Russell Simmons on the Death of Hip-Hop

http://bit.ly/mvqPhh - Between Jay-Z, LL Cool J and Ice-T, no signs point downwards.

Category:

Entertainment

Tags:

• Big
• Think
• BigThink
• com
• Russsell
• Simmons
• Def
• Jam
• Jay
• LL
• Cool
• Ice
• rap
• hip
• hop

[zoticus1]

mainstream hip hop IS dead as many other genre of music because people in this country have nothing more to say its all been said MANY times. This country has lost its great culture to mass production of meritocracy as the status quo. Dont believe me? Look at our government!

[kdbrown777]

I agree - there's lots out there, it's just not mainstream. The truth is, generally good music of ANY genre is not mainstream as a rule - in order for it to be consumed en masse, it must fit the lowest common denominator.

[duranarts]

You mean to tell me lyrics full of 'IN DA CLUB' and overuse of auto tune is considered Hip-Hop? Give me a break... Talk about the real state of Hip-Hop rather than just saying it isn't dead because of Jay-Z's presence...

[crothersdaniel]

Just a random point:

HipHop lasted a lot longer than Punk. But, both arose in the 70s, both with a similar ethos, and both had huge influence on modern music. Hey, remember Rock 'n' Roll? Also dead.

[leka1622]

@DG3744 Outkast ruined it? ATliens? Aquemini? Andre 3000 is probably one of the best mc's of all time based off of his track record. What he does today is creative, innovatative and fresh, he's an ARTIST in the literal sense. Is Mos Def garbage now as well for not perpetuating the same boring sound? Or does he get a pass because he's from the eastcoast? I would have to agree with you on the rest of those you mentioned, but you grouped one of the only relavent groups from hip hop with trash :(

[gangstamind187]

Hip Hop is still alive..it's just underground..and it's purposely kept there by Major Labels because they know that Hip Hop has the ability to wake people up to the realities of their own lives and not the rich.

[BJSteigner]

@DG3744 How about Nasir "Nas" Jones, LL Cool J (Now an actor), Redman, and I know Rakim wants to come back...What I mentioned are the real players of the game...Not today's shit where the poison is expanding

[dutchcast84]

Hip hop is only in a re-creative state. Like any other form of music, once it gets close to extinction there are true fanatics that take it back to its core. It has been so overwhelmed with materialism and quick selling artist that people are missing the realism that it once represented. That's why there are artists now who push the boundaries and actually have good lyrics and skills and great story telling. rap/hip hop is in a renaissance stage.

[DG3744]

@BJSteigner Thoose ATL niggas!!! With the exception of a few! ( Out-Kast) ruined it!! DSem Franchise Boyz (Bitches), Young Joc, Gucci Mane, Rich Boy (just bought a cadillac, Alabama slammer) Theese guys are fucken garbage. Im sorry but jeezy can eat a dick too. The have substituted talent, lyricist, depth of meaning for a paycheck and a chain. There are a lot of Angels who are here so save it like Lupe Fiasco, Common, Nas just some who are trying to preserve what is left!

[DG3744]

@BJSteigner Thoose ATL niggas!!! With the exception of a few! ( Out-Kast) ruined it!! DSem Franchise Boyz (Bitches), Young Joc, Gucci Mane, Rich Boy (just bought a cadillac, Alabama slammer) Theese guys are fucken garbage. Im sorry but jeezy can eat a dick too. The have substituted talent, lyricist, depth of meaning for a paycheck and a chain. There are a lot of Angels who are here so save it like Lupe Fiasco, Common, Nas just some who are trying to preserve what is left!

[BJSteigner]

@DG3744 I couldn't agree with you more my friend. Soulja "Pervert" Boy, Nelly "WHOA NELLY", Lil "Tiny" Wayne and others are making hip hop more worst than thought. But when you see them on MTV 's Cribs....They don't look the part....<I was banging my head on this too. Real players need to be back in the studio.

[BJSteigner]

@zoticus1 Mainstream "hip hop" is crap..Same basslines, same message, different assholes. Back then hip hop was hip hop and the messages were far more positive than this. It's time to force the real players OUT OF RETIREMENT and get them back into the studio.