Today, the industry has been watered down. The qualities of rap music that benefited the art have been diluted by influences like beefs, as well as division on a racial level.
Racial tension is bringing a strong sense of negativity and hostility to the table. It’s been several rappers who has spoken out against the infiltration of white artists into hip hop. Making it seems like they are a bad look for the culture.
Some of the earliest claims started with Eminem, saying that he’s disrespected the culture throughout his career, as well as Macklemore with the grammys and his social topics. The most recent example lies in the song ‘Fire Squad’ by J. Cole, where he directly calls out Justin Timberlake, Macklemore and Eminem for having white privilege.
I believe all types of artist and races from all walks of life can bring different aspects that can benefit hip hop culture. Being closed-minded is a liability to hip-hop, and diversity has become one of the culture strongest points. We in the hip hop community as a whole have a responsibility to allow the culture to progress in order to continue impacting so many lives on a positive level. Mos Def once quoted “hip hop is going wherever the people is going.”