Earlier this year a pretty unpredictable beef emerged. Yasiin Bey, formerly known as Mos Def was asked a somewhat loaded question about Drake during an appearance on a podcast. But his answer didn’t necessarily sit right with people. He claimed that the music Drake makes is closer to pop than actual rap. He justified the claim by saying that it’s the kind of music you hear while shopping. The comments weren’t exactly hateful towards Drake, but they still rubbed a lot of his fans and even some other rappers the wrong way.
NLE Choppa was one of the first high-profile rappers to come to Drake’s defense. That was before Drizzy himself responded, first with a clip from an old Method Man interview discussing rap being about the culture. He doubled down on his response a few days later when he took to his Instagram story to call Bey a “crackhead.” Bey caught even more flack later when he performed during a Paris Fashion Week show. Clips of his performance, which predominately featured him singing instead of rapping, were widely criticized online. Now Common is weighing in on the beef and taking Drake’s side. Check out the full interview where he discussed the beef below.
When discussing Drake’s genre, Common referenced back to the rapper’s early days. “To me, I think Drake comes from Hip Hop. When I first heard him rhyming, I was like, ‘Yo, this dude rhyming.’ And if he goes out and makes songs that are popular, then that’s what it is. He’s still an MC,” he explains.
“The dude is an incredible songwriter, he’s an incredible artist. You can’t touch that many people, for as long a time as he’s been doing. This man has touched different aspects of culture and been able to continue to do it. You gotta have some respect and know that this dude is a very talented artist” Common concluded. What do you think of Common’s defense of Drake? Do you think his music is closer to pop than rap? Let us know in the comment section below.
Appearing on Ebro In The Morning on New York’s Hot 97 Wednesday morning (January 24), the Chicago rapper shared his take after being asked for his opinion by host Ebro Darden. “I think Drake comes from hip-hop,” he said, in more-or-less direct contradiction to Bey’s viewpoint. “When I first heard him rhyming, I was like, ‘Yo, this dude rhyming.’ And if he goes out and makes songs that are popular, then that’s what it is. He’s still an MC… The dude is an incredible songwriter, he’s an incredible artist… You gotta have some respect and know that this dude is a very talented artist.”
After the host’s joked that Yasiin’s take was “very on-brand for him,” Common was also very complimentary to his rapper-turned-actor, saying, “He has poetry within his rap. He can style on anything. He can do a lot.”
Bey set of days of intense debate within the hip-hop world when he said during an interview, “Drake is pop to me, in the sense like, if I was in Target in Houston and I heard a Drake song… it feels like a lot of his music is compatible with shopping.” While some hip-hop heads (mostly those who likely stopped listening to new rap music sometime in 2005) agreed, others felt that the take was unfair to Drake or idealized hip-hop as an artform, since early rappers were equally as materialistic in their music.
Meanwhile, Drake himself pointed out that he could never NOT be hip-hop, using an old Method Man quote as an example and pointing out the hypocrisy inherent in Bey’s comments as someone who once fought for the expansion of artistic expression in hip-hop. “What umi say again?” he wrote, nodding to Bey’s 1999 single “Umi Says,” in which Bey sings, “My Umi said shine your light on the world / Shine your light for the world to see.”
Of course, there’s also Lil Wayne’s take, which simplified all Drake hate down to one simple reason.
Watch Common’s interview with Ebro In The Morning above.
Yasiin Bey, also known as Mos Def, is a hip hop legend from Brooklyn, New York, best known for his work on tracks such as “Oh No,” “Ms. Fat Booty,” and “Mathematics.” The rapper has an extensive catalog of hit solo records and serves as one-half of the iconic hip-hop duo Black Star alongside fellow Brooklyn MC Talib Kweli. Though many young listeners may not be familiar with Yasiin Bey’s work, a brief glance at his bio showcases his versatility and influence on the modern rap sound.
Currently, the rapper is making headlines in the news for referring to Drake as a pop star who makes commercial music for mass consumption. While these comments are objectively true, some have taken issue with Yasiin Bey’s wording, misinterpreting the comments as a diss. Regardless, hip hop heads have long revered the legendary emcee for his thoughtful lyrics, capable rhymes, and powerful social commentary. Here’s a brief look at Bey’s career, examining the artist’s life and legendary career.
Yasiin Bey was born Dante Terrell Smith and raised by his mother in Brooklyn. In his youth, Bey encountered a range of traumatic issues in his community, including gang violence, drug use, and poverty. A particularly traumatic moment occurred when the rapper saw a car hit his five-year-old brother. Though his younger brother survived the incident, Bey chose to avoid the streets as much as possible in the years following the event.
To stay away from crime and poverty, Yasiin Bey took up acting at a young age. By the time he was a Sophomore in high school, he had already flown out to Los Angeles to film a season of the short-lived sitcom You Take The Kids and appeared in leading roles in multiple stage shows. Before long, Bey quit school to perform full-time. As he began to launch his rap career, he had already shared the screen with legendary performers of both music and film, including Michael Jackson, Bill Cosby, Deion Sanders, and many more.
Later, Bey launched his solo rap debut Black On Both Sides under the moniker Mos Def in 1999, with the chart-topping single “Ms. Fat Booty.” Throughout the early 2000s, Mos Def found massive success in both film and music by frequently collaborating with the likes of Kanye West, Q-Tip, Dave Chappelle, and many other prolific artists. His largest screen acting credits include works such as 2003’s The Italian Job, 2005’s The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, and a 5-episode stint in the Showtime series Dexter.
In September 2011, the rapper elected to legally change his name to Yasiin Bey and retire the Mos Def moniker. He explained that after years of cultivating a diverse media career, the title of Mos Def had become more of a product or brand than an actual person. During interviews, the rapper clarified that close friends and family members had been calling him Yasiin for over a decade. He expressed his readiness to officially adopt the name in all aspects of his life.
The name Yasiin is derived from the 36th surah of the Qur’an, holding special significance for the artist formerly known as Mos Def due to his roots in the Islamic community. During an interview with The Guardian, the rapper explained, “Mos Def is a name that I built and cultivated over the years, it’s a name that the streets taught me, a figure of speech that was given to me by the culture and by my environment, and I feel I’ve done quite a bit with that name… it’s time to expand and move on.”
In January 2016, Yasiin Bey announced his retirement from film and music. His final screen acting credit came later that year for his appearance in the film Tour de France. His final album, December 99th, serves as a collaborative effort with producer Ferrari Sheppard and debuted in December 2016. Despite his claim to retire, Bey has continued to tour and appear on tracks as a featured artist. In March 2019, he performed songs from an unreleased album, Negus, at Art Basel Hong Kong. According to a press release from the artist, the album is not intended for mass consumption through digital or physical means. Instead, he plans to release the music exclusively through a series of live installations.
Podcasting, Future Ventures, And Return To Black Star
In 2021, Yasiin Bey teamed with Dave Chappelle and Talib Kweli to launch The Midnight Miracle, a podcast series available exclusively through the subscription-based platform Luminary. As part of an ongoing promotion for the podcast hosting service, Kweli has released several albums available only through streaming on the Luminary app, including a Black Star reunion project with Bey in 2022. Though the long-awaited project No Fear of Time has gained a cult following by die-hard fans of the duo, the inaccessibility of the platform has left many fans to miss out on the 2022 release.
Still, this marks a turning point in Yasiin Bey’s career, leaving many fans to wonder what’s next for the visionary artist. For now, only time will tell, though Bey has continued to tease new music since his alleged retirement.
A lyrical virtuoso and master of storytelling, Yasiin Bey has consistently pushed the boundaries of rap with fire tracks. Since he was known as Mos Def of Black Star, the rapper has used his unique blend of intelligence, wit, and social consciousness to craft songs that transcend time and trends. As a result of his impact and immense talent, he is often cited as one of the greatest, yet underrated rappers of all time.
For some days now, Yasiin Bey has been trending since he claimed Drake’s music is more pop than rap. Following his statement, the rapper has faced backlash from Drizzy, as well as from his fans. In the same vein, Bey has also been supported by another sect of listeners. Regardless of their current beef, both emcees are Hip Hop heavyweights, albeit from different eras. Yasiin Bey has been making music for over three decades now. Many Hip Hop heads would call him a rapper’s rapper, and admittedly, he has some very influential songs in his catalog. Here’s a list of some of the best ones in his solo discography.
Released on September 24, 2002, “Brown Sugar” is a part of the soundtrack for the rom-com film, Brown Sugar. The song is soulful, masterfully produced by Kanye West, and features expertly executed rap bars from Yasiin Bey. In addition, in usual Kanye fashion, he samples the song “Invitation” by Norman Connors. Not only is this track a masterpiece in terms of rap performance, but also in terms of production. Both Yasiin Bey and Kanye West exhibited amazing chemistry on what is unarguably one of Bey’s most unforgettable tracks.
6. “Hip Hop” (1999)
Appearing on his debut solo album, Black On Both Sides (1999), “Hip Hop” is a raw, gritty, and thought-provoking song. Besides its impressive production, the lyrics of “Hip Hop” are a poignant commentary on the commercialization and commodification of Hip Hop. Furthermore, Yasiin Bey’s delivery is passionate and energetic, perfectly complementing the rebellious tone of the song. “Hip Hop” is conscious rap at its peak. It is one of the standout tracks in a stellar catalog that Yasiin Bey should always be proud of.
“Oh No,” released on November 28, 2000, is a part of the Lyricist Lounge 2 compilation album. While it is known for its infectious and groovy production, the song is also a masterclass in songwriting. Emphatically, the verses on the song display the lyrical prowess of the performers as they flawlessly ride the beat. Additionally, this track has been a perfect example to subsequent generations of rappers of what a successful collaboration between rappers should sound like. Nate Dogg and Pharoahe Monch’s verse is also worthy of note for its succinct lyricism.
4. “Mathematics” (1999)
This standout track from Yasiin Bey’s solo debut album has been renowned and acclaimed by listeners since its release. It features a production style that allows the rapper’s lyrics to take center stage. Furthermore, the lyrics of “Mathematics” address a wide range of social, political, and economic issues. On what is undoubtedly one of his most influential tracks, Yasiin Bey uses mathematical concepts as metaphors to discuss these issues. While it failed to chart, “Mathematics” remains a timeless song and a seminal piece of Hip Hop in Bey’s discography.
3. “Umi Says” (1999)
Another stellar entry in the musical catalog of Yasiin Bey, “Umi Says” is often regarded as one of his signature tracks. The song is notable for its smooth and jazzy production, as well as Bey’s poetic lyricism and soulful delivery. With lyrics that delve into the rapper’s personal reflections on life and identity, “Umi Says” expresses Bey’s yearning for freedom and individuality. Accordingly, the song’s timeless message has contributed to its enduring popularity, making it a fan favorite and critical success. “Umi Says” never achieved mainstream chart success. However, it is recognized as a defining track in Yasiin Bey’s discography.
2. “Auditorium” Ft. Slick Rick (2009)
Without a doubt, “Auditorium” is one of the best tracks Yasiin Bey recorded on his fourth album, The Ecstatic. Not only is it a collaboration with legendary Hip Hop producer Madlib, but it also features a sick verse from Slick Rick. The beat features a blend of jazz, soul, and psychedelic elements, creating a captivating backdrop for Bey’s lyricism. Each verse is a poetic exploration, and the rappers’ delivery is both introspective and socially conscious. Since its release, “Auditorium” has received widespread acclaim from fans, which comes as no surprise, considering its excellence. As far as Yasiin Bey tracks go, this is undoubtedly one of the rapper’s most influential.
1. “Ms. Fat Booty” (1999)
Arguably the most quintessential of Yasiin Bey tracks, “Ms. Fat Booty” was released as the lead single from his debut album. The song is celebrated for its storytelling, clever lyrics, and memorable production. It is also notable for its iconic sampling of Aretha Franklin’s “One Step Ahead.” Interestingly, that exact same sample was used in JID’s recent viral hit, “Surround Sound.” “Ms. Fat Booty” remains a defining track in the rapper’s discography. Additionally, it is often cited as one of the greatest Hip Hop songs of its era. Its massive cultural impact makes it arguably Yasiin Bey’s most influential track.
Yasiin Bey, formerly known as Mos Def, recently made headlines after sitting down with The Cutting Room Floor for a rare interview. During the conversation, he was asked about whether or not he considers Drake to be hip hop. As he laughed, the rap legend responded, “Drake is pop to me. In the sense, like, if I was in Target in Houston, and I heard a Drake song. It feels like a lot of his music is compatible with shopping. Or, as you know, shopping with an edge in certain instances.” Bey continued about Drake, saying that his music is “likable” and joked about shopping, exclaiming, “So many SKUs!” On a more serious note regarding the Canadian rapper, he asks, “What happens when this thing collapses?”
Bey’s remarks took the internet by storm, with Drake’s response referencing an old Method Man interview. The debate on whether or not Drizzy is hip hop divided the rap community, with purists backing Yasiin Bey’s opinion and others coming to Drake’s defense. Many also criticized the artist formerly known as Mos Def for a Fashion Week performance, calling it hypocritical after calling out Drake for making “shopping music.”
No matter the position one takes on his comments, Yasiin Bey is one of hip hop’s most respected lyricists. His prolific career speaks for itself, with classic records including Black On Both Sides and the first Black Star album with Talib Kweli. Beyond his most well-known works are plenty of gems within his discography. Today, we are taking a look into Yasiin Bey’s best underrated hip hop songs. Check out the list below.
7. “Zimzallabim” (2004)
While not as highly regarded as his debut album, Yasiin Bey’s 2004 sophomore effort, The New Danger, includes numerous underrated highlights. The album combined hip hop with psychedelic rock and soul, with the help of many producers and his band, Black Jack Johnson. One track that effortlessly displays this combination of genres is “Zimzallabim.” Co-produced by Easy Mo Bee and Bey himself, Yasiin applies his signature rap style to a rock-fused track, resulting in one of his most confident vocal performances. The song breathed new life into Bey’s eccentric rap style and remains one of his most underrated hip hop songs.
6. “Champion Requiem” (2004)
“Champion Requiem,” the closing track on The New Danger, is a standout moment that deserves more shine. Produced by 88-Keys, who lent beats to Black on Both Sides and Black Star’s debut, the upbeat track allows Bey to spit tough bars. Some of his best flows are on this song as he keeps up with the thumping groove. Compared to the off-kilter production on the rest of the album, “Champion Requiem” perfectly blends Yasiin’s traditional style with the album’s funky approach.
5. “Revelations” (2009)
Many of Yasiin Bey’s best underrated hip hop songs come from his fourth studio album, 2009’s The Ecstatic. Seen as a return to form by many following True Magic, The Ecstatic saw a reinvigorated Bey applying his conscious rap style across a range of musical influences. The album’s quirky and adventurous soundscape contained beats from many producers, including Madlib. The Beat Konducta produced “Revelations,” originally an instrumental from his Madvillainy 2: The Madlib Remix album. Yasiin Bey’s relaxed flow matches the ominous production and his sung melodies enhance the unique production. Songs like “Revelations” helped foreshadow the sound of Black Star’s Madlib-produced No Fear of Time.
4. “Wahid” (2009)
Another underrated Yasiin Bey song and one of the four beats that Madlib contributed to The Ecstatic is “Wahid.” Bey manages to float over the abrasive production, smoothly flowing over the unpredictable instrumentation. “Wahid” may be a short song, but it is unparalleled in Yasiin Bey’s discography. It is a hard-hitting Madlib production that contains some of Bey’s most impressive rhyming. On an experimental album, it provides a burst of energy that leaves quite the impression.
3. “Black Fantastic” (2013)
Yasiin Bey’s close collaborator and tour DJ, Preservation, remixed The Ecstatic in 2013, giving each song a reworked instrumental. The album, titled The REcstatic, includes a standout track titled “Black Fantastic.” The Minnesota-produced song replaced “Casa Bey” as the album’s closer, featuring the same lyrics but delivered differently over a gorgeous beat. The stunning piano-based instrumental creates an excellent backdrop for Yasiin to reimagine “Casa Bey” in a brand new, arguably superior way. “Black Fantastic” is an underrated deep cut in Yasiin’s discography.
2. “History” feat. Talib Kweli (2009)
Between Black Star’s seminal 1998 debut and their 2022 return with No Fear of Time, Yasiin Bey and Talib Kweli released a number of individual collaborations. “History” is quintessential Black Star, featuring a soulful instrumental from the late J Dilla. Both Bey and Kweli sound comfortable over the beat, which samples Mary Wells’s “Two Lovers History.” Outside of the exciting and rare union between both members of Black Star, “History” is arguably one of their best collaborations ever, as it highlights their collaborative chemistry.
1. “Sensei On The Block” (2015)
Over a decade since his last solo album, Yasiin Bey appears to go wherever the wind takes him musically. Whether it is a sound installation, the long-awaited Black Star album, or a rare guest feature, his next move cannot be predicted. In 2015, Ski Beatz promoted a track he produced for Bey titled “Sensei On the Block.” The single saw him returning to the “Mos Def” moniker. However, Yasiin Bey released a statement following its release, saying that “any music that’s been released under that name is without [his] consent” and that “it’s being sold illegally.” Despite it being released against his permission, the song is definitely underrated. Bey’s lyrical performance is on par with some of his most classic works, and the steel drum-laced instrumental still sounds fresh nine years later.
Yasiin Bey, previously known as Mos Def, has been at the center of quite a bit of discussion recently. So much so that a simple conversation with Solange after a fashion show earlier this week turned into news. It all started earlier this month when Bey was asked about Drake’s music in an interview. “Drake is pop to me. In the sense, like, if I was in Target in Houston, and I heard a Drake song. It feels like a lot of his music is compatible with… shopping. Or, as you know, shopping with an edge in certain instances,” Bey replied.
That statement didn’t sit right with many rap fans and fellow rappers. One who notably spoke out against Bey’s comments was NLE Choppa. He came to Drake’s defense against the allegations that he just makes pop rap. Drake himself also fired back with a post to his Instagram story. He shared an old video clip of Method Man claiming that rap is more about upholding the culture more than any specific sound or style. Drake hit back again in a more direct way earlier this week, calling Bey a “crackhead.” Check out that Yasiin Bey has been up to in the mean time below.
Earlier this week the story got another twist. Yasiin Bey did a performance during a show at Paris Fashion Week that went viral for all the wrong reasons. He performed alone on a small stage mostly singing while runway models walked up and down either side of him. The performance had Drake fans questioning whether or not Bey was contributing to so called “real” hip-hop himself.
As it turns out Solange was in attendance at that same show. Afterward the pair caught up and cameras were ready to capture their conversation. What do you think of Solange and Yasiin Bey crossing paths at a fashion show where he gave a controversial performance? Let us know in the comment section below.
Drake has taken an online shot at Yasiin Bey, formerly known as Mos Def, following the “Ms. Fat Booty” rapper claiming the Certified Lover Boy makes Pop Music.
In case you missed it, Bey was on The Cutting Room Floor podcast last week and compared Drizzy’s music to strolling through Target.
“Drake is pop to me,” Bey said. “In the sense, like, if I was in Target in Houston and I heard a Drake song… It feels like a lot of his music is compatible with shopping.
“Or, you know, shopping with an edge in certain instances.”
Yasiin Bey(Mos Def) says Drake’s music is pop and is compatible with shopping at Target.
Oy vey. We may be three weeks into a new year, but it looks like hip-hop fans are dead set on arguing about the same ol’ bullsh*t. Over the weekend, a clip of Yasiin Bey offering some… regressive takes about Drake surfaced online and the discourse rapidly spiraled into a very tired but seemingly immortal debate about whether or not Drake counts as hip-hop. Bey, who said “Me, you, everybody, we are hip-hop,” on “Fear Not Of Man,” the literal intro of his pivotal debut Black On Both Sides, called Drake “pop,” sparking the whole debate anew, like a Hollywood producer deciding Dracula needs another remake.
Well, Drake — who, it must be said, was a huge fan of backpack rappers like Bey (formerly known as Mos Def) at the outset of his career — addressed the comments with about as poignant a response as one could under the circumstances. Instead of throwing a shot at his one-time hero, he showed just how in tune he is with hip-hop culture, quoting two titans of the culture: Method Man and Bey himself. On his Instagram Story, Drake reposted a clip of Method Man defining hip-hop as such in an old interview:
“Hip-hop is a culture. It’s a way of life, the way you dress, the way you talk, the way you walk. It’s the breakdancing, rhymes, stage show, DJ, mixing and scratching, the wordplay. That’s hip-hop.”
Drake also wondered, “What umi say again?” referencing Bey’s Black On Both Sides hit “Umi Says.” “Lemme shine my light king don’t change up now.”
For what it’s worth, Bey’s comments seem to stem from a common complaint about materialism in rap music that goes back to… well… the ’80s. However, the philosophical schism reached a boiling point in the mid-’90s, leading to the so-called “backpack rap” movement and the emergence of Mos Def and similar acts like Talib Kweli, the Spitkickers crew, and labels like Rawkus, Def Jux, and Rhymesayers gaining prominence among rap heads dissatisfied with the “jiggy” disposition being embraced by hitmakers like Tupac, The Notorious B.I.G., Jay-Z, and Nas (who, let me remind you, are now all touted as about the “realest hip-hop” you can get).
Whether it’s just old head sour grapes or a legitimate concern about the direction of mainstream rap music (which… come on, man, you been banging that drum for 25 years), let’s all just hope this goes away quickly because there is absolutely no reason to still be pretending liking Yasiin Bey and Drake both is mutually exclusive in 2024.
The public should’ve been on high alert when the year opened up. First, Katt Williams aired out the comedy community during his appearance on Shannon Sharpe’sClub Shay Shay podcast. Although it wasn’t quite as explosive, Yasiin Bey’s (previously known as Mos Def) recent interview has reawakened a hotly debated topic in music.
During Bey’s sit-down with The Cutting Room Floor podcast, when asked if he felt Drake was “hip-hop,” Bey disagreed. Instead, Bey shared that Drake’s music should be categorized as pop. However, he didn’t stop his commentary there. He described Drake’s work as ideal for shopping in Target. This line forced users to ask whether Drake and Bey have beef.
Drake is no stranger to musical feuds, having had dust-ups with Pusha T, Meek Mill, Kanye West, and most recently, Metro Boomin. But, a beef with Yasiin Bey would seem odd to many. Based on newly surfaced screenshots, the answer could be yes. Last year, after Complex gave Drake’s poetry book a subpar review, he asked the publication for another lookover but with one stipulation.
“Can you do an article now where the baddest Instagram girls in the world review my poetry book,” he said in the message exchange. “Not the head of Mos Def fan club…thanks .”
perfect time throwback to Drake sending a DM to Complex for posting a girl reviewing his book he released last year in the Summer
“Can you do an article now where the baddest Instagram girls in the world review my poetry book not the head of Mos Def fan club…thanks ” pic.twitter.com/NANdo1QBi4
Well, that seemingly innocent joke must’ve made its way back to Bey, thus initiating the rumored feud. But there wasn’t always friction between the two. On songs like “Away From Home,” Drake thanked Bey for his support in the beginning stages of his career. Bey has even performed covers of Drake’s song “Hotline Bling.”
Hate him or love him, Drake is one of the world’s most successful rap acts. As he so boastfully brags through his music, he’s surpassed several titans, such as The Beatles and the late Michael Jackson’s metric markers. Despite his record-breaking achievements to some, Drake still isn’t “hip-hop enough.”
On January 13, Yasiin Bey (previously professionally known as Mos Def) shared his thoughts on Drake’s music, and it sent users online into a frenzy. During an appearance on The Cutting Room Floor podcast, when asked by host Recho Omondi if he considered Drake to be a hip-hop act, Bey didn’t hold back.
“Why are you doing this to me,” he said. “Drake is pop to me, in the sense like, if I was in Target in Houston and I heard a Drake song… it feels like a lot of his music is compatible with shopping. Or shopping with an edge in certain instances… It’s likable.”
Bey went on to provide further context to his initial response. “What happens when this thing collapses,” he said. “What happens when the columns start buckling? Are we not in some early stage of that at this present hour? Are we seeing the collapse of the empire? Buying and selling, where’s the message that I can use? What’s in it for your audience apart from banging the pom-poms?”
The response caused a ripple effect online, with musicians, critics, and fans alike chiming in. Read a few of their responses below.
Drake took “If skills sold, truth be told, I’d probably be lyrically Talib Kweli” and amplified it x10 in comparison to Jay. Drake really started off as a Hip Hop purist type who found way more success going commercial, but the roots are def still in him. He still brings it out https://t.co/2NUZktYcTa
Missy Elliott Hip Hop but Drake isn’t Hip Hop? Make it make sense. They are BOTH Hip Hop. Hip Hop isn’t just ppl rapping like Black Thought or some sh*t. Y’all continue with bad Hip Hop takes because you don’t like an artist but forget their resume & facts. Facts don’t matter.
Drake been fighting the “he’s not hip hop/a rapper” allegations since 09. He’s a Rapper. He’s Hip Hop and he has a catalogue of music that includes raw hip hop tracks and Pop ones. Two things can be true.
His music’s subject matter has seemed uninspired but he is still Hip Hop