I know lately all I've been talking about is rap and hip hop, but it got me thinking more about it. In recent years underground hip hop and alternative hip hop has been on a greater rise. Why I say renaissance is because these new artist coming out like Mac Miller, Yelawolf, Wiz Khalifa, Childish Gambino, The Cool Kids, Tayyib Ali, OFWGKTA and Theophilus London, are all somewhat emulating the early and mid 90s in their style of dress, videos, and material. On one side you have the hard hitting raw power of Yelawolf and Odd Future, much like Wu-Tang, NWA, and Ice T. The other side of the coin Mac, Wiz, Tayyib. Who reflect the artistic lyrical styles similar to Mos Def, Talib Kweli or The Roots. And finally the rest of the group like The Cool Kids or Adam Tensta who exhibit tendencies close to Rob Base or 2livecrew maybe.
It's not entirely accurate I guess but there are definite similarities and overall I'm pretty happy that there has been this growing shift in rap music from uber-gangsta hook crazy thugs and club banger obsessed hype men to something more artistic and unique. Thanks to Todd Campbell for the tip on Tayyib Ali.Cheers.
