Argument: New Age Rap vs. Old School

I was reading an article in reference to the newest controversy in the rap genre - Nicki Minaj backing out of Hot 97's Summer Jam in New York.  She backed out based on a comment made by Peter Rosenberg (Hot 97 DJ) in reference to her song "Starships".  In so many words, he said he believes the song is crap and is the most sell-out song in rap history.  Reading a little bit of the back story behind his comment intrigued me and sparked a need to speak on the situation. 

I'll be the first to say that I am not a fan of Nicki Minaj or rap in general though I indulge in it from time to time.  When I do listen, I prefer the conscious rappers like Common, Talib Kweli, Mos Def, etc. because the content of their material has substance (disclaimer: just my opinion). I digress. Rosenberg's diss of "Starships", comes from the standpoint of a "classicist", or as I call him, a purist.  He's entitled to his opinion, although that was not the best forum to state it.  I'm sure many purists of the art form share a similar opinion of her song.  It is "pop-ish" in nature which is a big driver behind it's commercial success.  But to single out "Starships" is not really fair.  It has been a trend since possibly the late 90s (and early as the new millenium) for certain rap artists to "sell-out" for commercial/mainstream success.  Look at Ja Rule, Eminem, and dare I say Lil' Wayne - all of which broke away from the grimy lyrics and hardcore beats and traded them in for light-hearted lyrics and pop-inspired beats.  These are some of the artists that helped usher rap into the mainstream.  I can't hate on their hustle because at the end of the day it's all about making money.  Honestly, the rappers of yester-years weren't extremely profitable with a small segment/niche of listeners.  By going mainstream, the rap artists of today have expanded their audience and increased their earning potential.  It's a simple business/marketing concept at work here.  Cater to a few (niche) and you'll always have a loyal fan base with a sustainable level of profitability.  Cater to the masses and you're sure to lose some loyalists but your fan base is sure to at least double, along with your profitability.  Every action/decision has an opportunity cost (losing fans in this instance) but when the pockets are deepened, do you think the rapper really cares? I think not.

So, all this to say what?  I actually don't agree with the notion that these rap artists are selling out.  Music, in all its forms, will evolve - that's what has happened over the course of history.  There was a composer or artist who wanted to shake things up and usher in a new sound.  Is there anything wrong with it? Not at all.  It just draws greater creativity out of current artists and makes everyone think outside of the box.  Steve Jobs, Mozart, and the Sugar Hill Gang all have one thing in common - they pushed the envelope - and are heralded as trailblazers and innovators.  So do we have to call rappers that go "commercial" sell-outs because they pushed the envelope of their artistry to appeal to a broader range of listeners?  I don't believe so, but it's only my opinion - I'm sure there are many who don't agree.  I call it evolving.  I can guarantee that the infusion of pop into Rap will become a new norm.  If you look at R&B/Hip-Hop, Chris Brown and Usher are currently doing the same thing.  Usher's sound has changed dramatically since his Confessions album and Chris Brown's F.A.M.E had a different sound/feel to it.  They both have infused dance/techno type sounds in their music which has broadened their appeal to the masses.  Like I said before, don't knock an artist's hustle when the paper is stackin'.  As much as I don't like Nicki Minaj, she's gettin paper off her "commercialized music' and helping to change the game in the process. Do ya thing Nicki.