I can't think of any industry where the pioneers are less regarded and disrespected then they are in the hip hop industry. In football names like John Madden, Joe Montana and Dan Marino are placed on pedestals and the players and coaches who come after them have nothing but the utmost respect and admiration for them. In boxing which is one of the more violent sports, legends like Muhammad Ali and Sugar Ray Leonard are adored by all. Maybe it's a music thing? Nope, that's not it either. If you look at the reception that the Rolling Stones or Paul McCartney receive at their concerts or the box office tally for the Johnny Cash and Ray Charles movies you would see that there is definitely a respect and demand for these legends. There is a saying that goes "without those who came before us, we would not be able to accomplish what we do every day!" So why is it in the world of Hip Hop that if you came out during a certain time period or if you haven't made an album in a while that you are considered a has-been. I know the demographic for hip hop fans falls into the generation x category who many people claim are the "what have you done for me lately" generation but that still doesn't excuse this conduct. Not only are hip hop pioneers disregarded and unheralded they are often the target of the newer breed of hip hop artists. For some reason the artist in the hip hop industry feel threatened by their pioneers rather then fortunate. Instead of embracing these pioneers they often disrespect and denounce them. Yes, it may be true that past great hip hop artist have already had their time but I can't understand how that in anyway infringes on the current hip hop star's time. It seems the hip hop industry is in a state where their artist's understand the quickest way to get a reputation is to try to discredit a previously established artists reputation. Unlike in sports, movies and other genres of the music industry where it is common place to have the proverbial torch handed to the next generation of starts, hip hop artists feel as though it is their duty to take that torch. It is clear to see that the state that hip hop is currently in is that of a dog eat dog manner, but this doesn't excuse the fact that these hip hop artist are turning their back on the ones who truly paved the way for them and can still be of great service. It is quite saddening to watch a pioneer attempt to make a comeback only to have their legs cut from underneath them by the very artists they indirectly helped create. The hip hop fans are so influenced by the new crop of hip hop artists that they themselves do not have the time of day for the pioneers who helped build this hip hop empire. Hopefully one day the true pioneers of hip hop will be rewarded and respected as they so obviously deserve. |
