As a fan of Hip Hop, the longevity, authenticity, and sustainability of the genre is important to me. When this thing first started in the 1970s, no one knew and thought that it would be around for the next 40 years. Many considered it a "fad". Yet, 40 years later it's still here. So the question becomes "How do we ensure it's around for the next 100 years?"

I recently saw an Oprah's Master Class show that featured Jay-Z and it brushed on this question. The episode was awesome, but this blog post isn't about that. It's about a small piece in the interview that stuck with me and had my analytical mind going. I followed Jay's logic.

It's believed that in order for Hip Hop to continuously grow, the genre needs to "expand". To put this in content--when I say expand--look at Rock music. You have Classic Rock, Punk Rock, Indie Rock, Heavy Metal, Gothic, and over 57 other variations that can be found in most distribution centers by name. In the grand scheme of things, Hip Hop is a baby. We have one label/genre on iTunes. It's inevitable that this must change.

"Luxury Rap, the Hermes of verses..."

My friends know I haven't cared too much for The Watch The Throne compilation. I have not been a harsh critic, but I have not given it much praise either. After reflection I concluded that I didn't want to think of Hip Hop outside of my box and comfort level. What I can say now however, is that Jay-Z and Kanye continues to expand the Hip Hop genre. They are creating a new lane in this genre. Not sure what it'll be called, but in the meantime its taking shape as "Luxury Rap/Hip Hop". There's a reason why they can play Watch The Throne in the lobby of a Cabo, Mexico resort or a retail store in Paris, France. All the while, 1000s of miles away it's playing at the red light of your local MLK Avenue. Luxury Hip Hop is the common thread... believe me, that commonality is not just hip hop. If that was the case, they'd play Jay's Reasonable Doubt "Politics as Usual" or "Sunshine" on Life and Times Volume 1. That'll happen right?!... Those albums fit into the genre at the time, which was really the only thing selling, street hip hop.

But not anymore. Now we have street hip hop (formerly Gangsta Rap), punk hip hop (lil wayne), high life/smokers hip hop (wiz khalifa), etc. When we stand back and look at all-- Its not for everyone. and its not meant for everyone. All of those fans are not the same. We may have common threads here and there, but those lifestyles are different. Those people come from different schools, different backgrounds, different experiences, etc. Just like Marilyn Manson and Maroon 5; or Elvis Presley and Green Day. All of rock and roll is not the same.

I believe what Jay-Z, Lil Wayne, Wiz Khalfia, and most recently the heavily criticized Drake, are doing, consciously or subconsciously, is expanding the Hip Hop genre. Drake's Take Care is helping to shape a new lane. Call it Contemporary Hip Hop. I'm not the biggest fan of the album. I don't have to like the music, but as a true fan of hip hop-- I can acknowledge what it signifies, appreciate it, and respect it.

-Mitch