Why do people like hip hop, rap, r&b, and modern pop?

Question

I just don't get why people would like that music. First of all, the person who is singing it did not write it, so there is no emotion to it. ALL of the songs in those genres sing about love, sex, or drug, or all of those things at once. None of them show standpoint in any issue, or how they actually feel about something. Also, all those genres of music or at least most of them are created by computers...meaning electronic drum machines and midi processors....NONE OF IT IS REAL!!!!! Anyone get what I'm saying?

Answer 1

Before getting into specifics, I'd just like to say that for the most part, people like hip hop/rap, R&B and pop for the same reasons people like rock, jazz, country, etc. Either A) they can relate to it, B) it makes them feel good, C) they can dance to it, or D) all of the above. Not too hard to figure out. Now, on with the rest of your question...

"ALL of the songs in those genres sing about love, sex, or drug, or all of those things at once. None of them show standpoint in any issue, or how they actually feel about something."

That's quite a generalization you made there (and a largely inaccurate one at that). No genre of music can be put into a nice, neat box, since every genre also has lots of subgenres, ones that don't fit the stereotypes/expectations. Since it seems that you're referring to hip hop/rap in particular, it's apparent that you either haven't been listening to it for very long (say, only within the last 10 years) or like most other people, you've been brainwashed to think that those songs you hear on the radio and see on TV are all hip hop/rap has to offer. It's obvious that most people's opinions are based on only one dimension of the genre (the mostly negative and stereotypical mainstream rap that's force fed to us on a daily basis) instead of the genre as a whole. Not all rap is like what you see on TV or hear on mainstream radio stations. If you're willing to dig a little deeper into the genre, you'll discover that not all rap emphasizes materialism, misogyny or is filled with profanity. As a matter of fact, there are a lot of hip hop artists out there who don't fit the "cookie cutter rapper" mold and talk about subjects other than sex, drugs, money and murder. For example...

- Little Brother
- Mos Def
- Talib Kweli
- Common
- De La Soul
- Dead Prez
- The Roots
- Madlib (and his alter-ego, Quasimoto)
- Five Deez
- Ugly Duckling
- Slum Village...(and plenty more)

Unfortunately, we rarely (if ever) see artists like them in the mainstream media. A lot of the real emcees have been put on the backburner or are stuck in the underground circuit because for the most part, good ol' Corporate America has flooded the market with whatever "trend du jour" makes them the most money as opposed to actual talent, variety and substance.

"all those genres of music or at least most of them are created by computers...meaning electronic drum machines and midi processors....NONE OF IT IS REAL!!!!!"

Again, not entirely correct. While it's true that a lot of mainstream artists nowadays use electronic hardware to create their music, some of them do use actual instruments. Fat Jon (aka - Fat Jon The Ample Soul Physician; piano/keyboards), The Roots (drums, guitar, bass guitar, keyboards), Nicolay (keys, guitars, bass, drums), the late Jay Dee (aka - J Dilla, who played 20 instruments), India.Arie (guitar), John Legend (piano/keyboards), Alicia Keys (piano/keyboards) and many others all play or have played their own instruments at one time or another.

And if you're still unconvinced about producers (specifically hip hop producers) using real instruments to make their beats, check out this beat making video from a French producer named 20SYL:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8OhDC5GUJYw

Nuff said.

Answer 2

Not all of these genres are bad, but I understand where you're coming from. Some of the songs in those genres glorify situations that people wish they could enact. Some people wish they could be gangstas or fall in love with one look. The songs are made to sell records at that point and the writers, producers, and artists aren't really concerned with substance. Most of the time, it's just a good melody or beat or sex appeal that hooks the masses.

Answer 3

I PREFER punk... meaning I never listen to hip hop/rap/pop. But it doesn't exactly make my ears bleed... At least, not literally. The Clash, The Pistols, The DKs, The Ramones, The Adicts, The Damned, The Jam, Sham 69, The Stooges, The Velvet Underground... All very kickass. Now I'm actually getting really into post-punk- The Pop Group is ******* awesome.

Answer 4

Yes you are right they did not write the song but there are plaenty of rock and country artists that don't write songs either. Some people are good at writing songs but don't have the voice, what better than someone who can. Yes technology has come along way but they did it back in the day just different equipment. Music is an emotion and people love music for different reasons. It is entertainment for all of us. We all have different likes and dis likes...what you gonna do?

Answer 5

yup. Their kinda all the same, so they easy to listen to, i guess. I NEVER listen to any of those genres. Like you said, all they sing about is love, sex, or drugs. Another thing, in rap you can't understand a THING in them because all they do is say the same things OVER AND OVER AGAIN. I like country because they sing about things that are important and sometimes just plain funny. Another thing, country singers sometimes write their own music. Mainly, I just plain don't get why people listen to those genres!

Answer 6

Not true I've lived a life where i can relate to some of the rappers like 2pac. The old school rap was more in depth of the struggles of life. The rappers of today are all about what they are driving and wearing, a bunch of studio, actors, fakes. Are you aware that some rappers rapping about their life and experiences. You have to keep an open mind. Would be like me saying country all about my truck,dog, beer, dancing and that its all the same but its not. Some rappers right their own lyrics especially the one that freestyle. 2pac, Scarface, Nas , Outkast and etc.

Answer 7

Maybe because the some people and I like music that has a flow. Chris Brown dose not have all the sex talk. I love hip-hop. I don't know why you have a problem.

Answer 8

totally understand what you are saying - however lots of people like the beat.. its good to dance to but if you are looking for lyrical content then don't be expecting much

Answer 9

I hear ya. To each his own I guess.

Answer 10

to each his own, they just like it. just like you like the kind of music you like, whatever it is.