As a rather fervent lover of music, I have realized certain subtle trends that have inched up on the music industry and have then, very quickly disappeared. In the early 2000s, mainstream Rap and R&B music took a sharp, climatic turn from the days of Coolio’s rough-around-the-edges Gangster’s Paradise, TLC’s robust, girl power jams, Boys II Men’s satiated, sensual songs about love, to a cacophonous, naughty, garish (but still totally rocking) form of music that took the pop-culture savvy world by complete storm. We were led from 50 Cent's Candy Shop where the human body suddenly became a piece of mouthwatering, shockingly desirable candy, to the club where we were almost expected to “get low,” to the bedroom where love and love making took a backseat to overly fanaticized, excuse my vulgarity, banging with numerous partners, all day, all night, all the time. Now, I am in no way criticizing this growing hyper-sexuality found in music, in fact, some of my favorite jams at the moment are in fact placed in a “Bang” playlist on my iPod and played (very very) frequently. What I’ve noticed recently, however, is that although there is still an undeniable demand for this sex-driven music, these previously crude songs have taken on a new persona. They’re still fun, upbeat, sexy as hell, but they also discuss love, being in a relationship, getting married, going home to the same girl at the end of the night. I pointed this observation out to a friend the other night, and she claimed that it was just “where I was at in my life” that made me notice these themes more, not an actual movement towards them. But I’m convinced. Take for instance the very popular, very sexy, very awesome song “Best I Ever Had” by Drake. This song is so good. There is no denying it. It’s catchy, it has a great beat, Drake maintains the super hot feel inherent in this type of music, but weaves within it lines like “Baby you’re my everything, you’re all I ever wanted,” “you can have my heart or we can share it like the last slice,” “sweatpants, hair tied, chillin with no makeup on, that’s when you’re the prettiest I hope that you don’t take it wrong”. I can’t help but feel like that just wasn’t around before. Solja Boy, who was quite keen on “Superman(ing) dat hoe,” now wants his lady to “Kiss (him) through the phone” and calls her his “future wifey”. I mean, come on, how can that not make you swoon? Anyway, I’ve moved from my very Indie, Underground Rock, Folk phase to a substantially different one. Just thought I’d reiterate, if it’s not absolutely and completely apparent from this post. I have been rocking out like like a wild ass dutty-wining woman to this new wave of radio Rap and R&B and I honestly can’t get enough. I even use lines from these songs as metaphors for my life. Can you believe it? I text in Beyonce.
I’m going to spend my evening rockin’ my thang, yes, alone in my apartment.
Your “Really Wishes She could be a Rapper Instead of a Writer” Friend,
A
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