Tyler, the Creator has re-released his critically acclaimed "Call Me If You Get Lost" album while adding new songs. On this release, Tyler seems to have left his humbling-intelligence angle in favor of ethnically-proud classism. Although he does have an elevated position in society, it's more about his intelligence than his flaunted wealth. He's not connecting to the rich proportionally to how much he seems to be trying to. Lyrically, Tyler's using a lot of really strong concepts with a standard rapper aesthetic which is problematic because a lot of his audience isn't alerted by his former aesthetic to cue in on how deep his multi-layered lyricism is. This release is the most universal, "casual listener appealing" he's ever dropped, but he doesn't seem to have the same cult-like endorsement from his skater market or from his new affluent market. There's an element of ethnic pride which is very new for Tyler and seems a bit rough because privilege and intelligence are not common in the black community. As always, Tyler is a little ahead of his time, but his brand's respect makes everything he drops extremely significant socially.
Since the very beginning, hip hop has been edgy and raw. "Bubble gum rappers" were thought of as less authentic and taken less seriously. Indie rappers vary in offensiveness. They don't usually talk about gang activity, but instead explore the cultured vices lyrically. As a platform, it can be difficult to find the balance between representing the messages of the community of artists, while connecting with the community of listeners. Cultural dissonance, swearing, and suggestive themes, need to be there sometimes, but keeping pace with the amount of moderation fans want, requires feedback from your end. Have we gone too far? or is it cheesy?
Rappers are known for massive egos and bragging but, in this age of indifferrent hype, real fans have a lot of power. We elevate artists and they elevate us.
We benefit when people represent our culture favorably and they can become a social common-ground.
The merch we wear can communicate who we are and connect us on a scale we may not reach with our own notoriety.
The musical entertainment we get is beyond deserving of the streaming click.
It's always tempting to have reservations due to things we would change about an act or platform so being a passionate fan of someone or something doesn't happen by accident. It's a choice. And it may seem selfless or submissive, but committing yourself to supporting someone else can give you more swag and be a lot of fun. Go be a real fan.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)