Today, Explained Hip-hop is 50 and it's having a midlife crisis
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Sep 30, 2023 Join hip-hop scholar Jason England, who teaches at Carnegie Mellon, and journalist Kiana Fitzgerald, the author of "Ode to Hip Hop," as they dive into hip-hop's 50th anniversary. They discuss how the genre grapples with its legacy of misogyny and anti-LGBTQ sentiment while highlighting the important role women play in its evolution. England points out the crisis of authenticity hip-hop faces today, and Fitzgerald shares insights on the changing dynamics and challenges female artists encounter. Together, they inspire a call for inclusivity and meaningful change in the industry.
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Hip-Hop's 50th Anniversary Crisis
- Hip-hop, at 50, faces challenges like declining chart dominance and a disconnect from its radical roots.
- The genre grapples with misogyny, homophobia, and over-commercialization.
Hip-Hop's Establishment Shift
- Lil Wayne performed "Mrs. Officer" at the Vice President's residence, highlighting hip-hop's shift towards the establishment.
- KRS-One, once anti-police, freestyled for a former cop turned mayor, Eric Adams.
Jay-Z's Transformation
- Jay-Z's evolution from discussing drug dealing to art collecting as investment epitomizes hip-hop's midlife crisis.
- His later albums, like 4:44, focus on conspicuous consumption, a departure from earlier themes.
