(AllHipHop News) Cleveland artist Kid Cudi started a public conversation about the current state of Hip Hop after his recent appearance on the Arsenio Hall Show. The Satellite Flight creator suggested rap music focuses too much on materialism and misogyny.
[ALSO READ: Black Lips’ Cole Alexander Criticizes Lorde, Drake, and Macklemore]
“I think the braggadocio, money, cash, hoes thing needs to be deaded,” said Cudi. “I feel like that’s holding us back as a culture, as black people.”
One of Hip Hop’s original moguls shared his thoughts on Cudi’s statements. Russell Simmons stopped by Arsenio as well, and the Def Jam co-founder provided his take on where Hip Hop is at the moment.
“I think the artists are sharing with us some really inspiring things, some things about ourselves that we don’t want to face,” stated Simmons. “I’m not at all disturbed by where they’re going. In fact, I’m proud of what Hip Hop has become.”
Simmons also talks about the use of the word “n***a” and expresses his opinion about Kanye West.
“Kanye is so brilliant,” added Simmons. “Lots of what he says is truthful.”
[ALSO READ: Kid Cudi Says Kanye West Put Him On “Yeezus” Without His Knowledge]
Watch Russell Simmons’ appearance on the Arsenio Hall Show below.