(AllHipHop News) One of the big rap stories of 2016 was the growing divide between the older generation and the newer stars of the genre.
Rich Homie Quan, Young Thug, Young Dolph, Lil Yachty, Lil Uzi Vert, and other 2010’s rappers found themselves in the crosshairs of Hip Hop old heads at some point during the year.
Veteran emcee Talib Kweli sat down with DJ Vlad to talk about the changes happening in Hip Hop culture and the music industry in general.
Kweli discussed his age group actually gaining something about the shifting musical landscape by paying attention to the new era performers.
“Older artists, traditional artists, and legacy artists have to learn from newer artists, learn from the 21 Savages, Lil Yachtys, and Ugly Gods,” stated Kweli. “People get confused by thinking you gotta like or relate to the music.”
The Brooklyn native added, “They dismiss the movement along with the music. You can’t dismiss the movement because you gotta respect an artist getting their sh-t out there like that. You gotta respect it, if you’re an artist.”
Kweli also defended Hip Hop vets such as Lord Jamar, R.A. the Rugged Man, and Pete Rock sharing their opinions on younger rappers.
After the video interview was released, Kweli responded to critics of his position on Twitter.
“If these old rappers think they sh-t is so much more doper than what’s out, get it out. Stop b-tching,” wrote the “Get By” spitter.
@TalibKweli I look up to you because you gave my city the most love, b. My city don’t listen to Lil Yachty. No disrespect to him. Nah tho.
— Hyena Ultron (@Tae_2Major) December 30, 2016
Seems like you misheard what I said. May want to get those ears checked @tae_2major https://t.co/aSrG0Uvia0
— Talib Kweli Greene (@TalibKweli) December 30, 2016
@TalibKweli Don’t poop nose. Teaching you what? How to go backwards as a 45 year old man? Them adult diapers scaring you. You’ll be alright.
— Hyena Ultron (@Tae_2Major) December 30, 2016
If these old rappers think they s### is so much more doper than what’s out, get it out. Stop b####### @tae_2major https://t.co/HayfVszh9Y
— Talib Kweli Greene (@TalibKweli) December 30, 2016