Yes, hip-hop is receding, for many of the same reasons as other genres before it receded: an aging-out listening base who consume less of the media (through lifestyle attrition), mainstreaming contributed to a loss of perceived edginess, loss of novelty (newer genres capture the attention of the younger listeners), and an increasing aversion to its cookie cutter commercialization.
Purely anecdotally, I'm also sensing (based on social media content), that there seems to be a growing interest in more traditionally created and played music, that includes standard melodic and harmonic lines - an interest in instruments and vocalists. Very young content creators are putting out what I would classify as traditional structure that does not incorporate rap or hip-hop stylings.
I can envision a time when "classic hip-hop" will develop a following, and will then become the "Dreams" version of old-time hits that appear in the streaming charts long after the original date of release.
Hip-hop as a standalone genre is receding, but it has influenced and been absorbed, to one degree or another, into currently very popular genres... pop, country and maybe also alternative. So, in that sense, it's already been baked into the music of the day.
Your last paragraph is an entire essay of its own. We’ve had a full generation of hip-hop shaping culture. It is baked in.
The next generation will look for something novel they can make their own. My purely anecdotal view, the rave/electonic/drone will morph into more immersive forms, especially since in person is how they can make money and immersion lends itself well to 360 capabilities of headphones.
I sure hope so, what was once dangerous and edgy decades ago, with artists like NWA, spiraled long ago into tedious repetition, and bland format driven nonsense, as production techniques became easier and simpler.
Yes, hip-hop is receding, for many of the same reasons as other genres before it receded: an aging-out listening base who consume less of the media (through lifestyle attrition), mainstreaming contributed to a loss of perceived edginess, loss of novelty (newer genres capture the attention of the younger listeners), and an increasing aversion to its cookie cutter commercialization.
Purely anecdotally, I'm also sensing (based on social media content), that there seems to be a growing interest in more traditionally created and played music, that includes standard melodic and harmonic lines - an interest in instruments and vocalists. Very young content creators are putting out what I would classify as traditional structure that does not incorporate rap or hip-hop stylings.
I can envision a time when "classic hip-hop" will develop a following, and will then become the "Dreams" version of old-time hits that appear in the streaming charts long after the original date of release.
Hip-hop as a standalone genre is receding, but it has influenced and been absorbed, to one degree or another, into currently very popular genres... pop, country and maybe also alternative. So, in that sense, it's already been baked into the music of the day.
Your last paragraph is an entire essay of its own. We’ve had a full generation of hip-hop shaping culture. It is baked in.
The next generation will look for something novel they can make their own. My purely anecdotal view, the rave/electonic/drone will morph into more immersive forms, especially since in person is how they can make money and immersion lends itself well to 360 capabilities of headphones.
I sure hope so, what was once dangerous and edgy decades ago, with artists like NWA, spiraled long ago into tedious repetition, and bland format driven nonsense, as production techniques became easier and simpler.
Because they eat babies too?