“Let them rap”
Rap Culture thrives on competition. Shocking hot-take, right? But, to understand and appreciate some of the traditions that make this genre so excellent; first, you have to accept the fact that this streak of competitiveness between emcees is vital. Particularly in the context of Orlando, where before we can even begin a discussion about Rap or Hip Hop; I need to know what side of town or regional sub-genre you’re referring to (but that’s a topic for another day). In this piece, I’ll break down why it’s crucial for us to embrace the truth of that opening line; and, how I see it contributing positively as we continue to grow presence, and influence, of the O-Town within the larger music industry.
Iron sharpens iron. And, rappers should be able to rap to each other without it leading into negativity. In a perfect world, all competition would be in good fate and purely serve to bring out the best in everyone involved. In our world this is not always the case, however, we know that the competing spirit that runs through our genre can be purposed to elevate it. Artistic one-ups-manship can be done right because we’ve seen them done right. Self-signed, West Coast legend Nipsey Hussle (#LLNIP) offered us some priceless gems on this subject when asked about another label, Top Dawg Entertainment, saying, “As competitive as rap is, and as much as we're trying to exceed the standards we set for ourselves, we take their wins as our wins, too”. This kind of energy helped return the West Coast scene to prominence during their most recent run (which was lead by a class of West Coast emcees who all pay homage to Nip - especially his protege, Roddy Rich). And, the massive success they’ve enjoyed by moving accordingly lends a whole new meaning to the phrase, “the Marathon Continues”.
Yes, it could all be so simple, but of course, we have to also address the flip-side of the coin. If you ask me (and, I suppose that’s why you’re still reading, right?) the problems start when those that take it upon themselves to serve as the culture’s referees; acting as pseudo-gatekeepers, and wanna-be tastemakers, fail to do the actual work of these important roles. Proper research and accountability matters. And, when those pieces are lacking from the equation, then these efforts to rank artists become (at best) counterproductive popularity contests, and (at worse) blatantly disrespectful.
Critics and influencers with platforms (the DJs; the radio stations; the journalists; etc.) should have to do their due diligence before we pay attention to what the have to say - that’s called quality control. Fortunately, Orlando’s music scene is blessed to have a brain-trust of informed individuals who care about this community enough to do the work, properly. So, instead of focusing on what’s done wrong - let’s support what’s done right, and make that the standard that everything else lives up to.
So, to those that fear that healthy competition is hindering our collective progress, and our growth - rest assured that it’s not. But remember, you have every right to do the work in your own way. Just make sure you do it right. In the meantime, let them rap.
By Jae Fortune, Hilltop Studio Collective hilltopstudio.co