Like David Bowie’s renowned Ziggy Stardust Tour, or KISS’s elaborate live shows during the 1970s, West’s set redefined the live performance experience, and what to expect from it. Set atop a futuristic crane glowing in the sky, West began his 90-minute set with “Dark Fantasy,” before making his way onstage where he was greeted by a group of majestic dancers. West’s grandiose performance at last year’s Coachella is a definitive example of this. The production of the song centers on King Crimson’s progressive rock classic, “21st Century Schizoid Man.” And how could we ever forget Jay-Z and Linkin Park’s Collision Course, an album that gave us the memorable “Numb/Encore” mash-up?Īnd on a much grander scale some rappers have even created extravagant live performances, reminiscent of those made by Queen, KISS and David Bowie. Take Kanye West’s hit single “Power” for instance. Musically, rappers are also taking influence from rock music. “I take his mentality, which is perform your music for the people that want to hear it.” Same with Brown: “I’m studying David Bowie” said the rapper in an interview with Noisey, earlier this year. “When I’m onstage, it’s, like, Ian Curtis and Sid Vicious–like, real punk rock and sh*t,” said Tyler in an interview with Interview Magazine. This is why you have artists like Tyler, the Creator being heavily influenced by the Sex Pistols’ Sid Vicious, or Joy Division’s Ian Curtis. It’s also an indicator of a new generation of rappers that are influenced by unconventional artists.Ĭonsidering hip-hop’s hyper-masculine-driven world, it may be difficult for certain up-and-coming rappers to relate to their peers. Hip-hop is barely catching up.īut rappers’ infatuation with the rock star lifestyle is much more than the freedoms that come with it. Rock music (for the most part) has been an open gate for artists of varied backgrounds, genders and sexual orientation. Sure, hip-hop has made some notable accomplishments recently (its supporting of Frank Ocean’s coming out), but old-age stigmas prevent the genre from progression. Why can’t hip-hop work in a similar manner, focusing primarily on the music, instead of superficial qualities? And rock musicians have no uniform they wear what they want without having to worry about judgment or scrutiny from their peers. ![]() Yeah Yeah Yeahs’ Karen O fronts a moderately successful band, without a promiscuous persona or relying on attractiveness. Rock artists rarely, if ever, have to endure such problems. ![]() “He liked the music, but he didn’t like the way I looked.” 50 was with it he just didn’t sign me because of my jeans,” said Brown in an interview with MTV last year. Such was the case with Danny Brown when he missed the opportunity to join 50 Cent’s G-Unit, because of his fitted pants. Female rappers experience a similar treatment instead of hood credibility, they have to present themselves as promiscuous - utilizing their sex appeal to achieve success.Īnd if rappers do not abide by the stereotypical norms common in hip-hop, they jeopardize possible label signings and record deals. Unlike rock artists, rappers are often critiqued on their street credibility, over what’s most important - their music. “They don’t have the stigma attached to them - you have to be a thug, you have to have been shot, you have to be so hard that no one ever suspects you’re gay.” “Rock stars get to do whatever the f**k they want,” said Haze in a recent interview with The Guardian. Danny Brown, Tyler, the Creator, Angel Haze - artists prefer to be thought of as rock stars to rappers. ![]() Nowadays it is commonplace for rappers to assert their rock star lifestyle. Super tight skinny jeans, T-shirts and eccentric hairstyles - some rappers prefer these alternatives to the baggy and oversized clothing common in hip-hop. ![]() Even on a superficial level, we see rappers emulating the “rock star” image. Similar to their rock counterparts, present-day rappers are renowned for both their music and outrageous behavior. Hip-hop has very well become this generation’s rock ‘n’ roll, and the use of the term “rock star” is an indicator of that.
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