disclaimer: I'm not trying to single or air anybody out. However, if you take offense to any of the subsequent following, you're probably guilty.
I could write a thesis on why backpackers are the number one most annoying people on the face of the planet.
What is a backpacker? In my definition, these are self-proclaimed, knowledgeable people on the subject matter of hip hop. Furthermore, one as such wouldn't dare admitting to listening to anything not considered "underground".
We've heard the age-old argument.
"Fuck commercialism and the mainstream."
Let me guess, uou only listen to lyrics with substance. You're on that conscious lyrical tip. real hip hop isn't played on the radio. yada yada yada.
Just because an artist is on the radio doesn't mean they are lyrically weak. Alternatively, just because an artist is signed on def jux, RSE, stone throws, anticon, etc. doesn't mean they're dope.
Jay Hov could easily body Aesop Rock on the mic anyday.
(don't even get me started on Aesop Rock)
I can't even name how "underground rappers" can't deliver on beat.
Che Guevara shirt wearing, pseudo-revolutionists tote Immortal Technique as the greatest thing to arrive at hip-hop's door step. I don't know how many songs you can make about government conspiracies (i'm looking at you, Non-Phixion), how the white man is fucking everybody in the ass, and how bush is a fuck up. We get the point. You're angry.
... but you also can't rap on beat to save your life.
Moreover, put two backpackers together and they'll end up playing a game of who can name-drop the more obscure emcee. I've never really understood this. I guess knowing esoteric basement hip hop groups conveys a sense of elitism and reaffirms how underground they are.
People like these are like the nail on a chalk board. Go jerk off to the b-side of El-P's lost demo tape or something.
I digress.
I also hate those who constantly complain about the stagnant state of hip hop. I strongly disagree with the notion that hip hop is dead. Sure, you can say that when you turn on TV, all hip hop has to offer is dj Khaled (who needs to die already), a million rappers who's name start with Young (Joc, dro, Jeezy, berg, gunz, bloodz...the laundry goes on and on), and bad remixes of already bad songs.
However, outside of that is a whole new wave of artists who are giving hip hop a breathe of fresh air. If you want to sit in your basement crying over the state of hip hop while masturbating to old VHS tapes of the Juice Crew, be my guest but I don't want to hear about it.
