Rap veteran, Nas, publicly claimed the death of Hip Hop within the most recent generation of artists. However, times are changing, what was the original foundation for Hip Hop music has evolved along with the rest of society. The future of Hip Hop’s sound is no longer limited to the confines of “gangster rap”. This generation’s Hip Hop storytellers offer something for everyone to take part in, whether you’re from the “ghetto” or are a student in college or a passionate activist; this is OUR voice.
“Our voice” needs to reflect purpose and advocate for further progression into the evolving future. We look to music as something to unite everyone, to encourage the unanimous, purposeful push forward in the world’s beauty. Hip Hop needs an artist to hold people accountable for their roles in that change. An artist with a voice that creates a guided confidence to play a part in that push that is not fearful of scrutiny.
Hip Hop artist and producer, Kanye West is that voice. His music is creative and revolutionary in the sense he incorporates things outside of Hip Hop and rap, and the music industry in general, into his music, such as orchestra samples, auto-tuned singing and disco, electro-infused sound. He has said he wants to be an example of change for all of us, an example of progression both inside and out of his music. He speaks his mind and challenges the norms of society without very much fear of consequence, and his fans are definitely expect to be included in that.
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Kanye West performing before live audience.
Kanye West’s influence reaches millions of people seeing as to he has tons of fans all over the world. His contemporary style has definitely contributed to his artistic success, with all six of his albums reaching high-rated recognition within the music industry, not just Hip Hop, as his evolution is evident within and in between each one. His innovative thought-process is praised by some of the most notable artists and musical publications, including his former collaboration partner and other well-known Hip Hop veteran, Jay Z, as well as, Rolling Stone magazine. His fulfillment of his hopes and dreams not just for himself, but for everyone, inspires his fans to want to incorporate the same level of progression and determination into our lives.
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Kanye West and Jay Z performing together during their joint “Watch the Throne” tour.
A song from Kanye’s first album, The College Dropout, called “All Falls Down” truly inspired me when I was younger to want more for myself than what I had seen women to be everyday of my life. He speaks about the truth and the potential of women in the song through his emphasis on one one’s life circumstances through this story-song. And “Can’t Tell Me Nothing” from his third album, Graduation, is my favorite song because it helps me stay motivated and confident within myself and not be influenced by outside negative perceptions. Kanye West really speaks power and progression and fearlessness into people with his music.
Having someone with so much acclaim and innovative power relate to you truly does influence your views on the world and yourself. Kanye West speaks to the creativity and confidence within everyone. He puts everything out there for everyone to take part in and to grow from. Unification is where progression and evolution truly begins.