Although artists obviously play a role in this obsession of trend, fans need to own up to their role in it. Without the fans acceptance/participation in these trends, they don't stick. As fans, we no longer think for ourselves. Too often, we associate liking an artist's music with having to agree with everything they say and do everything they do. Just because you like an artist's music doesn't mean that you need to act or live just like them. By us buying into these trends and feeling that we need to participate in these trends (often times very detrimental to those that do not have the finances to participate), it leads to artists feeling as though they need to produce these different trends in order to become relevant instead of simply producing good music. Not only that, but often times we make things trends that may not have intended to be in the first place. An example of this is when Joe Budden says, “Didwe send the wrong message with our slang/it’s broke n*ggas blowin’ theyrent to make it rain.” Why in the world do people feel it is necessary to make it rain?! This isn't even a new concept, but when it became a song, I'm willing to be you there were a lot more people attempting to duplicate the action. Because of this, we start to see more songs that favor "Make It Rain" as opposed to "Exhibit C."

But fans have a lot more to work on than simply blindly following trends. They also tend to blindly follow specific artists and not allow themselves to like anybody else. I covered this a little bit in another blog a couple of months ago, but Budden also mentions it in the song when he says, “Orwas it when Eminem made Stan/I swear some of these fans, they put theywhole life on the line/it’s like they can’t like more than one rapper at atime.” In the past blog, i mentioned how fans at a Kid Cudi concert actually changed for Clipse to get off of the stage, so I know that this statement is true. People identify themselves as backpackers or gangsta enthusiasts, or whatever other category that they want to put themselves in, and feel as though they can't identify at all with other artists. People will have their tastes and preferences, but some people have gone too far. 

Finally, as fans, we need to acknowledge the power that we have as the consumer. If we don't support the artists that we want to hear and start to put pressure on labels, radio stations, and others that control the industry, we can't expect things to get better. I was so proud of the fans that decided to write a letter petitioning that the Lupe Fiasco album come out. If we can get more things like that to happen, we may be able to make a small change. Until we demand change, nothing will happen. 

What can we as fans do to improve hip hop? How damaging have trends been to the culture? Let me hear all of your thoughts and opinions. Make sure you leave a comment. As always, you can e-mail at straightouttahiphop@gmail.com. 

Peace.