Other cats try to sound like them. Remember Raekwon's lecture on "biting ass niggaz" on his LP? It was happening. Look how many cats sound like the Wu now. Look how many new MC's come out sounding like Puffy and Mase. Look how many Southern cats either want to be on No Limit or sound LIKE No Limit. It tends to create a whole way of hip-pop that attracts a mass audience because if you hear it and it sounds familiar you buy and support it and keep supporting it.

That's why you can't relate to what's going on in the clubs or on the air. You are a hip-hop consumer who is not locked into the "family" of one organization or label. You don't automatically jock all product

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