In this episode of THE RAP SOUL PODCAST, the host 12Kyle explores the nuanced differences between crossing over and selling out in hip hop, examining how artists navigate commercial success while staying true to their roots. 

The discussion includes historical perspectives, key examples like Hammer and Vanilla Ice, and the evolution of hip hop culture.


Chapters

00:00 Introduction and episode overview
00:33 Big Gip's thought on crossing over in hip hop
01:24 Hip hop's origins and initial resistance to mainstream success
02:44 The rise of commercial success in the 90s and artists' pushback
05:27 MC Hammer's crossover success and perceptions of sellout
08:07 Vanilla Ice and the question of crossing over
09:03 EPMD's song 'Crossover' and staying true to roots
11:21 The shift in hip hop's acceptance of commercial success
12:44 Criticism of artists who sell out versus crossover artists
13:59 Modern artists and the pursuit of success in a capitalist society
17:27 Conclusion and final thoughts on crossing over and selling out

AUDIO https://therapsoulpodcast.riverside.com/
YOUTUBE https://youtu.be/5HkuzG9plXA