Search Results: high standards

I was thinking the other day about how modern rap has lost its identity because most artists today sound exactly the same. Whether it is female rappers like GloRilla, Megan Thee Stallion, Latto, and Cardi B, or the mainstream male rappers, everyone is using the same repetitive beats and formulas. The content feels so shallow now, mostly focusing on money, jewelry, body parts, and sexual themes, which leaves these newer artists with zero longevity.

I really miss the old-school era where artists were true lyricists and ultimate entertainers. In the 90s and early 2000s, you had heavy hitters like Nas, Tupac, and DMX alongside incredible women like Queen Latifah, MC Lyte, little Kim, and Lady of Rage. They brought high energy, exciting penmanship, clever wordplay, and deep lyricism. Beyond having that hardcore edge, they were multidimensional, highly talented, and had a powerful image. Most importantly, old-school artists had undeniable stage presence and actually knew how to perform and command a crowd live. Every single artist back then had a completely different sound, unique style, and distinct look.

That raw individuality and performance standard are exactly what is missing across the entire industry today. Just look at Queen Latifah hosting the American Music Awards last night—that is the exact level of legend status and ultimate crossover success I want to develop them to achieve.

Do you think that 90s style of music, star power, and performance could actually dominate the charts if it came back right now, or has the music industry changed too much for listeners to appreciate real talent?