5 Talented Young Rappers Bridging The Gap For Older Hip-Hop Fans
Here’s something that’s factual: Most people think that the music from their era and generation is the best. That’s why you’ll often see social media complaints about new, younger artists, which seems to happen in hip-hop the most.
The complaints from older rap fans tend to occur because the genre is no longer solely made up of teens and 20-somethings, since many of the same people who fell in love with rap music in the ’80s and ’90s still want songs that they consider inventive.
It’s been said by many that a lot of new school rappers have a seeming disinterest in showing strong lyrical ability and substance in their music. That could have to do with many younger rappers making songs that are considered lighthearted and fun, which a lot of younger fans say they want when pushing back against those who complain.
But for a good number of rap fans, especially older ones, there’s nothing more fun than peeling back the lyrical layers of a song and being amazed at one’s craftsmanship.
In other words, those who grew up on the Rakims, KRS-Ones, and Big Daddy Kanes of the world want today’s rappers to do more envelope-pushing and create their own sonic lane instead of following here-today-gone-tomorrow music trends.
thank you there are a slew of young rappers who are carving their path by incorporating golden-era approaches into their songwriting, while still adding modern-day elements, so they’re able to appeal to both new and old-school rap fans.
Cordae
DMV rapper Cordae first came on the scene as a member of the rap collective YBN. The 28-year-old wasn’t known for his tremendous lyrical ability when the trio first came into prominence, but that eventually changed and today, Cordae is known for crafting soulful songs that are full of stellar wordplayamazing storytelling, and cleverly worded braggadocio.
Some might’ve seen a video of Dr. Dre praises his rap skills, and if there’s one thing the good doctor does superbly, it’s recognizing top-notch talent, as he did with Eminem and Snoop Dogg, who he discovered. “He hard as f–k. Real s–t,” Dre said about Cordae in that video when they were working together in the studio.
Cordae’s debut album is 2019’s The Lost Boywhere he raps about his Maryland, North Carolina upbringing, the importance of family, while detailing his family’s financial struggles. His follow-up, From a Birds Eye View, came in 2019, which displayed yet another strong showing of his artistic maturity.
Then in 2024, he dropped The Crossroadsfurther proving that he stays away from gimmicks and releases timeless, no-frills music.
Doechii
It’s a wonderful thing when artistry in hip-hop gets mainstream support and attention. That’s the case with Doechii, who proved that she isn’t your average cookie-cutter rapper full of predictable lines and overused song concepts. Instead, she’s someone who’s interested in challenging her listeners but in a way that’s not off-putting.
Doechii is often praised for that very reason, and gets major credit for her creativity, an element in hip-hop that many older fans believe has lessened over the years.
Her unique songwriting approach was evident on her debut project, Coven Music Session, Vol. 1, as well as follow-up releases like Oh The Places You’ll Go and, of course, Alligator Bites Never Healwhich won her a Grammy for Best Rap Album earlier this year.
Older rap heads certainly can’t listen to Doechii and still complain that younger rappers all sound the same, since the 27-year-old has chiseled her own path of creative storytelling, grade-A wordplay, and has enough flows to satisfy the most finicky rap fan.
JID
A lot of people hold on tight to familiarity and anything considered left-of-center, unique, or out of the box can cause discomfort, even anxiety for many.
It not only happens in daily life but in music, as plenty of fans have stated that they don’t want to be challenged musically, choosing instead to latch on to songs that some would consider formulaic.
Meanwhile, other devoted rap listeners gravitate to those artists who want to expand the genre by bringing something new to it, and that’s where Atlanta rapper JID comes in, since that’s one of his artistic goals.
“I’m still pushing, trying to open up the sound, trying to do new patterns, make it all fresh,” he told OutKast’s Big Boi when they interviewed each other in 2023. Big Boi—who was 48 at the time of the interview—praised JID for the creativity and substance that he puts into his musicwhile still being able to keep songs fun.
So, if Big Boi, who grew up in rap’s golden era of the ’80s, has taken to JID, it’s more than likely that other fans of his age will do the same. Just listen to JID’s full-length releases, The Never Story, DiCaprio 2, The Forever Story, and his most recent album, God Does Like Ugly to become familiar if you’re not.
In those albums, you’ll find a wonderful melding of substance and lightheartedness, soulful musicality, as well as head-scratching lyrical ability. It’s clear that JID has an interest in using golden era rap approachesbut he still adds new layers to it, which is vital for artists to keep hip-hop music fresh and interesting.
Wynne
The state of Oregon has yet to produce a female rap star, someone who has the skill level and commercial appeal to gain the attention of casual and passionate hip-hop fans alike. But that could change with Wynne, a Portland-area rapper who has the talent, drive, and dedication to be a colossal-sized success.
The 28-year-old, who often sells out shows, has it all: Fun, breezy, risqué songs like “Jaw Morant,” radio-friendly cuts like “High Standards,” and aggressive songs like the JID-assisted “Ego Check,” where Wynne proves that she could go lyrically to toe with anybody.
Just head to her Instagram page, and you’ll see her using all kinds of flows, whether over a trap beat or a J Dilla-esque track. Obviously, no one can say that the art of MCing is dead with Wynne around.
Coast Contra
There are at least a couple of reasons why older rap heads might take to Coast Contra. For one, they’re a group, something that isn’t seen as much in today’s hip-hop.
Two, each person brings their own unique style and amazing skill level, which makes for an entertaining listen, a listen that will excite any lyric lover who says modern-day rap needs more diversification.
The group is made up of members Rio Loz, and Eric Jamal, as well as Ras and Taj Austinwho are the sons of respected Los Angeles-area rapper Ras Kass. In 2022, Coast Contra’s popularity exploded when they were seen on video delivering impressive verses while sitting around a table.
The clip went viral, and today it has over 21 million views. It also got the attention of every lyric-loving rap fan. Famous artists like Pusha T and Redman have also praised the group.
Source: Montreality’s YouTube page, Rolling Stone’s YouTube Page