Exploring Contradictions: Hip-hop's Midlife Crisis and the Influence of Capitalism

A hip hop artist who once swore he'd never dine with the president is now seen with Steve Bannon, causing shock and confusion. In an interview, the artist defends his actions, arguing that it's important to talk to people. This leads to a discussion about hip hop artists embracing money, politics, and business empires. The artist believes that in a white capitalist society, this is inevitable. However, he also acknowledges the loss of control over the culture and questions whether it could have gone a different way. The essay touches on the artist's admiration for jazz artists who faced a similar dilemma. Overall, the conversation explores the relationship between hip-hop, culture, and capitalism.