Well written piece. Would you say it’s hip hop that you miss or the love of the experience of holding a tangible piece of art that was created, to be able to connect to the artist in this way, to create a core memory out of this experience… or is this all part of the experience of hip hop itself 🤔 - that streaming music takes away from us?
Thank you so much Natasha, means a lot coming from you.
And I think it may possibly be a mixture of both? Regarding the art itself, in addition to the tangible experience of holding and appreciating it. Theres so many things to add to the conversation including the role that record and publishing companies play in this, as well as capitalism itself... we could go on for days. One of my favorite topics.
This was incredibly well-written and spot-on concerning Hip Hop. I was missing the good old days right here with you!
There are artists like myself that desire to bring this mutually-benefitting effort back to those of us who love listening to music. Because the industry has become as greedy as the people that operate it now. Most of us artists can't afford to create at such a high-quality or put ourselves in predicaments where we are risking it all to get 15 minutes of attention to make a temporary impact. Because people forget what you say, but remember how you make them feel.
If you want this feeling back, of course it takes time to curate the artists that suit your taste. And there's beauty in the search. Finding good artists now is like finding a good barber. Once you find who works well for you, it hurts (to say the least) to go hunting again for the "next best". Look locally. Support in the early days goes a long way to walk with the artist along the journey you're hoping to experience, chronicled. And you're hope will be rewarded as the artist is being rewarded too. ✊🏾
Thank you so much my brother. I really do appreciate this deeply thought out response, and I always get excited about this conversation in general. I love music, and I love Hip-Hop. Also - would love to get more familiar with your music if you have any links to share?
Regarding your points - they're extremely well made and I totally put most of the blame (if not damn near all) on the industry itself, specifically record labels and corporate America. Once capitalism overtook importance over the art, shit went downhill from there.
One of the things I always make sure to take time to do - is exactly what you mentioned here: search. Search for artists who aren't getting that push from the label, but undoubtably are exerting effort into their artistry - absent a label budget. I love artists like this, and revere them. They alone are keeping this shit afloat.
You're very welcome, brother. I love engaging other people in the listening and experiencing side of the craft! I do have a link for you that's being updated with new music this week: https://audiomack.com/leviprophepsy/song
Thank you! The industry is old. It lacks a firm, honest foundation. Creativity isn't meant to be enslaved to industrial business and corporation milking practices. Your point of Capitalism taking "importance over the art" was 1000% accurate. That's why the Search is so rewarding and feels invaluable when you do discover an artist suitable to where you're at in life - or where you're going! When I found Snoh Aalegra - and Tinashe before then - I was like, "BRUH. How is it that she [Snoh] has less than 200,000 (at the time) real fans behind her?? She should be selling out not shows but EXPERIENCES!" There are artists like her that absolutely are keeping priceless the gem that is our ability and opportunity to make music.
Again, you're very welcome and thank you for continuing this convo with me here! I miss having dialogues like these!
Wholeheartedly agree the art of Hip Hop died. Songs like Undying Love by Nas or Renee by Lost Boys mark an era of storytelling that’s long gone. I miss Tupac & wish Nas was still making music. Now it’s all about clout or “beats” I personally find annoying because there little to no substance to a lot of noise. May sound like an oldie as well saying that, but it’s a fact.
I give major props to Bad Bunny, Rauw Alejandro, and Karol G for releases this year reminiscent of music from the past.
PS. Your recount of buying that album brought me back to going to Kmart to get a copy of 8 Mile when it released on DVD. It was one of the last I ever purchased because, as you call out, media consumption changed very quickly after that. 📀
Well written piece. Would you say it’s hip hop that you miss or the love of the experience of holding a tangible piece of art that was created, to be able to connect to the artist in this way, to create a core memory out of this experience… or is this all part of the experience of hip hop itself 🤔 - that streaming music takes away from us?
Thank you so much Natasha, means a lot coming from you.
And I think it may possibly be a mixture of both? Regarding the art itself, in addition to the tangible experience of holding and appreciating it. Theres so many things to add to the conversation including the role that record and publishing companies play in this, as well as capitalism itself... we could go on for days. One of my favorite topics.
Thank you again for reading 🫶🏾
Isaiah this is so well written & resonates in regards to my love for rap, which I know crosses over a lot.
Thank you so much Alexis 💙 We gotta chop it up about your favorite artists and albums. And era of rap!!!
Of course & omg yes I’d love to! I also wanna hear about your R&B favorites cause I swear you stay posting bangers
This was incredibly well-written and spot-on concerning Hip Hop. I was missing the good old days right here with you!
There are artists like myself that desire to bring this mutually-benefitting effort back to those of us who love listening to music. Because the industry has become as greedy as the people that operate it now. Most of us artists can't afford to create at such a high-quality or put ourselves in predicaments where we are risking it all to get 15 minutes of attention to make a temporary impact. Because people forget what you say, but remember how you make them feel.
If you want this feeling back, of course it takes time to curate the artists that suit your taste. And there's beauty in the search. Finding good artists now is like finding a good barber. Once you find who works well for you, it hurts (to say the least) to go hunting again for the "next best". Look locally. Support in the early days goes a long way to walk with the artist along the journey you're hoping to experience, chronicled. And you're hope will be rewarded as the artist is being rewarded too. ✊🏾
Thank you so much my brother. I really do appreciate this deeply thought out response, and I always get excited about this conversation in general. I love music, and I love Hip-Hop. Also - would love to get more familiar with your music if you have any links to share?
Regarding your points - they're extremely well made and I totally put most of the blame (if not damn near all) on the industry itself, specifically record labels and corporate America. Once capitalism overtook importance over the art, shit went downhill from there.
One of the things I always make sure to take time to do - is exactly what you mentioned here: search. Search for artists who aren't getting that push from the label, but undoubtably are exerting effort into their artistry - absent a label budget. I love artists like this, and revere them. They alone are keeping this shit afloat.
Thank you man!
You're very welcome, brother. I love engaging other people in the listening and experiencing side of the craft! I do have a link for you that's being updated with new music this week: https://audiomack.com/leviprophepsy/song
Thank you! The industry is old. It lacks a firm, honest foundation. Creativity isn't meant to be enslaved to industrial business and corporation milking practices. Your point of Capitalism taking "importance over the art" was 1000% accurate. That's why the Search is so rewarding and feels invaluable when you do discover an artist suitable to where you're at in life - or where you're going! When I found Snoh Aalegra - and Tinashe before then - I was like, "BRUH. How is it that she [Snoh] has less than 200,000 (at the time) real fans behind her?? She should be selling out not shows but EXPERIENCES!" There are artists like her that absolutely are keeping priceless the gem that is our ability and opportunity to make music.
Again, you're very welcome and thank you for continuing this convo with me here! I miss having dialogues like these!
Wholeheartedly agree the art of Hip Hop died. Songs like Undying Love by Nas or Renee by Lost Boys mark an era of storytelling that’s long gone. I miss Tupac & wish Nas was still making music. Now it’s all about clout or “beats” I personally find annoying because there little to no substance to a lot of noise. May sound like an oldie as well saying that, but it’s a fact.
I give major props to Bad Bunny, Rauw Alejandro, and Karol G for releases this year reminiscent of music from the past.
PS. Your recount of buying that album brought me back to going to Kmart to get a copy of 8 Mile when it released on DVD. It was one of the last I ever purchased because, as you call out, media consumption changed very quickly after that. 📀
Wholeeeeheartedly agree. With my whole heart. Also - wowww Kmart!!! What a throwback 🥹
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