During my days as a teen a became engulfed in the underground culture. I adopted a more radical stance on the issue. In my mind, the underground was the last line of defense against the tentacles of the corporate world…and anyone who was affiliated with them (mtv,bet, snoop, jay z) was considered a yoyo/flip flopper. Now the way I went by choosing who I listened to music wise was based solely on my view of them being firly against the yoyo’s….hence, not associating with them in any way (highly disappointed with gang starr on their final album for having snoop on it). So, in your opinion, when does an underground hip hop
artist cross the line
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Underground Hip Hop…when Does An Artist Cross The Line?
Posted on August 29, 2010.
Personally, I feel that crossing the line is when an artist gives up their roots and stops writing from the heart. I think underground is a term that should be changed to talented. Anyone can make any rap song sound good to a catchy beat. True hip hop comes straight from the soul.
Example:
Oh my – sweatshop union
It is a success from all business standards. It won awards, it sold albums, and they are mainstream in western canada. But if you feel where they are coming from, it gives you that “I love this underground sound”
I disagree with these answers no offence to anyone. In my opinion, where the line is depends on when you achieve your goal. Becoming “successful” is considered to be selling a bunch of albums but you are at a professional level when you produce good music on a regular basis. The question is, is your music good. Call some people and ask their honest opinion. Then you will know
Also, about your idea of mainstream rappers, don’t think they’re bad just because they aren’t that deep, they are still good rappers. They simply don’t have as much depth in their lines. Hope this helps
I think its a really thin line. With youtube and music sharing sites, underground artists are being mainstreamed everywhere. If your trying to make some major money out of it, your definetly going to whore yourself out on the net. Its way easier then handing out CD’s on the street right?
But I dont think they should be judged upon by their social status. But rather their quality of music. Kid Cudi is somewhat mainstream and yet I could care less. He raps from the heart.
The corporate world is only as bad as you make it seem.
When they get scooped up by mainstream artists, and yield to them. But if you look at it from their point, there is more money to be made in the mainstream arena. Which could mean being the first person in their family to be in the position to buy a house, financial security, and lifting their family out of poverty. How can they say no to that?
when they get a song constantly played on the radio,then before you know it they have 3.
but i’ll like a mainstream artist if they’re good.
Same as a punk band, once they make an album, they’ve lost the essence of their music and become a product.