a.mann
Active Member
I really can’t stand this new narrative that once a rapper/MC becomes successful—and especially once they become wealthier through other business ventures—it somehow becomes beneath them to get back in the studio and rap. The very thing that opened the door for them in the first place is suddenly treated like something they’ve outgrown.He can't, his ego won't allow him
What’s strange is that this attitude seems to be a phenomenon largely unique to the hip-hop community. In most other forms of music, continued dedication to the craft is seen as a sign of authenticity and passion, not a lack of ambition.
Some artists clearly still understand that. Take Nas, for example. He’s someone who genuinely seems to enjoy stepping into the studio and laying down a sharp 16 over a beat that inspires him. There’s also an obvious love for the stage—for the energy of rocking a crowd and staying connected to the art form itself.
That kind of commitment shouldn’t be seen as a step backward. If anything, it’s a reminder that the craft is supposed to matter, no matter how successful you become outside of it.