Useless Experimentation or Innovation of the Music’s Essence?
With the overwhelming amount of anticipation surrounding Kanye West’s third album Graduation, many hip-hop fans are expecting the given usual ingredient of great innovative production in West’s musical repertoire. With the techno-inspired second single such as “Stronger”, Kanye West exposes hip-hop fans to a different avenue in his sampling techniques. Earlier this week, he revealed in his album listening session that he had been listening to a considerable amount of rock music during these past two years. West’s sense of musical experimentation potentially incites some conversations amongst individuals about the definition of “true” hip-hop especially in a period where the debate over hip-hop is constantly been a hot topic with the rise and commercial success of southern rappers into the mainstream musical scene. West’s new wave musical expression is even reflected in his wardrobe which has sparked reactions from hip-hop circles including fellow labelmate Beanie Sigel who objected to West’s fashion sense and labeled him a gay man as a result of it.
Article by Yves Mutanda
The debate lies over the effect of West’s credibility in the perception of individuals from the streets whose relevance in past and temporary has always been valued. A considerable amount of credible emcees always reference the importance of the streets over mainstream acknowledgment. Whether these claims from artists are genuine or not, every corner in every inner-city in this country is somewhat embedded in the consciousness of many emcees. During his listening session, Kanye West states that the music in his upcoming album is both “blacker” and “whiter” than his first two solo efforts; however, West has not been reserved about his ambitions of becoming more than a black musical icon instead he wants to attain widespread and worldwide acknowledgement from an artist like Bono from the rock band U2. His musical innovation and experimentation could serve as evidence for those lofty ambitions.
In his quest to become an international musical icon, West’s music could possibly alienate a sector of hip-hop fans who once associated his work with emcees such as Freeway, Beanie Sigel, Jay-Z, The Game and other recognizable artists whose musical content lies on the opposite end of the spectrum in comparison the thumping techno beats of “Stronger”. Perhaps, Kanye West is creating a new sense of originality desperately needed in hip-hop culture and rap music that is directly congruent to the elements of innovation and deviation from the norm which contribute to the greatness and essence of hip-hop culture.
Article by Yves Mutanda
11 Comments so far
first bitches! its kool to see someone do something different I respect him for that despite what anyone says
that that don’t kill me can only make me stronger
i like his music but that CORNY ASS bandana over face shit need to stop its very CORNY…..sneaker head niggas need to shoot themselves too they beastin for shoes makin them exspensive………..BRING BACK JERSEYS PLEASE…..asians werent cool back in the jersey era
GRADUATION>>>>>CURTIS
CURTIS!!!!
who da hell is Kanye West?
kanye west is hip hop
On Nights when Ye romanced, cameras flash so much, that I’d gotta do the Yayo Dance
The crazy part is that this article referenced count them ONE Kanye song that used electronic (it is not “Techno”) based music as a board to sample from. It is not as though Kanye did an entire album of this sound. And to say that he is alienating his fanbase who knew him from old works with Jay-Z, College Dropout etc., that is their fault not his. You rap about your experiences not just what you did when you were a struggling artist. If he listens to rock music or alternative etc. then so be it and let that influence him partly, but to think he has abandoned hip hop is ridiculous. Is he singing like a rock singer? Are not his flows on Barry Bonds snappin’? WTF is “Can’t Tell Me Nothing”? Is that “techno” influenced? If anything he returns hip hop to the SOUL and not a simple 808 bassline and a snap or hard clap sound which gives you your Soulja Boy’s and Yung Joc’s of the world. This article was a waste of time. I hope he gets to the point where he can sell out stadiums, shit someone in hip hop needs to, plus he actually puts on a LIVE show and not just 100 niggas on stage with mics yelling and screaming with no tone or rhythm.
Kanye iz da king of rap rite now
Co-sign No.7
Yeah i haft to Co sing #7. real talk.
The people who say that Kanye is not Hip Hop do not have a healthy understanding of Hip Hop. Most people who talk about Hip Hop are talking about Rap. Africa Bambata’s track “Planet Rock” sampled a techo group and anyone who loves Hip Hop knows that. It’s time to grow up and face facts that their are a lot of rappers who are gay and pretending to be straight. The sad thing about the whole episode is that dudes like beanie Siegel will attack Kanye and work with a an alledged Child Rapist who tried to put one off his people in jail and sued his boss. Now that ain’t gangster and that ain’t smart especially since he turned around and said his still trying to get tracks from kanye. How you gonna listen to that dude, he must at best be confused and at worst disloyal. People need to grow up and realise most people who claim to be gangster’s are not. Even those who have had a history are dry snitching in interviews. Like Jay Z said the Rap game is like wrestling and if you believe everything you hear then more fool you. The Bottom line is the music is good or it’s garbage. Everyone is supposed to have their own style and swager, I respect Kanye for being man enough do him and not copy what the next man doing!