In a recent episode of The Cutting Room Floor podcast, hip-hop legend Yasiin Bey, also known as Mos Def, shared his unique perspective on Drake’s musical identity. This sparked discussions on the definition of hip-hop, the music industry’s state, and the commercialization of art.
Bey’s take on Drake’s music is far from conventional. He boldly categorizes Drake not as a hip-hop act but as pop. For Bey, the auditory experience of a Drake song feels akin to a casual stroll down the aisles of a Target store in Houston. He elaborated,
“Drake is pop to me. If I was in Target in Houston and heard a Drake song, it feels like most of his music is compatible with shopping.”
Delving deeper into the analogy, Bey coined “shopping with an edge” to encapsulate Drake’s music. This phrase hints at the dichotomy within Drake’s sound. It blends pleasant accessibility and moments of depth, complexity, or edginess. It’s as if Drake’s tracks, like the aisles of a store, offer a mainstream appeal but with subtle nuances that demand attention.
Despite this classification, Bey concedes that Drake’s music is undeniably likable. This acknowledgment adds a layer of complexity to Bey’s critique. It emphasizes that, while he sees the pop appeal, he also recognizes the charm that resonates with a vast audience.
The conversation didn’t stop at Drake‘s genre classification. Yasiin Bey voiced concerns about the future of the music industry, painting a vivid picture of a potential collapse. He queried,
“What happens when this thing collapses? What happens when the columns start buckling? Are we not in some early stage of that at this present hour? Are we seeing the collapse of an empire?”
Bey’s concerns delve into the heart of the matter – the commodification of music. He questions the sustainability of an industry. It is driven solely by commercial success and mainstream appeal. The metaphorical collapse of an empire becomes a warning. It warns us against sacrificing artistic integrity and meaningful content for popularity.
Adding another layer to the critique, Bey challenges the depth and substance of Drake’s music, asking,
“Where’s the message that I can use? What’s in it for your audience apart from banging the pom-poms?”
His questions imply a longing for music that goes beyond mere entertainment. He seeks a meaningful connection that resonates with listeners on a deeper level.
Unsurprisingly, Bey’s comments have sparked various reactions from the online community. Some echo his sentiments. They acknowledge the pop-oriented and commercially appealing nature of Drake’s music. Others vehemently defend Drake, citing his monumental achievements in the industry.
Drake took “If skills sold, truth be told, I’d probably be lyrically Talib Kweli” and amplified it x10 in comparison to Jay. Drake really started off as a Hip Hop purist type who found way more success going commercial, but the roots are def still in him. He still brings it out HTTPS://T.CO/2NUZKTYCTA
— DJ R-Tistic (@DJRTistic) JANUARY 13, 2024
Mos Def is a hip hop purist. Some shit ain’t gon ever be fly to him no matter how much money it makes. His hip hop principles work differently.
— jennay sehkwa (@Beatlove91) JANUARY 13, 2024
Drake been fighting the “he’s not hip hop/a rapper” allegations since 09. He’s a Rapper. He’s Hip Hop and he has a catalogue of music that includes raw hip hop tracks and Pop ones. Two things can be true.
His music’s subject matter has seemed uninspired but he is still Hip Hop
— The Jobfather™️ 🇯🇲🇨🇦🇬🇧 (@TheJobfather__) JANUARY 14, 2024
As of now, Drake has not publicly responded to Yasiin Bey’s thought-provoking remarks. The ongoing debate surrounding Drake’s position in hip-hop continues, fueled by differing perceptions of authenticity within the genre.
For those eager to delve deeper into Yasiin Bey’s perspectives, the full episode of The Cutting Room Floor podcast is available on Patreon. It promises a more comprehensive understanding. It explores Bey’s views on Drake’s music. It also covers his concerns about the music industry’s future. Lastly, it includes his reflections on the evolving landscape of music. Listening to the full episode unveils additional insights and context, making it necessary for those seeking a nuanced exploration of these complex musical discussions.
