"Are Music Genres Disappearing?"

Since its inception during the early 1970’s, hip-hop has grown into the most popular form of music in the world. Its influence reaches every walk of life, regardless of race, gender, or ethnicity. Traditionally, the musicians involved with the genre of hip-hop maintained a certain style, or sound that was unique, and completely different from any other art form. The practice of reciting spoken word over an instrumental (whether it be electronic, acoustic or otherwise), is how many would describe conventional hip-hop. However, as a result of the genre’s progression, its sound has evolved as well.

In recent years, the line between traditional hip-hop and other forms of music has been blurred to a certain extent. Artists such as Bryson Tiller, Raury, 6lack and Post Malone can be considered members of hip-hop, but they tend to incorporate a heavy dose of R&B and Alternative Rock into the music that they record. The aforementioned artists’ popularity with the general public continues to increase, thus creating a shift in the sound of hip-hop that we are accustomed to, and it eventually led us to the question:

“Are music genres disappearing?”

Initially, hip-hop music was predominantly practiced and accepted by minorities, specifically people of African-American or Hispanic ethnicity. But throughout the years, the diversity of both the genre’s musicians as well as its fan base has expanded. The culture was once exclusive to the people who embodied the struggle of growing up in impoverished, urban areas of America have now included an audience that varies in age and social class. For the young, Caucasian male musician who may have been exposed to the alternative rock bands of the 1980’s by their parents but has a passion for hip-hop; it is only natural that the music they produce could possibly be a mesh between the two.

Hip-Hop is an ever changing culture that has always moved the meter when it came to societal and musical norms. It is common belief that B.o.B., Kid Cudi and Andre 300 (just to name a few) have heavily influenced the new generation. Creatively, they have pushed the boundaries of what traditional hip-hop is supposed to sound like, and challenged the normal process of how artists record music. On the other hand, rappers like Kendrick Lamar and J. Cole continue to stay true to the pure essence of the art form by placing emphasis on lyricism.

The up-and-coming artists of the future are expressing themselves in innovative ways that will force us to alter the way that we view and listen to music, and instead of thinking that music genres are disappearing; let’s focus on the fact that new genres are being created. As long as it maintains its quality and consistency, the future of hip-hop is promising, regardless of the change.

Regards,

    - Okla

Bryson Tiller - True To Self [Review]

“Live your truth, that way no one can use it against you...”

— Charlamagne Tha God

In today's world, honesty has always been hard to come by. Due to the influences of television, radio and social media, our culture has forced most to portray something that isn't necessarily true, just to create the narrative of success. Too often we live beyond our means, hide our feelings, and shield our true selves from the rest of the world; because to many, there is no greater fear than that of rejection. The greater crime, however, is the risk of acceptance on the basis of a lie; which ultimately goes back to not being accepted in the first place. Ironically, people find it difficult to live their truth, but make it a requirement for the artists, musicians and celebrities that intrigue them on a daily basis.

Late last month, the Louisville native Bryson Tiller dropped his sophomore project True To Self, almost a month before it's slated release date. 5-tracks longer than it's predecessor, this album focuses on the experiences that a young, black male goes through in terms of love, life and maturity. The LP's introductory cut "Rain On Me", sets the tone for the rest of the album. With production from NES, !LLmind, Boi-1da, T-Minus and Wondagurl, the self-proclaimed Pen Griffey remains true to the nostalgic, 90's-driven sound that propelled him to stardom in 2015. Songs like "No Longer Friends" and "Don't Get Too High" are accounts the resonate with many when it comes to emotional interactions with the opposite sex; while "Blowing Smoke" and "Self-Made" showcases the artist's confident, braggadocious side, in contrast to the album's overall vulnerability.

Towards the middle of True to Self, the album at points feels lengthy due to the similarity in some of it's melodies. Uptempo tracks like "High Stakes" and "Before You Judge", breaks the monotony of this project during it's low points. The album's final cut "Always" is the perfect antithesis to "Rain On Me", which focuses on positivity and hope for the future as opposed to the introduction's feel of uncertainty and indecisiveness. Sometimes the cohesion gets lost in translation throughout its 19-tracks, but it's opening and closing surely will provide clarity.

Bryson's introspective songwriting ability has always proved to be his strong suit. Although the lyrics, along with this album's amazing production makes it a good listen; where True To Self falls short is the lack of the artist's progression from his previous album, Trapsoul. His sound is unique, and he has created his own lane in this ever-changing music industry, but the "if it isn't broke, don't fix it", repetitive-feel of this album sometimes takes away from the big picture.

If you haven't already, take a listen to the album below.

Regards,

      - Okla (@coolhandoak)