My original plan was to get on here and just post the photos of the Kid Cudi and Drake concerts. However, after attending the Drake concert (which took place after the Cudi concert), I was inspired to write this blog. So, stay tuned, check out the Twitter and Facebook page for updates as to when the photos will be up. And before I actually get into the post, I just have to say that I really enjoyed both concerts. I think Cudi is more of a performer. He has so much energy and passion on stage, that you feel the music. However, Drake does a better job of getting the crowd involved, and even though he probably says the same thing as every show, he makes sure the audience feels as though it is customized for them. I know I had a blog earlier that mentioned that I don't think Drake is the best "candidate" as the new "face" of hip hop (nobody really is) and I still believe that, but I have to acknowledge his talent and lyrical ability. Both of them gave great performances. Now, on with the blog we go.

The complexity of not just hip hop artists, but hip hop fans shocked me yesterday. I attended a Kid Cudi concert on  Monday and then a Drake concert yesterday. These are two artists whose styles aren't very similar, so you would expect a little variation in the audience, but not very much. Both have been commercially successful and are well respected by hip hop heads and casual fans alike. Cudi draws a little more of the "stoner" crowd (which isn't unexpected at all), but outside of that, there's nothing to suggest that these two would have very different crowds. However, that's exactly what I saw when I attended both concerts.

On MSU's campus (where these concerts were held), we also had Common, Lupe, and Nas perform. Those crowds were fairly similar in terms of fan type (heads vs. casual) and race (black vs. white specifically). While none of them is quite like the other, you can find similarities in their styles and content. The same can't be said for Cudi and Drake, but are their styles that much different to where there is such a disparity in fans? Obviously there are some extremes that would fit this criteria; say Ice Cube vs. Cudi, or DMX vs. Drake. But Drake and Cudi, although different, just don't have the personas that would call for such a different demographic.

The other factor here, that plays a huge role in my being surprised, was something that happened at the Cudi concert. Although Cudi was the headliner, so there's no question that's who people came to see, there were a number of opening acts. There was an artist XV, whom I had never heard of, but was actually really cool. Pac Div also made an appearance and rocked for about 30 minutes, followed by Big Sean whom made a brief appearance; only performing about two or three songs. Then came out Clipse! Honestly, I was probably more excited about them than Cudi, but not everybody was and that's fine (and expected). However, what wasn't expected was the fact that in the middle of their set, many in the audience started cheering Cudi's name, in an effort to get Clipse off the stage! Not only did I find this absurd because they were getting all this for just $15, but Clipse are well respected artists within the industry. I know they haven't had the most commercial success, and it was clear that some didn't know who they were, but I am venturing that most knew, but just weren't interested in seeing them. I understand people were a little restless, but that was a complete shock.

So, between that and the drastic change, I'm wondering if, as fans, we now have a one-track mind (thus the picture; it's the best I could do). For example, given the same circumstances, would Clipse have received the same treatment at the Drake concert as they had the Kid Cudi one? Mike Posner came out during the Drake concert, but would he have received the same warm welcome at the Kid Cudi concert? What is it that causes these different reactions?

Personally, if your music is creative, then I'll probably like it. That's not to say that I like every single artist that comes out. There are some artists that just don't reach me or have the same affect. That's true with everyone. There may even be a certain style that I prefer over the other, but I don't allow that to jade my perception of other styles. However, even if that wasn't the case in this particular instance, I feel as though that is partly where we are right now with hip hop. I quoted the song in my post on Biggie and Pac (be sure to check that one out) and I will do it again because it tackles so many issues that we face in this culture. Joe Budden, on "Who Killed Hip Hop" said "It's like these fans can't like more than one rapper at a time," and it seems to ring true. Hip Hop used to be a movement; fans and artists alike. Now it has become cut up and divided, separated by styles, beefs, and turfs. Let's not ruin what we have just because we're not willing to give other things a shot (at least if it's quality).

What do the people think? Was I just blowing this up or is this a real issue? Even if not in this scenario, is this still a problem we face? Any examples of this? Leave your comments below or you can e-mail at straightouttahiphop@gmail.com.

Peace.