The rap music industry is crashing

If you have not noticed the recent downfall in the music industry, you've been living under a rock, because as Beyoncé once said (I'm not a fan of Beyoncé),

"People don't make albums anymore...they just try to sell a bunch of little quick singles, they burn out they put out a new one, they burn out they put out a new one...people don't even listen to a body of work anymore."

Now, I'm not necessarily saying artists should go out and release 4-6 albums in a year. What I'm advocating for is putting thought and structure into creating music. This new internet-driven life is making it difficult to find new music or artists to love. Because of platforms like TikTok and Instagram Reels, all artists want to do is create quick one-minute or minute-and-a-half songs specifically for TikTok. They don’t care if the song tells a story or if the lyrics are creative. They just want to create the song as quickly as possible and try to blow up on TikTok.

Sure, there have been some good crops of rappers with "TikTok songs," but they've mostly been fall-off rappers, known only for that one popular TikTok trend song. When they try to release something new, the song does not live up to the expectations set by the viral TikTok hit.

Artists should strive to be creative and create impactful, storytelling songs. Instead of glorifying unhealthy lifestyles or repetitive themes, they should focus on originality and depth. For the pop genre, making the same song over and over again about a cheating ex or a failed relationship gets old quickly. At some point, the artist might need to reflect on their role in those failed relationships (*cough* Taylor Swift *cough*).

I'm not trying to be a hater to any artist (maybe a little bit), but what I’m trying to say is to put time into the songs, put time into the lyrics, the production of the beat, the mixing of the vocals, and the words. Put time into your art because you are called an artist (musician 🤓) for a reason. I do not want to get notifications about a new single every three weeks that isn't even decent.

Every time I get excited to listen to a new album by an artist, I get disappointed after the first three songs, maybe five if I hit shuffle. But to be honest, nobody listens to an album for the first time on shuffle (if you do, you are crazy). That’s a different story for another time.

The current predicament in the music industry is frustrating for listeners who appreciate the artistry behind music. There was a time when albums were crafted as cohesive bodies of work, each song contributing to an overarching theme or story. Think of classic albums like Pink Floyd's "The Wall" or Lauryn Hill's "The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill." These albums weren't just collections of singles; they were journeys, and experiences that took the listener through a range of emotions and stories.

Even relatively recent albums like Kendrick Lamar's "To Pimp a Butterfly" or Frank Ocean's "Blonde" have shown that it's still possible to create a meaningful body of work that resonates deeply with audiences. These albums have depth, creativity, and a clear sense of purpose. They aren't just a collection of tracks designed to go viral on social media.

What’s missing today is that dedication to the craft. The industry's focus has shifted to immediate gratification and short-term success, rather than building a lasting legacy. The rise of streaming services has also contributed to this shift, with algorithms favoring shorter, more frequent releases to keep listeners engaged. While this model might be profitable, it undermines the quality and longevity of the music being produced.

Moreover, the emphasis on social media virality can stiffen artistic growth. Artists might feel pressured to make songs that relate to trends rather than exploring their unique voices and perspectives. This leads to a homogenization of music, where everything starts to sound the same.

Artists must remember the importance of taking risks and pushing boundaries. Music has the power to challenge societal norms, evoke emotions, and inspire change. But this can only happen if artists are willing to invest time and effort into their work.

Hopefully, this message reaches the right audience, who can resonate with what I’ve said or can properly debate the topic with me. I would love to know how others view this current predicament. Let's start a conversation about bringing back the artistry in music, valuing quality over quantity, and encouraging creativity and innovation in the industry.