It seems like rapper Denzel Curry has had enough of what he perceives as the current state of mainstream hip-hop. In a recent Instagram Stories rant, the Florida native didn’t hold back, boldly declaring that commercial rap is officially “dead” and expressing that he’s perfectly fine with it.
Critique of Mainstream Hip-Hop
Curry kicked off his series of posts by stating, “None of this music sh*t is interesting anymore.” He then elaborated on his view that commercial rap has failed, calling it “trash from the jump.” His criticism extended beyond just the music itself, touching on superficial aspects like fashion and imitation.
He argued, “F*ck how cool you dress… B*tch sound good too… Some of y’all sound more a*s than what you are trying to imitate.” Curry positioned himself as someone willing to speak the truth, even if it sounds like hate, stating, “I may sound like a hater but sh*t you need a hater to tell the truth.”
Generational Divide and Lack of Craft
Beyond the sound and style, Curry also pointed to a perceived disconnect between generations in hip-hop. He believes “OG’s got no respect for the younger generation,” while the “new generation don’t care about the craft.” He sees a missed opportunity for learning and mentorship between the established and emerging artists.
Curry also expressed a desire to see the concept of a “Big 3” – typically referring to the top three most dominant artists – disappear entirely. With Kendrick Lamar often seen as the current frontrunner, Drake facing challenges, and J. Cole’s recent absence, Curry’s take on the genre’s hierarchy is certainly timely.
A Call to Action
Concluding his thoughts, the artist behind “King Of The Mischievous South Vol. 2” urged everyone in the rap community to “take f*ckin action” and stop complaining about the state of the game. His comments come at a time when hip-hop continues to receive significant recognition, with artists like Kendrick Lamar leading the pack in Grammy nominations.
Do you agree with Denzel Curry that commercial rap is ‘dead’? What do you think is missing from mainstream hip-hop today? Share your thoughts in the comments below!