The Music Industry vs Social Media
The year 2018 has been full of extreme highs and lows. From losing some of our greatest Black pioneers such as Aretha Franklin, Yvonne Staples (The Staples Singers), Dennis Edwards (The Temptations) and Craig Mack, to history being made by Beyoncé being the FIRST, African American woman to headline Coachella. We also lost artists like Mac Miller and XXXTentacion.
Through these highs and lows, the question has been posted: Are artists truly shining their light, being passionate about their craft or, are they just trying to be seen?
Social media is the engine for most promotion, especially, for starving artists on the come up. Artists use their platform to put their best foot forward, and at times, it doesn’t seem to be taken seriously. It’s no secret that technology and social media are responsible for this microwaved society, making audiences accustomed to inessential art. Trolling is the epitome of money making schemes for microwaveable gimmicks, but also the downfall of popularity. One false move and that can cost an artist their career or the chance to ever make it to the top.
Artist Doja Cat went viral with her song, “MOOO” during the summer of 2018. She has two projects recently released, “Purrr!” released back in 2013 and her debut studio album, “Amala” released in March of this year. However, before her song “MOOO”, it was odd that most listeners had no idea she had made music. Despite the confusion, the single took her to heights she had never seen before. Over 10 Million views in less than a month and even more exposure than before. The argument of depth vs. entertainment comes into question.
The recent argument has been old artists vs. new. Tracks like “1985” by J. Cole about new rappers not having any depth in their craft, and not paying true homage to the artists who came before. Young Hip Hop lyricist Ybn Corday replied to Cole, using the same beat, but entitled the track “Old Niggas”, explaining why young rappers are choosing their own route and leaving the question, “What legacy did YOU (old rappers) truly leave for the youngins to follow?” How can you get angry at us for being who you’ve always been? Hip-Hop has always been influential to us, but not always in the best ways. From scandals and scams to drugs and abuse, the list continues to grow.
Times have changed and many of these conversations have yet to be addressed.
This dialogue has also been seen in female Hip- Hop. Award-winning artists Nicki Minaj have been feuding for some time, but who knows why and where it truly stems. The negativity has had enough airtime due to the unfortunate events that occurred during New York Fashion Week.
The question resurfaces again, “How can you get angry at us for who we’ve always been?”
Both of these artists have made their mark in the music industry for their talent, but the very lyrics they’ve written (or not), are sexy, aggressive, and even promote violence. We love lyrics that we can relate to, which is why we give them airplay. Don’t get me wrong, we all love dirty lyrics, but how can you bash these women for acting on them?
“Now she says she gon' do what to who? Let's find out and see” - Cardi B
In the words of StroTheMC, “I’m feelin’ like a motherfuckin’ hypocrite!” When “Bodak Yellow” was a #1 single, we didn’t mind singing it word for word, but as soon as she acted on that very lyric, we chewed her up, spit her out, and threw her to the wolves because we felt it was not classy…. As if New York Fashion Week is not full of rich addicts in couture. Moving on…
Rap beef nowadays is heavily influenced by social media’s firey debates and arguments which can lead to physical fights and even the loss of life. Everyone has an opinion and even without a further investigation, it seems audiences are just pressed to pick a side. Fave or not, what are we allowing artistry to do to us other than conditioning us to believe anything we’ve heard or even liked is considered amazing, but why amazing? Because we like the beat? Because it’s overplayed... or are we just following trends until they die again?
Another example is the beef between Eminem and MGK (Machine Gun Kelly). It’s no secret that Eminem is a lyricist, and that’s not taking anything away from MGK, however, the reaction’s from Em’s “Killshot” diss kind of went over audience’s heads because they fail to take a closer listen to what each artist has to offer lyrically and evaluate the records as a whole, not just for bunch lines they understand immediately.
“There’s more to music than catchy hooks, auto-tune, and turn up. Do your research, and respect the ones who came before you. Stop minimizing true lyricism and writing…”- CJ Thompson of Stillwell Blue
We all have our favorites, but it’s time we get rid of the shallow bullshit and take responsibility for what you digest.
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