Lucki Eck$, Reese & Light Skin Mac 11 pictured above.

IS RAP THE NEW PUNK ROCK?
BY Stephen Schuyler

On the surface, these two genres seem drastically different in both style and how they came to be. Punk rock, at one point, had neo-nazi ties (though allegedly accidentally) and apart from a few acts (Bad Brains, Death, NOFX and maybe a dozen more), was almost exclusively dominated by white musicians. Punk rock also has it’s roots in rock music, basically deconstructed into short riffs and fast paced percussion. Often times anything but what one would call rhythmic. So how TF can this be in any way related to rap? How could rap/hip hop culture have taken the place of punk rock?

One key reason is accessibility. Punk rock was the original garage rock, with poor quality recordings done as independently as possible. Signing to a label in the punk world became a stigma of commercial brown nosing. Kids of all ages and backgrounds had the means to make music (though usually pretty shitty) and propel it DIRECTLY into a local consumer base that more often than not, liked it purely out of fanaticism, but also because of it’s immediately relatable content. Eventually label execs infiltrated this grass roots movement, which indirectly led to great acts like Nirvana (and alternative rock as a whole), but also helped produce the infamous pop punk genre that many attribute the so called long ‘death of punk rock’ to.

Rap, in the same ways, is readily accessible to all kinds of people. Almost EVERYONE I know personally has tried to make music at some point, whether in a real recording studio, or just fooling around on garage band or fruity loops. Much of the music I listen to is more local, or at least regional music from artists I’ve probably met. Obviously there is a very elitist level of hip hop, that not even punk rock achieved, but even this elite rap remains counter culture and anti-establishment in it’s roots (Tidal makes me question this statement, but nonetheless.) At the same time acts like Robb Bank$, Underachievers, Flatbush Zombies, that are by no means mainstream, have international followings and have done European tours. I’ve been to a handful of sold out Flatbush shows…in Florida. It’s readily accessible in terms of creation, and consumption. Music can be made and put out quickly (where YOTS at tho?), fans now have their own media prowess that enables them to control the landscape of their own culture. Propelling tracks like, “Wrist” and “U Guessed It” into viral success, unleashing a slew of copycats sounds coming all the way from South Korea and Japan (It G Ma). Punk bands like NOFX rode this same kind of wave, though with out blogs/twitter etc. Word of mouth carried a punk band up the ranks more so than actual promo. It’s often the same in the rap world. I think these industry plant theorists might disagree, however in my experience, organic consumption/promotion definitely exists.

I think the biggest difference commercially is that, morally, Punk rock completely disagreed with anything commercial (at least originally). Punk bands propelled minimalist philosophies like straight edge, anarchy, nihilism, or just general cynicism that condemned or rejected consumeristic behavior. Rap is fully aware of it’s obsession with consumerism, and has always been centered around money, because originally it started as a means to things you didn’t have, and also because it’s proved to be commercially viable time and time again. It didn’t start as a vessel for teenage white angst against society or bad parents (I’m generalizing pretty heavily there). The balance is important, because it means Rap will never be phased out due to anti-commercialism. We might just hit some rough spots like the early 2000’s, which I’m honestly a huge fan of.

Still, the social commentary is there in a great degree. Even mainstream acts like Kanye dish out A LOT of criticism, reflection, and analysis of the state of the world we live in. Lupe called out the president at his own inauguration (g shit). Denzel Curry (who’s 19 I think) has continually spoken out against police brutality. If anything, because of it’s commercial permeation, the social commentary ends up more successful when it’s not being spouted by people with mohawks and combat boots shouting Oi! Oi! Oi! The point is, it’s more receivable. People hear it, and learn. For better or for worse, but the impact is undeniable. How many rappers have publicly embarrassed Bill O’Reilly at this point? That’s legitimate power. Power that, in some people’s minds, shouldn’t be this accessible. Well deserved, if you ask me.

Both genres have also been large platforms for the development of countless subcultures. The list of rap/hip hop genre names is definitely stacking up to that of punk rock. Which if I just go off the top of my head include: oi, alternative, grunge, hardcore, ska, dub (i.e. sublime), and even some of the much heavier metal/screamo music types. Some even claim British New Wave in the 80’s had a lot to credit to punk rock (namely clothing styles). Even TV shows like, “Pimp my Ride,” can attribute their success to being a part of a rap subculture. Cars now come standard with 20+ inch rims. Who made that happen? I can’t finger an instance where punk rock had that much commercial influence. Think about how many rap/hip-hop related reality shows, movies, tv shows have popped up in the two last decades. If anything it’s cyclical too, the more people see it, the cooler it gets.

I know punk rock purists out there (if there are any still) might say that it’s the same kind of perversion of independent music as pop punk was to punk, or The Beetles were to early rock n’ roll. However, Kanye is by no means an industry pawn like many of the aforementioned were. My point is, if commercial success allows you to project social commentary and culture to a greater audience, then it’s more effective than being a complete cynic playing your acoustic guitar in parks signing about bush did 911. Even if you have to ‘sell out’ as my 14 year old self would’ve said. Regardless, independent success UNDOUBTEDLY exists, there are a number of indie scenes to prove that (ATL, MIA, LA, NY, Bay Area, Seattle, ETC. ETC.)

In many ways Rap is a better version than Punk Rock could have been. Low level accessibility that can permeate into higher level consumer platforms. Music with fast turn around time that, with the smallest investment can create waves within the culture that have to be responded to. Consistent social commentary that has reached presidential venues. Subculture after subculture, and trend after trend. Extremely dedicated fans that’ll propel their favorite artists music with no incentive other than more music. Fans that’ll show up to every concert, braving extreme weather, overzealous security guards, shady promoters, their parents, you name it. Someone from Japan came to Rolling Loud. Maybe Rap has just been more timely, they’re both almost like reactions on a long scale of music history. I read an article recently describing how music reacts much like genetics over time. Adapting and changing according to it’s immediate environment. Maybe Rap has been another evolution, a genetic response to a hole left by the absence of punk rock.

I think the biggest difference is the longevity and success we’re going to see out of rap/hip hop for years to come. Many heads right now are calling this time a new renaissance and I completely agree.
Create your shit, get it heard, be a part of a vastly growing culture.

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