The debate and conversation around the state of rap music is one that will seemingly never end. Creators, critics and fans have varying views of where the culture is, where it should be, and what direction it’s ultimately heading in.
Fabolous is among the latest artists to comment on the state of the music, as he believes that lyricism is still present in Hip-Hop and remains necessary in providing a balance within the genre. During an appearance on Rap City Beyond the Basement, the Brooklynite argued that intricate rhyme schemes are in abundance, but often aren’t promoted or highlighted by the media and the public.
He adds that these factors are ones that have played a part in making that brand of rap less of a commodity in contrast with previous years and fans have to dig a bit deeper to find artists that place on emphasis on lyricism.
In this image released on October 10, 2023, Fabolous performs onstage during the BET Hip Hop Awards 2023 at Cobb Energy Performing Arts Center on October 03, 2023 in Atlanta, Georgia.
(Photo by Terence Rushin/Getty Images)
“I think it’s still here, in a sense,” Fab said while speaking with legendary Rap City host Big Tigger. “It’s just not always pushed to the forefront. I think people need to hear lyrics that push them, that inspire them, create memories to. They need those. Every song can’t just be party, turn up. You need something that gives you.” He continued, adding “I believe [lyricism is] here and I believe even now, the audience has the power to research it. They could search online, they could find those guys.”
With over a quarter century in the game under his belt, Fabolous has gradually grown into an elder statesmen within the culture, providing his insights and opinions on Hip-Hop like never before. Earlier this year, the 45-year-old accused the music and entertainment industry of only promoting one style of rap from female artists while voicing the need for women with “strong” narratives in their music.
Rapper Fabolous attends the PrettyLittleThing x Karl Kani event at Nightingale Plaza on May 22, 2018 in Los Angeles, California.
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“I love hearing female rappers talking some real sh*t,” Fabolous wrote on his Instagram Story at the time. “Women are so strong. Have so many stories and perspectives that we need to hear in pure form.” The perennial hitmaker tempered his comments by insisting he didn’t intend to offend any women in Hip-Hop with his statements.
“No disrespect to any female rappers out there but I think there’s only one style of female rap/Hip Hop being promoted, programmed and looked at as successful now,” he added shortly afterwards.
See Fabolous’ appearance on Rap City Beyond the Basement below.
