(Aug 8, 2022 ● Oslin Pierrette)
An important question I have for Hip-Hop is, who is next on the changing of the guards? Like the next big trio. The next generation of artists to go for the Hip-Hop throne. The next top tier guys. I know it’s a very backpacky question, but I am very invested and really care about the culture of Hip-Hop.
Top Tier examples are Jay-Z, Kanye, Wayne, Drake, Kendrick. Whether you like them or not. They have an undeniable body of work. They have albums and multiple songs that moved the culture. Multiple smash hits. They have longevity. Successful arena touring. They have that superstar command and presence. Even non-musically, they have a huge effect on culture. Multiple boxes have to be checked. But mainly the foundation of their reason they hold top positions. Come down to music quality. They just have albums that hold a certain weight. To be amongst that class. Your albums have to be held right next to the top tier artists’ albums. If they don’t have an album that can exude the same magnitude, quality, and/or significance. You can’t breach the top tier.
Currently, are the standards unfair for artists to attain? Because I do see a sentiment where it’s like. “It’s unfair to compare Lil Baby to Drake.” I feel that’s a fair question. If you want to say Lil Baby is the next top tier guy. Then it’s ok to compare his work to top tier work. I am a big believer of leaving the top tier empty, maintaining its standards. Putting artists in the top tier by default, because you need to fill it up for the next generation. Is devaluing and lowering the standards of Hip-Hop. If you care about the forwarding of Hip-Hop culture. It’s absolutely the wrong decision. People can say they’re still growing. How long do we have to wait on their development for greatness, because most top tier guys you understood were going to be a top tier act, early in their journey of stardom. The guys that are in discussions for taking that next step. If they haven’t evolved yet, I don’t see them doing that much later.
So who are the artists that are in discussions for the top tier? The main culprit is Lil Baby. He has been one of the hottest artists for a while. The biggest artists are constantly grabbing him for a feature. He is looked at by his peers, as the guy. He had a successful album with My Turn. I like Lil Baby, maybe I have to give the benefit of the doubt and see what his next project does. But those doubts are huge. I don’t believe he will breach top tier status. He’s not even on the level of where Future and Thug were in their prime. Doesn’t have a body of work to hold up. And actually I’m certain his next album will not propel him there. His trajectory is still good, and can be great. Just not top tier. The problem is, he is mainstream Hip-Hop’s best offering. Who else is in contention for top tier. If there isn’t one, then what does that mean for Hip-Hop. Because there has always been a guy. Whether it was DMX or Jay-Z. 50 Cent or Kanye. Then the Wayne takeover. After you had Drake, Kendrick, or Cole. The mid 2010s you had the Future and Thugs, also Travis Scott, not top tier artists, but providing high quality work. Then let’s get to 2018-present. There is no act in sight that will take us there. There isn’t even a bravado within these artists. Artists used to get on the track, and affirm they are the best in the world. These new gen artists are just not of the same ilk as the top tier artists. These new gens don’t command that presence of top tier status. Not even close to it.
Now attacking this point from an alternative angle. I’ve seen people talking about Tyler, the Creator, but I don’t think people realize he’s like a year after Drake. It’s just that he started getting respect. So you can’t bank on him. He got the quality. He has big superstar business and festivals, but he isn’t known by the masses like that. His music isn’t crossing over mass markets like that. Someone like Uzi, I just don’t believe in his future music quality, and also isn’t commanding the audience like before. The last person with a chance. Playboi Carti. He’s young with time on his side. He has an undeniable body of work. The problem with that statement, there is too large of a mass group that won’t understand that. But that’s because he chose to be esoteric, and mystique. Whole Lotta Red, whether people like it or not, is a culture classic. You see the album cover, it resonates as an icon, an impactful one. The most visible fanbase. A fanbase that actively waited two and a half years for an artist. That is an ultra-rare feat in today’s music climate. A fanbase that goes crazy wherever or whatever glimpse you can get of him. He has deeply affected culture. Whole Lotta Red is a subculture in itself. He checks off every box, except the mass appeal one. Which I feel is attainable for him.
This is why I feel saying Hip-Hop is in a mundane state. There isn’t much hope of new gen artists taking the culture into the promised land of greatness. I also believe saying that about Hip-Hop is not disrespectful. I feel enabling the current state of Hip-Hop is the biggest disservice to the culture. It’s enabling and allowing too many apathetic sentiments within Hip-Hop and the culture. Hip-Hop needs a huge revamp and evolution.
One day I will build like the NBA equivalent to Hip-Hop power rankings, MVP ladder, players of the month. Also Hip-Hop tiers. All payola-proof lists. To credibly put everything into perspective. So you can’t just build an outer image like you appeal as a top tier act or superstar. Your music has to pass the test too.
Where You can find the media for this article: