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Back in the 90's....there were a lot of organic, original artist. Yes I agree. However, there were also a lot of similar sounding groups and artist that weren't original. Let's not act like once new jack swing hit, everyone was doing that same sound. Or act like groups like TLC, 702, SWV, Total, XSCAPE, Destiny's Child etc weren't doing the same types of music, and going to producers for the same type of sounds. I agree that originality was applauded more then, but I'd be lying if I said that there weren't attempts by other artist to sound like each other. Let's not forget the shiny suit era either. Had Hov out here looking funny in the light.
And at acting like Pop acts in hip hop haven't been around since almost forever. The criteria for respect is still the same as it's always been. Fetty is one of the most slandered hip hop artist. He's successful just like a Hammer was.
In hindsight, they are respected for what they were...and enjoyed people tend to appreciate the music a "Hip Pop" artist created later more. When you go to a cookout and someone throws on hammer time, the same old heads that were dissing him back then hit their Lil hammer dance or whatever and laugh and reminisce about it. That's music. Just like when I hear Ja Rule now, I realize it wasn't that bad, enjoy it and remember how some of those tracks blasted thru summer parties.
The same will happen when trap queen comes on at a cookout in 2035 and the 18 year olds of today are now Uncle Zel's whipping up some ribs on the grill.
They were specifically pop acts though, and there was a separation from hip hop.
In rap, it was frowned upon. You had people who had beef over the slightest slight, similarity or because they weren't the norm. Look at Biggie and Rae over Biggie's album cover...Keith Murray and Mobb Deep. Lords Of The Underground and Das Efx had issues, because of their gimmicks being similar.
I think some of it is immature and silly, but it also set up more rules and gate keepers to keep hip hops integrity. Now anyone can do it, and it shows.