Every generation has their own style of music to align with their personality and opinions. Similarly, Each succeeding style of music is highly criticized by the previous generation. For example, when Rock & Roll was just in fruition, it was shamed as "The Devil's music" for "inducing" violence, drug abuse, under-age drinking, and other sorts of sin-worthy acts. However, the genre became massively successful and quickly became one of the U.S. 's biggest exports. It was truly one of the defining features of Generation X.
Generation Y was largely mirroring the tastes of rock & roll, until Hip-Hop/ Rap took dominance. The genre traced its roots back to New York in the 70's among African-American teenagers. Similar to rock & roll, it became a massive fad among the young generation. Especially due to its beginnings in poor locations, the older generations condemned it sinful music due its rebellious characteristics. History repeats itself thus, Hip Hop became massively successful. However, for rap to gain traction universally, it had to adopt some aspects of the old generation's music- rock & roll. Bands like Run-DMC adopted both genres to have a rock/rap mix which allowed to genre to spread even further.
"Rap music is the only vital form of music introduced since punk rock."
— Kurt Cobain
Additionally, other genres began to adopt rap into their style to stay relevant. Contemporary R&B made its first appearance in the mid-90's due to artists like R. Kelly. They utilized Hip-Hop's flow and delivery into their R&B-based music. Foreigners also adopted Hip-Hop/Rap and fused it with their own styles of music, leading to genres like Korean Rap. Hip-Hop was the defining music for Generation Y. So what is in store for Generation Z?
First, we have to mention certain occurrences every time a new genre would commence. There would be a revitalization of the past genre within the new generation. During the age of Rock & Roll, folk music had a small uprising withing the younger generation. Similarly, during the age of Rap, classic Rock & Roll made a small comeback. However, now a new genre has emerged. This genre is called Electronica which has been made possible with new technology such as synthesizers. Electronica has sub-genres such as Trap, House, and Dubstep. Like all aforementioned "old genres", new music must first adopt the styles of old music to allow for a transitional period. The Rap that dominates the radio today is trap-influenced. Artists such as Kendrick Lamar are part of the New-School Rap, which is simply a revitalization of an old genre among a new genre ( there is a large difference between rap made by artists like Kendrick vs. rap on the radio).
In conclusion, we are in a transitional period. Generation Z has adopted the genre of Electronica and leaving Hip-Hop in the dust. History repeats itself, and there is no way around that. We have all the signs: older generations disapproving Electronica, rap having a mini-resurgence through New-School Rap, and Hip-Hop merging with Electronica producing Trap. Artists such as Iggy Azalea is combining rap with popular-style music and deeming it "The New Classic". Personally, I am a huge fan of Hip-Hop and I hope that it never disappears among the new generation.
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