For more than 20+ years Atlanta and the South have commanded the rap game but even now several refuse to acknowledge this undeniable truth. It really is significant to try to remember that in the 00s people today dismissed “ringtone rap” and held onto the belief that each and every mixtape rapper from NYC (such as Papoose Saigon Troy Ave and so forth.) would resurrect New York’s prominence proving that the South wasn’t the epitome of “actual hip hop.”
The South’s dominion stretched from roughly 2003 to the present day though New York had its prime from 1973 to 1991 and skilled a resurgence from 1997 to 2002. The West Coast had its heyday from 1992 to 1996.
The decline of New York Hip Hop can be attributed in aspect to Hot 97 and other radio stations that failed to assistance neighborhood artists. Nas for instance was deprived of airtime which led to his disputes with these stations.
The era of Puff and Negative Boy additional contributed to the decline. Their emphasis on opulence along with the behind-the-scenes blackballing of fellow New York artists opened the door for Southern artists. This beef weakened each the East and West Coasts. Andre 3000 emerged as a lyrical MC who could not be questioned meeting all expectations. Meanwhile Hot 97 with figures like EBRO—a Californian—began strategically programming a lot more Southern and West Coast Hip Hop steadily dismantling New York’s position.
The Fall of New York Hip Hop gained momentum when Jay Z took charge at Def Jam. As an alternative of advertising established veterans from NY/NJ like Process Man LL Cool J Redman and DMX Jay Z sought fresh talent specifically from the South such as Jeezy and T.I. He had the chance to assistance hometown heroes but chose otherwise.
NY radio stations stopped championing neighborhood artists and New York artists began imitating sounds slang and cultures from other regions. For instance working with phrases like “fuck 12” to refer to the police—a term originating from Atlanta slang—became typical in NYC. Previously New York set the trends that other regions followed but now it feels as even though the roles have reversed. Record labels also started pushing artists from the South and other places advertising easier lyrics though New York artists thrived on lyricism and special style.
The downfall of NYC Hip Hop escalated when artists from New York began adopting Southern designs. The South enjoyed a prolonged dominance that is at the moment waning but remains undeniable. Furthermore the existing NY Drill scene originated in London with London producers bringing the sound to Brooklyn. Regrettably New York lost its distinct identity and failed to recognize its personal history. Internal conflicts and a lack of genuine programming additional hindered NYC’s rap scene. Rather than embracing their authenticity artists in NYC now strive to be an individual or one thing else.
Jay-Z played a function in the decline as effectively. In “Every day a Star Is Born” he had the chance to contact out a NYC rapper though collaborating with Jay Cole but rather he declared that if Lil Wayne continued his path he would pass him the torch. Money Funds artists such as Wayne had been entertaining but their style was noticed as gimmicky reminiscent of Eminem. An additional element that broken NY Hip Hop was the decline of its nightlife. Venues started shifting expenditures onto the audience eroding the vibrant club scene and pushing artists to create their personal audiences or carry out at certain venues.
Though NYC artists had been battling amongst themselves Southern rappers demonstrated unity and collaborated to realize good results. The South had the music and it was only a matter of time prior to their influence expanded. Sadly NYC lacks a unified front and typically fails to assistance other people.
New York’s decline intensified when 50 Cent engaged in beef with all of NYC adopting a sound influenced by the South below Dr. Dre’s guidance. He divided the city and clashed with its best artists with the drama overshadowing the music itself. NY rappers spent the early 2000s and 2010s attempting to outshine every other though the South dominated with their mastery of crafting catchy and memorable songs. Jay Z managed to sustain good results through this period simply because he excelled in each lyrical prowess and hook creation. Early adopters like MIMS and Dipset understood the shift and French Montana Bobby Shmurda ASAP Ferg and several other people followed suit. Southern production and simplistic hooks became the allure and sooner or later the market typical.
If we examine the period prior to the so-referred to as “South takeover” all of New York’s largest hits had been club records. Every anthem was created for the club scene. About 2004/2005 the South started churning out club music at an impressive price though New York wasn’t creating comparable tracks. Consequently when New York did release club-oriented music it was typically misperceived as Southern. Examples consist of MIMS’ “This Is Why I am Hot” 50 Cent’s “Candy Shop” and Fat Joe’s “Lean Back.”
New York’s decline can be attributed to the absence of an influential era. The likes of Max B Chinx Stacks Juelz Uncle Murda Maino Shea Davis Banks Papoose J Hood French JR Writer Mims Saigon and Vado had been anticipated to elevate NY Hip Hop to new heights. Sadly due to different unfortunate situations this did not materialize. This lost generation of NY rap was waiting for figures like Jay Z 50 Cent and Puff to uplift them but they became entangled in radio politics due to relationships and affiliations with particular DJs. Numerous of them perceived the increasing younger artists as competitors rather than possible collaborators in the limelight. Furthermore many artists from NY through the transitional period struggled to adapt to the new sound and relied heavily on radio assistance.
But I want to know what you assume. What are your thoughts on the fall and decline of NY Hip Hop which led to the rise of the South obtaining a stronghold on the rap game?
TLDR The New York infighting/beefs egos and not respecting the talent of the south back then as effectively as the South bringing new artists style designs and beats to the mainstream though New York stopped innovating and lost their wave when the market filtered and diluted their distinct sound all led to the decline and fall of New York Hip Hop and the takeover of the South in the rap game.