Drake’s music could be categorized as “rap,” but according to Yasiin Bey (Mos Def), it doesn’t qualify as authentic hip hop.
In an interview on ‘The Cutting Room Floor‘, the host asked Mos Def if he considers Drake to be “hip hop,” sparking an intriguing exchange. Ultimately, Mos Def’s answer was negative.
Watch the video to hear his complete response as it’s rather stern. Mos Def compared Drake’s songs to shopping music – pleasant and easy to listen to, occasionally with a slight edge.
He used Target as a metaphor to emphasize his point, highlighting Drake’s mainstream and commercial appeal, ultimately labeling him more as pop than hip hop.
Mos Def elaborated on his viewpoint, questioning whether Drake challenges his audience with art they might not necessarily appreciate. He suggested that there’s an overwhelming consensus that Drake’s music is always exceptional, with fans cheering unquestioningly.
This has been an ongoing debate, with hip hop purists frequently criticizing Drake for being too mild. Now, a prominent figure in hip hop has joined the fray.
Drake has defended himself in this regard and has demonstrated his ability to compete with the best in the genre, solidifying his hip hop credibility. Nonetheless, it seems that some still consider him too inclined towards pop music.
Irrespective of opinions, he remains one of the most renowned and affluent artists globally. It appears that mass appeal translates to substantial profitability.
In the words of Rodney Dangerfield, it seems like Drake gets “no respect.”
FAQs
1. What did Yasiin Bey, also known as Mos Def, say about Drake’s music?
Yasiin Bey expressed his opinion that Drake’s music, while fitting under the category of “rap,” does not align with his definition of authentic hip hop.
2. How did Mos Def compare Drake’s music to shopping music?
Mos Def likened Drake’s music to shopping music, characterizing it as pleasant and easy to listen to with occasional hints of edginess.
3. Has Drake faced criticism from the hip hop community before?
Yes, Drake has been criticized by hip hop purists for being too mainstream and commercial, occasionally straying into the realm of pop music rather than staying true to hip hop.
Conclusion
Yasiin Bey’s remarks about Drake’s music have reignited the age-old debate about the definition of true hip hop. While opinions about Drake’s music vary, there’s no denying his widespread popularity and commercial success, illustrating the balance between artistic credibility and mass appeal in the music industry.