Xzibit, the legendary rapper and host of MTV’s Pimp My Ride, has recently expressed his dissatisfaction with the current state of hip-hop and its lack of staying power. The 47-year-old artist said he was “sick of hip-hop” and felt that it had lost its originality and creativity.
“I’m sick of hip hop, man. I’m sick of the way it sounds, the way it looks, the way it’s presented. It’s just so cookie-cutter and so predictable. There’s no innovation, there’s no risk-taking, and there’s no experimentation. It’s just the same old formula over and over again,” he said.”
Xzibit, who rose to fame in the late 1990s and early 2000s with his albums At the Speed of Life, 40 Dayz & 40 Nightz, and Restless, said he was disappointed with the lack of longevity and impact of most modern hip-hop artists. He compared them to the icons of the past, such as Tupac, Biggie, Nas, and Wu-Tang Clan, who he said had created timeless music that transcended generations and cultures.
“These guys made music that lasted for decades, that influenced millions of people, that changed the world. They had a vision, they had a message, and they had a purpose. They had staying power. What do these new guys have? A couple of hits, a bunch of followers, a bunch of money, and then what? They’re gone in a few years, forgotten, and replaced by the next wave of clones. Where’s the legacy? Where’s the substance? Where’s the soul?” he asked1.”
Xzibit also questioned the future of hip hop and wondered if it could survive the changing times and trends. He said he was concerned that the genre had become too saturated, too commercialized, and too disconnected from its roots and its audience.
“Hip hop used to be a culture, a movement, and a voice for the voiceless. It used to be about telling stories, expressing emotions, challenging the system, inspiring the people. It used to be about art, not just entertainment. It used to be about quality, not just quantity. It used to be about passion, not just profit. It used to be about us, not just them. Hip hop used to be alive, now it’s dying. And I don’t know if it can be revived,” he said1.”
Xzibit’s comments have sparked a lot of reactions from fans and fellow artists, some of whom agreed with his sentiments, while others defended the diversity and evolution of hip hop. Some also pointed out that Xzibit himself had not released a solo album since 2012’s Napalm, and suggested that he should focus on his own music instead of criticizing others.
Hip-hop has been one of the most influential music genres of our time. However, Lil Yachty’s recent comment has raised concern about the sustainability of its impact. Is hip-hop losing its essence? Will it soon fade away?
What do you think of Xzibit’s opinions on hip hop? Do you agree or disagree with him?
These questions demand our attention and require us to evaluate the state of hip hop as a cultural phenomenon. Let us know in the comments below.
