Today, rapвЂ™s well-thought out wordplay and sophisticated lyricism has been left for dead and replaced by catchy and repetitive choruses. Whereas the genre used to stand out with originality and insolent independence at its core, rap has evolved into a more melodic and mainstream style, in order to catch ever-widening audiences.

However, mumble rap is without a doubt gaining traction and setting a clear view of where hip hop as a whole is heading. Cole and Kendrick Lamar, support old school traditions, while others have created their own style.

The new wave is not a homogeneous mix of artists: some, such as J. Just compare BiggieвЂ™s Juicy with 6ix9ineвЂ™s Gummo вЂ“ the lyrical and generational gap has never been so blatant. While the majority of these rappersвЂ™ musical abilities and sense of rhythm are undeniable, the simplicity of their writing is a far departure from the lyricism-focused era of the 90s and early-to-mid 00s. Their incomprehensible lyrics, basic delivery, and overuse of simple sounds has led to the characterization of this new waveвЂ™s members as вЂњmumble rappers.вЂќ Whereas before, making a name for yourself often meant extricating from the underground rap scene, the widespread adoption of social media has allowed virtually anyone to become famous. Looking at todayвЂ™s up-and-coming rappers, most rose to fame after encountering success by sharing their music online, earning themselves the label of вЂњSoundCloud rappers,вЂќ often with a negative connotation. However, lyrical hip hop is not going anywhere- still considered as mainstream, it can peacefully coexist with defiant new-wave rap. But at a time when 6ix9ine rubs shoulders with Eminem atop the Billboard 100, both styles have never suffered such a strong collision. While these releases always generate hype and awaken lyrical hip hopвЂ™s most fervent supporters, they directly contrast with todayвЂ™s dominating rap trends. Just weeks earlier, we woke up to EminemвЂ™s Kamikaze, another nostalgic addition to a year soaked with rap wistfulness. When the signature lighter flick sound was heard on the first song of Lil WayneвЂ™s Tha Carter V, most listeners were transported back to the late 2000вЂ™s and their minds quickly filled with memories from a time when I Kissed a Girl dominated the charts.

Death to mumble rap