So, my man Mark over at Hip Hop Hope Dealers (http://www.hiphophopedealers.com) posted a blog a couple days ago about how hip hop tends to stay away from the concept of getting older and the fact that we need to embrace the idea of becoming older and more mature. This is a very valid point and it got me to thinking about how we are now entering into a time when middle-aged rappers may still be at least somewhat dominant when it comes to record sales and influence in general.

The best example of this would be Blueprint 3. In December, Jay-Z will be 40 years old, yet his influence on hip hop is still very much alive. While there is new blood in the game that has not necessarily welcomed his presence with open arms, the general population of fans and hip hop community has continued to embrace him and even though he may not have the numbers that he did in the 90s (but who does), I'm sure that he will probably have many more scans than most artists selling records today. So, what does this all mean? Unless there are some major, unforeseen circumstances looming in the background, I think it is safe to say that Jay's staying power will last for at least a while longer, and with him vowing to continue to make music for a while, at what age will we see the real decline of Jay-Z (yes some will argue that he is on it already and although his music may not be from the Reasonable Doubt days, he has continued to be the biggest star in hip hop). Let's say that Jay drops another album (after BP3) in about 3 years or so. Could we really see the day when a 40+ year old rapper out sells the majority of his 20+ year old counter parts? Although it is hard to imagine, it is definitely possible and it could be right around the corner.

Jay isn't the only one that is starting to test the age limit in hip hop, though. Ice Cube just dropped an album last year and although it didn't do huge numbers, we have to remember that he is now completely independent. For the numbers that he has done with is last two albums, at age 40, it is safe to say that at least some are still checking for Ice Cube (now age 40). Although some have begun to discredit his gangsta persona due to acting roles, I'm willing to bet that a lot of those acting roles also help his sells, and since his acting career isn't on the decline, I'm sure that he can still see many profits from music as well. Had he been on a major label, who knows what numbers he might have done?  It probably helps that he also has the respect from some of the younger generation, such as Young Jeezy, Game (as psycho as he is), and others. While maybe not as strong as Jay's, I'm sure that Ice Cube can still hang around for a little while. When will he completely be written off (not that I am looking for that at all, but it will happen to everybody at one point or another).

Even for those who may be a little younger, but are still "getting up there", this holds true. Think Nas or Outkast. Nas, who is knocking on 36, seems to have found this new wave of creativity. With his last two albums being concept albums, and a third on the way, it seems that he could be writing for the next 20 years. I would even argue that he could probably stay around longer that anybody else in the game right now simply because he speaks on the tough issues; the issues that people want to hear and discuss (or are scared to discuss). If he continues at the rate he is going, I'm sure that he will be putting out many more albums for a while, that are relevant. I'm sure many are looking forward to his collaboration with Damien Marley, and that is sure to bring him more fans, only adding to his longevity. Even Outkast has been the talk of the town lately and although they are still in their mid-30s, if their next album is successful, I don't see anything keeping them from making music for a while.

It is sad, but many of our prominent artists from the past weren't really able to keep the steam that they once had after hitting a certain age. People like KRS-One and Rakim continue to put out music, work on albums, but never get the buzz that they had. This is not always a testimant to a lack or loss of skill (although sometimes it is), but more the difficulty of staying relevant in such a young game. But as the fans grow with the artists, so do the views and outlooks on life and the music reflects this. Part of the problem with hip hop now is that we have reached a generational gap. The new kids on the block are coming in trying to recreate the fame and fortune that those before them once had, but have done it in a way that has been looked upon as a "disgrace" to the culture. Not only are the older artists upset by this, but so are the older fans that grew up listening and expecting certain things from this genre of music. Unless things change at a rapid pace, it may still be a while until we get a whole generation of new artists that are to the culture's liking and we can let go of those that led us through the last 10-15 years. Until then, we will continue to look at the veterans for guidance and to carry us until a new generation of artists come around and can take the reigns.