Part 7/11:
RA discusses the current state of hip-hop, recognizing talented lyricists but criticizing the commercialization that has overshadowed lyricism. He notes how major platforms promote certain artists like Kendrick Lamar but feels that the genre’s core essence is often lost amid auto-tuning, auto-pilot beats, and market-driven trends. Older artists and fans appreciate lyrical complexity, but the mainstream trend leans towards “vibe” over substance.
He laments the era of auto-tune-heavy vocals, citing legendary singers like Patty LaBelle and Charlie Wilson, whose natural talent was once enough. Today, effects are used to mask shortcomings or achieve certain modern sounds, which RA views as a double-edged sword—innovative but sometimes soul-depleting.