Rap About Nothing: Hip Hop Chat Thread

[harlemtothebronx]

Maybe someone can answer this for me, if those guys in that video felt that negatively about Funk Flex, why did they pay him to come and DJ their event?

The anger and ensuing tweets makes it sound like they've felt a way about Flex for quite some time now and Racks on Racks on Racks just happened to be the final straw.

Or am I missing something?

Everybody feels this way about Flex in NY. Not everyone has the balls to say it, though.

No doubt in my mind people are sick of Flex regardless of what he plays. He did what he did, he had a huge impact on Hip Hop, now go retire and invest and let someone else come up.

Part of the reason it was so hard for NY to transition out of the golden era. All these Beast Coast kids (Flatbush Zombies, ASAP, Pro Era etc) all had to use social media and tumblr for buzz, because the radio stations weren’t supporting it...mainly because you got out of touch old people like Ebro deciding what’s ‘hot’ and ‘next’.

It’s been a problem for years. People just been holding their tongues.

 

[Cashflow]

Everybody feels this way about Flex in NY. Not everyone has the balls to say it, though.

No doubt in my mind people are sick of Flex regardless of what he plays. He did what he did, he had a huge impact on Hip Hop, now go retire and invest and let someone else come up.

Part of the reason it was so hard for NY to transition out of the golden era. All these Beast Coast kids (Flatbush Zombies, ASAP, Pro Era etc) all had to use social media and tumblr for buzz, because the radio stations weren’t supporting it...mainly because you got out of touch old people like Ebro deciding what’s ‘hot’ and ‘next’.

It’s been a problem for years. People just been holding their tongues.

I understand all of that and people being sick of Flex

What I don’t understand is inviting him to DJ your event just to trash him on the mic.

Just comes across as some premeditated stunt in the hopes of going viral

 

[Arthur Shelby]

 

[trynafeelmink]

Everybody feels this way about Flex in NY. Not everyone has the balls to say it, though.

No doubt in my mind people are sick of Flex regardless of what he plays. He did what he did, he had a huge impact on Hip Hop, now go retire and invest and let someone else come up.

Part of the reason it was so hard for NY to transition out of the golden era. All these Beast Coast kids (Flatbush Zombies, ASAP, Pro Era etc) all had to use social media and tumblr for buzz, because the radio stations weren’t supporting it...mainly because you got out of touch old people like Ebro deciding what’s ‘hot’ and ‘next’.

It’s been a problem for years. People just been holding their tongues.

Again This isn't an issue with Just NYC radio, EBRO has went into this in depth PLENTY of times. This model of modern day radio just isn't what's breaking a new artist anymore, will it help yes.... but in 2018 Radio isn't breaking any new stars & it's a business first. Those beast coast kids weren't making music that the average radio listener wanted to listen too.

Hell if you ever caught one of Ebro's Apple music shows It's night & day compared to what plays on Hot 97, these dudes are usually aware of what's going on in the city (ESPECIALLY DJ's in the club).... however they can't translate that into the radio as easily as people think.

Even with the new Crop of media talent coming in they are biased on who their "pushing" based on allegiance. I Ain't see or hear none of these new media ****** pushing the Blixky Crew & they Are doing 100K minimum on EVERY video they do ( & them ****** releasing atleast 4-5 per month). A lot of those people ain't ******* with East heavy, because he's done things the more traditional way (Major DJ's, Club appearances, Shows). None of them Were Really on Highbridge Like that, meanwhile Radio DJ's **** With Them HEAVY

 

[harlemtothebronx]

Again This isn't an issue with Just NYC radio, EBRO has went into this in depth PLENTY of times. This model of modern day radio just isn't what's breaking a new artist anymore, will it help yes.... but in 2018 Radio isn't breaking any new stars & it's a business first. Those beast coast kids weren't making music that the average radio listener wanted to listen too.

Hell if you ever caught one of Ebro's Apple music shows It's night & day compared to what plays on Hot 97, these dudes are usually aware of what's going on in the city (ESPECIALLY DJ's in the club).... however they can't translate that into the radio as easily as people think.

We could debate this all day, really. There isn’t any absolute answer with this of course.

Whether the problem derived from the structure of radio not calling for change or not, it’s still the same old DJs making the same decisions.

I’ve heard Ebro go over it, from his perspective. Of course he isn’t the bad guy when he’s explaining it. He probably isn’t the main reason either, but he’s certainly part of the problem and not the solution.

Side note: what is the average radio listener, or are we so stuck to a formula that people only go to the radio to get what they expect - a good time killer loop of hit songs to play while you’re doing other stuff.

That average radio listener thing is built off statistics. Statistics are cool, but they only tell you of a trend. You can’t drill down on that information and understand whether or not those individuals are genuinely enjoying what you’re putting out, or if you’re just maintaining the status quo and meeting expectations you’ve set for yourself.

Both sides of the argument are probably partially true, but dudes like Ebro’s hands aren’t clean. And it was clear they didn’t know what people wanted to hear when all the new hot music started popping up on tumblr.

 

[nawghtyhare]

Before dudes get in their sensitivity bag, that rant was moreso towards Flex rather than Southern music being played.

no one has had a problem with the music
we all realize flex is a bum

 

[trynafeelmink]

We could debate this all day, really. There isn’t any absolute answer with this of course.

Whether the problem derived from the structure of radio not calling for change or not, it’s still the same old DJs making the same decisions.

I’ve heard Ebro go over it, from his perspective. Of course he isn’t the bad guy when he’s explaining it. He probably isn’t the main reason either, but he’s certainly part of the problem and not the solution.

Side note: what is the average radio listener, or are we so stuck to a formula that people only go to the radio to get what they expect - a good time killer loop of hit songs to play while you’re doing other stuff.

That average radio listener thing is built off statistics. Statistics are cool, but they only tell you of a trend. You can’t drill down on that information and understand whether or not those individuals are genuinely enjoying what you’re putting out, or if you’re just maintaining the status quo and meeting expectations you’ve set for yourself.

Both sides of the argument are probably partially true, but dudes like Ebro’s hands aren’t clean. And it was clear they didn’t know what people wanted to hear when all the new hot music started popping up on tumblr.

Bro i can't tell you the last time i've turned on radio if i wasnt in a car & i'm 29. So i know just from observations that the fans of an A$AP Mob, Pro Era, Zombies etc etc aren't turning on the radio to listen for those artist.

Those statistics mean a lot for radio, they do extensive research on their Demos & that reasearch has lent to the fact that Yes, Most Radio listeners want to hear Hit songs, preferably by widely known artist, Within A specific sound range.It's not called Radio Programming for no reason, Dudes don't record "Radio Records" for no reason. If a new artist is catering their sound to try & get on Radio in 2018 they are already several steps behind.

Ebro, Flex Etc Etc aren't completely dirt free, but at the end of the day they have Jobs & they have rules they have to abide by. Corporations don't care about our culture, & they never have so expecting them to be curators of new talent just isn't realistic in this age. I've def heard Ebro publically speak about knowing about an artist/record early & waiting until they pop off on the internet/Viral to then push for it in rotation, once the regular listener has already been broken into the song.

 

[nawghtyhare]

Everybody feels this way about Flex in NY. Not everyone has the balls to say it, though.

they scared of flex???

 

[osek206]

Honestly NY hasn't had the records to command flex to play anything different. He has a time slot yes but they have other DJ's in that lame building as well.

Why do you need somebody to hold down a radio station when you can have a platform with no bosses nor rules to conform to? This is why Akademiks moves the way he does and I'm suprised people don't take advantage of it. It's like you want validation from a prehistoric medium that cares nothing about your people or culture.

_f the radio and everything surrounding that. Get a fan base/ build relationships with up and coming artist, break records from them on YOUR OWN platform. This is 2018.

 

[harlemtothebronx]

I don't disagree with you, I just don't see 'following orders' as a valid excuse for keeping with the status quo when you know it's killing a lot of the grassroots hip hop that was out there at the time and still to this day.

Whether it's the system or the people in the system, I'm holding both accountable.

I'm holding Ebro even more accountable since, any time he discusses the issue, he breaks it down well but always stops short of personal responsibility.

Flex and Ebro have a personal responsibility to the culture to continue to try to move things forward.

 

[str8drop]

Ebro talk all this rah rah **** about the culture then go to work and play the same 15 songs his bosses got paid for him to play

 

[trynafeelmink]

I don't disagree with you, I just don't see 'following orders' as a valid excuse for keeping with the status quo when you know it's killing a lot of the grassroots hip hop that was out there at the time and still to this day.

Whether it's the system or the people in the system, I'm holding both accountable.

I'm holding Ebro even more accountable since, any time he discusses the issue, he breaks it down well but always stops short of personal responsibility.

Flex and Ebro have a personal responsibility to the culture to continue to try to move things forward.

Is It really "Killing" the Grassroots Hip Hop tho? if anything Radio not moving forward has made it possible for anyone to have a career in music. When radio was looked at as a stage to break new artist & Records, their were gatekeepers of the culture in place. You had to be respected by the DJ's, A&R's, record execs to get those spots. If they thought it was trash your career wasn't Moving.

Fast Forward to Today, a cat like 69 is literally on Angie saying he doesn't care about his music "he's Just Playing around" & trolling & he has a following & is able to tour & chart records.

So While I do think Flex & Ebro have a responsibility to the culture, is their responsibility any bigger than the fans who gladly accept music from ****** who Blatantly don't want to move the culture forward?

IF Ebro & Flex literally stopped playing artist they personally though were trash starting today, those same artist wouldn't miss a beat because the "culture" has embraced rappers who blatantly tell their fans they don't try to work on their skill.

 

[Figured it out]

I don’t rock with Wayne too tough, but his version of Swag Surfin >

No Ceilings is the only Wayne project I ever listened to in its entirety.

Not going to turn this into the monthly y’all Wildn bout Wayne post but.... if you never heard C1 or C2 you are indeed Wildn.

 

[trynafeelmink]

Ebro talk all this rah rah **** about the culture then go to work and play the same 15 songs his bosses got paid for him to play

I mean we could say this about damn near every radio exec/DJ these days.

Hell artist Clearly state they don't care about the music they make or release but we expect Execs/Radio personalities to pass up money to do it?


Then on the inverse when these same guys call out an artist for being trash, or not working on their craft......... they're "haters" "oldheads" "holding back the youth". It can't go both ways.

 

[harlemtothebronx]

Is It really "Killing" the Grassroots Hip Hop tho? if anything Radio not moving forward has made it possible for anyone to have a career in music. When radio was looked at as a stage to break new artist & Records, their were gatekeepers of the culture in place. You had to be respected by the DJ's, A&R's, record execs to get those spots. If they thought it was trash your career wasn't Moving.

Fast Forward to Today, a cat like 69 is literally on Angie saying he doesn't care about his music "he's Just Playing around" & trolling & he has a following & is able to tour & chart records.

So While I do think Flex & Ebro have a responsibility to the culture, is their responsibility any bigger than the fans who gladly accept music from *****s who Blatantly don't want to move the culture forward?

IF Ebro & Flex literally stopped playing artist they personally though were trash starting today, those same artist wouldn't miss a beat because the "culture" has embraced rappers who blatantly tell their fans they don't try to work on their skill.

It's a chicken or the egg argument. Did the radio formula and forcefeeding music and payola alter the way the masses consume music or did the consumers prove to be so repetitive with what they enjoy, that Radio has no choice and is just following trends?

I think it's a bit of both, but the people who are looked at and expected to put more effort into the way radio works is the people running radio, not those folks who go to radio for a formula.

Again though, there's no absolute answer here...I just want to be clear that Flex and Ebro have the platform and knowledge to make a change (moreso Ebro than Flex IMO). A multimedia conglomerate is only going to find a way to do the least work for the most money. These formulas are an easy way to structure things without putting much real thought or effort into things other than crunching numbers. I'd venture to say that there's a clear correlation between the decline in radio and the increase of personal expression through things like social media. Radio sticks to very strict rules...2018 couldn't give a **** about rules.

So now we got 69 on Angie because radio is playing catch up due to their stubbornness and inability to evolve with the times.

 

[Deleted member 107398]

BowL Wow is giving money away on Twitter, lol

Hit him with your Cash app joint, NT about to come up

He had a meltdown again and is tryna give away all his **** lol

 

[kevlar]

Can someone give me an example of which artist radio should be breaking in 2018?

 

[kevlar]

BowL Wow is giving money away on Twitter, lol

Hit him with your Cash app joint, NT about to come up

He had a meltdown again and is tryna give away all his **** lol

Is he really going through it or just promoting his new single?

 

[str8drop]

I mean we could say this about damn near every radio exec/DJ these days.

Hell artist Clearly state they don't care about the music they make or release but we expect Execs/Radio personalities to pass up money to do it?


Then on the inverse when these same guys call out an artist for being trash, or not working on their craft......... they're "haters" "oldheads" "holding back the youth". It can't go both ways.

Ebro just be playing naive like he don't know or understand whats going on

These artists are ultimately just cogs in the machine. They doing their jobs just like he doing his.

 

[trynafeelmink]

Can someone give me an example of which artist radio should be breaking in 2018?

This is hypothetical because i know Radio's motivation.... but if we were talking simply based off radio playing artist with a Buzz in the city & what people are bumping in The Streets. These are a few tracks i would Suggest NYC Radio could start bumping from NYC Artist.

 

[c flyness]

Man I love this song, I miss graffiti and bboys in videos. It's like that part of the culture doesn't even exist. I'm glad overseas embraces all parts of the culture.

I feel you...

Here's a vintage pic of some Graffiti Legends TAKI 183, SEEN TC5, LEE, DAZE, LADY PINK, MARE 139, REAS, etc.

 

[Deleted member 107398]

Is he really going through it or just promoting his new single?

He’s gonna have to break a few people off, if he goes back on it he’s gonna get killed even more nothing he’s used to tho

 

[doxen5703]

YA ****** WORSHIP HIM!

 

[Deleted member 107398]

YA *****S WORSHIP HIM!

Yo

I had to cut up that video for this soundboard I’m building

 

[Magic33]

Again This isn't an issue with Just NYC radio, EBRO has went into this in depth PLENTY of times. This model of modern day radio just isn't what's breaking a new artist anymore, will it help yes.... but in 2018 Radio isn't breaking any new stars & it's a business first. Those beast coast kids weren't making music that the average radio listener wanted to listen too.

Hell if you ever caught one of Ebro's Apple music shows It's night & day compared to what plays on Hot 97, these dudes are usually aware of what's going on in the city (ESPECIALLY DJ's in the club).... however they can't translate that into the radio as easily as people think.

Even with the new Crop of media talent coming in they are biased on who their "pushing" based on allegiance. I Ain't see or hear none of these new media *****s pushing the Blixky Crew & they Are doing 100K minimum on EVERY video they do ( & them *****s releasing atleast 4-5 per month). A lot of those people ain't ****ing with East heavy, because he's done things the more traditional way (Major DJ's, Club appearances, Shows). None of them Were Really on Highbridge Like that, meanwhile Radio DJ's **** With Them HEAVY

We could debate this all day, really. There isn’t any absolute answer with this of course.

Whether the problem derived from the structure of radio not calling for change or not, it’s still the same old DJs making the same decisions.

I’ve heard Ebro go over it, from his perspective. Of course he isn’t the bad guy when he’s explaining it. He probably isn’t the main reason either, but he’s certainly part of the problem and not the solution.

Side note: what is the average radio listener, or are we so stuck to a formula that people only go to the radio to get what they expect - a good time killer loop of hit songs to play while you’re doing other stuff.

That average radio listener thing is built off statistics. Statistics are cool, but they only tell you of a trend. You can’t drill down on that information and understand whether or not those individuals are genuinely enjoying what you’re putting out, or if you’re just maintaining the status quo and meeting expectations you’ve set for yourself.

Both sides of the argument are probably partially true, but dudes like Ebro’s hands aren’t clean. And it was clear they didn’t know what people wanted to hear when all the new hot music started popping up on tumblr.

Radio's reaction to the streaming and podcast wasn't to break songs. It was to play hits.

Even during Flex's show. They want to keep you listening. You're going to have to go to Rosenberg's show where he has more freedom. Because nobody cares as much at 12am.

Radio's goal is advertising. So when you listen to that one hit song, they want you to keep listening. They don't want to risk you turning away. It's just like a DJ on the dance floor. They want to play hits to keep people dancing. They don't want to risk playing wack record or even one you don't recognize where you'll turn away.

It was a little different when you just had your other radio stations as competition. You were still listening to the radio. Now there are so many alternatives.

I don't blame DJ's that much today. In a club it's different, because you should hire a DJ near your clienteles age. But radio, it's the people who listen. They want that. It's the listener. They want to hear Drake, Migos and Rihanna a million times a day.