Tyler, the Creator blasts many of today’s rappers, says they aren’t true ‘musicians’

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As a seasoned gamer with decades of experience under my belt, I can’t help but draw parallels between the hip-hop scene and the ever-evolving world of video games. Much like how Tyler, the Creator feels about today’s rappers, I too have encountered a surge of content creators who prioritize fame and fortune over mastering their craft.

It’s frequently debated among hip-hop enthusiasts about what truly defines an exceptional rap artist. On one hand, some fans argue that an artist’s success, as measured by album sales and chart positions, is the key factor. Conversely, other fans emphasize the importance of a rapper’s skill level in determining whether they are great or not.

Tyler, Creator is part of a group of fans who critique artists more focused on popularity, wealth, and achievement rather than perfecting their art. To put it simply, he criticized contemporary rappers for churning out material without paying much attention to its quality. A former member of Odd Future, he expressed this viewpoint.

In Tyler’s words on Maverick Carter’s latest talk show Mavericks, he expressed, “I don’t want people to think I’m envious,” but he deeply appreciates the art of music. He noted that there are numerous individuals who aren’t actually musicians, yet they’re treated as such due to creating popular meme tracks. They often claim, “I don’t care about music; I just do this for money.” When media outlets enthusiastically promote their work, it seems like they’re prioritizing these artists over individuals like Tyler who genuinely value music and dedicate themselves to it.

I love this artform so much, bro

Tyler, the Creator

It’s not just Tyler who has pointed out the difference between a rap artist pushing creative boundaries and someone primarily focused on earning profits. In fact, Jay-Z discussed this very topic back in 2016 during his interview on “The Breakfast Club.”

Essentially, the experienced rapper from Brooklyn once stated that when hip-hop transitioned from being primarily an artistic expression to a lucrative industry, many sought to capitalize on it. You might remember his lyrics from the 1997 song “Intro / A Million and One Questions / Rhyme No More,” where he declared, “I’m not a rapper, I’m a hustler.” Despite this statement, Jay Z is often regarded as one of the most gifted wordsmiths in rap music.

“Jay stated during the Breakfast Club interview at around the 5:31 mark, ‘That’s what typically happens.’ He explained that when something becomes successful, it undergoes changes. For instance, people initially rapped because they enjoyed it. However, as rap transformed into a massive, multi-billion dollar industry, those who didn’t have a passion for rapping began to see it as a money-making opportunity. Consequently, individuals with some rapping skills started viewing it as a hustle rather than an art form. This influx of people led to a surge in the number of rappers who weren’t truly skilled.”

Regarding Tyler’s remarks, some agree with his viewpoint that authenticity in music is being compromised for streaming popularity and trendy sounds. One individual tweeted, “He’s right, a lot of the original artistry is being overshadowed by streams and seeking a viral sound.” Another person pointed out, “He used to create meme records too.”

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2024-08-13 23:23