In a recent episode of The Adam Carolla Show, renowned artist and former host of Pimp My Ride, Xzibit, joined legendary director/actor, Rob Reiner, to share his thoughts on the current state of Hip-Hop. The rapper expressed his discontent with the lack of emotional investment in today's music, highlighting the absence of elements that once defined the industry.
According to Xzibit, the tangible experience of opening a CD or cassette, examining the album cover, and reading lyrics contributed to the longevity of artists' careers—a sentiment he believes is missing in contemporary Hip-Hop. He voiced concerns about the genre losing its weight, contrasting it with other genres like country and pop, which have seamlessly incorporated Hip-Hop elements.
"I’m sick of Hip-Hop, and I love Hip Hop," declared Xzibit, expressing a desire to see a rock band emerge and make a significant impact. He emphasized the need for a return to the roots of Hip-Hop, lamenting the current lack of representation of what the genre is "supposed to be."
Xzibit's sentiments echo those of fellow artist Lil Yachty, who recently criticized the state of Hip-Hop at the Musicians On Musicians event hosted by Rolling Stone. Lil Yachty expressed concern about the prevalence of imitation, the abundance of low-quality music, and the diminishing risk-taking and originality in the industry.
Discussing his album Let’s Start Here, Lil Yachty also touched upon his feelings about being excluded from the 2024 Grammy nominations, despite his hard work and dedication to the project. In the face of newcomers like Ice Spice and Coi Leray, Lil Yachty reflected on the need for a shift in the industry's focus, emphasizing the importance of real content and the potential for artists to have lasting power.
As the conversation around the state of Hip-Hop continues, both Xzibit and Lil Yachty offer unique perspectives on the genre's evolution and the challenges it faces in maintaining its authenticity and impact.