How LA Hip Hop Lost Its Cool

As we all know, hip-hop was born in New York City, but it's since spread its wings far and wide. Over the years, its base of power has shifted and altered, hopping across state boundaries to be led by new pioneering sounds and artists whose innovative sound or unique vantage point commands a global audience. And sometimes, one singular location along a coast line can yield so much creative gold at one time that the whole genre’s attention turns there.

In the 90’s, this was what the G funk sound did for Cali. Earlier this decade, it was the trap wave that basically made 808’s and thunderous bass compulsory in everything from Metro Boomin’s productions to pop hits. These days, the vital talent and ingenuous sounds are a little more spread out. The south are still arguably in the driver’s seat, but the midwest are also pulling their weight with everything from drill music to the socially conscious sound of Saba, Noname and others. New York is flourishing too, with both the mainstream and underground lanes being densely populated with those repping the empire state.

But as for the West Coast, it’s fair to say that they’ve had a bit of a fall from grace from the position they occupied a decade ago.

#kendricklamar #drdre #hiphopmadness

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Narrated by: Spencer Pearman
Written by: Robert Blair
Edited by: Roman Bill
Music by: Josh Petruccio

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