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In this episode of The Idea Of…, hosts Bassey & Mike explore hip-hop’s cultural reset. They reflect on why first-week sales no longer matter, how elder statesmen like Jay-Z and Kendrick Lamar have carved space for mature artistry, and what it means when rap becomes a job versus a career. They spotlight JID and Clipse as album-of-the-year contenders, celebrate the renewed energy of Chance the Rapper, and highlight Ghostface Killah and Raekwon’s timeless craft. Along the way, they discuss Lizzo’s “serve your core” strategy, Drake’s post-beef choices, and revelations from Metro/Thug. This conversation situates hip-hop within a bigger truth: naming and centering Blackness in art is not optional—it’s essential.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Personal Updates
03:04 Creative Projects and Cultural Consulting
05:48 College Soccer Experiences and Future Prospects
08:45 The State of the Music Industry
11:43 The Evolution of Rap and Artistic Integrity
14:42 The Impact of Streaming on Music Consumption
17:28 Emerging Artists and the Future of Rap
23:43 Kanye's Influence on Modern Sound
27:08 The Evolution of Hip-Hop and Aging Artists
29:25 Jay-Z's Cool Factor and Longevity
32:27 The Complexity of Artist Relationships
37:09 Drake's Identity and Cultural Impact
45:20 Drake's Disconnection from the Culture
47:00 Kendrick's Influence and Industry Politics
49:57 Drake's Controversial Actions and Industry Backlash
52:47 The Evolution of Hip-Hop and Emerging Artists
57:54 Cultural Identity and the Role of Black Artists
01:00:54 Drake's Current Standing and Future in Hip-Hop
By Bassey Ikpi and Mike Andrews4.8
1919 ratings
In this episode of The Idea Of…, hosts Bassey & Mike explore hip-hop’s cultural reset. They reflect on why first-week sales no longer matter, how elder statesmen like Jay-Z and Kendrick Lamar have carved space for mature artistry, and what it means when rap becomes a job versus a career. They spotlight JID and Clipse as album-of-the-year contenders, celebrate the renewed energy of Chance the Rapper, and highlight Ghostface Killah and Raekwon’s timeless craft. Along the way, they discuss Lizzo’s “serve your core” strategy, Drake’s post-beef choices, and revelations from Metro/Thug. This conversation situates hip-hop within a bigger truth: naming and centering Blackness in art is not optional—it’s essential.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Personal Updates
03:04 Creative Projects and Cultural Consulting
05:48 College Soccer Experiences and Future Prospects
08:45 The State of the Music Industry
11:43 The Evolution of Rap and Artistic Integrity
14:42 The Impact of Streaming on Music Consumption
17:28 Emerging Artists and the Future of Rap
23:43 Kanye's Influence on Modern Sound
27:08 The Evolution of Hip-Hop and Aging Artists
29:25 Jay-Z's Cool Factor and Longevity
32:27 The Complexity of Artist Relationships
37:09 Drake's Identity and Cultural Impact
45:20 Drake's Disconnection from the Culture
47:00 Kendrick's Influence and Industry Politics
49:57 Drake's Controversial Actions and Industry Backlash
52:47 The Evolution of Hip-Hop and Emerging Artists
57:54 Cultural Identity and the Role of Black Artists
01:00:54 Drake's Current Standing and Future in Hip-Hop

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