What'sup people?! It's been a while, but I'm so happy to get back to some content. I love shedding light on artists that are deserving, but I missed getting some content back up here. That said, let's jump into it. I noticed that there may seem to be this double standard when it comes to hip hop heads. You know, so often we talk about what is and isn't hip hop and say songs glorifying certain things or sounding a certain way aren't real hip hop. However, when similar songs are  dropped by certain artists (usually established), we don't question the songs they put out, regardless of how similar they are to many of the songs we disregard. I know that it comes across hypocritical, but there is one simple explanation for this: first impressions.

The reason that few people say "Big Pimpin'" from Jay-Z isn't a hip hop song or doesn't represent true hip hop is because he gave us "Can't Knock The Hustle" and Reasonable Doubt. The reason that many hip hop heads don't say too much about"Oochie Wally" from Nas is because he gave us "Halftime"and Illmatic. The reason  Ice Cube can get away with "We Be Clubbin'" is because he initially had his material from N.W.A., Amerikkka's Most Wanted, and much more. Nowadays, many artists start their careers off with songs full of meaningless content. Not only that, but they drop similar racks in order to gain a following and fill their albums with these types of songs in order to gain sales. There are no more lessons or creativity in today's music, even when an artist first debuts. 

It is said that it takes several times (I don't remember the exact number, but more than 10) of interacting with somebody to change your initial impression of them. Therefore, when artists first come out and they don't provide hip hop fans with anything of substance, they leave an impression of being a"rapper" and not an "MC." And as they continue to put out songs that basically validate our initial impression, we tend to write them and their music off as nothing of relevance. On the flip side, when an artist starts their career off with material that really resonates with us and provides that type of music throughout the majority of their career, that is when we validate them as true hip hop artists. 

We understand that there are many facets of life that artists will cover in their music. Social and political commentary, religion, love/relationships, partying,pain, happiness, money, poverty, hustling, drug use, and much more are all part of life. When an artist has a couple of songs that reference partying, dancing,and dope dealing, we understand that may be part of what his/her life consists of. However, when things such as these are the sole focus of an artist throughout their career, and they don't do anything to separate themselves from other artists, this is when we deem it appropriate to say that they do not represent "real hip hop." 

I felt it important to cover this because I know those that may hear these types of remarks from hip hop heads will view them as hypocritical when in reality there is a reason. Let me know your thoughts and opinions. Is it hypocritical to characterize two similar songs as either "real hip hop" or not based upon who the artist is? Let me hear it. As always, you can e-mail atstraightouttahiphop@gmail.com.

Peace.