Since the beginning of time, for years of generations to come, as time passes on, the next generation always in some way, shape or form, outshine or surpass the previous generation at something. When it comes to hip hop, there’s always been a huge generation gap between both the old school and the new school. The problem lies in the fact that both generations can be blindsided and closed minded due to what each side can bring or have already brought and done that the other doesn’t like. Being open minded to other things outside of what you know is a healthy thing. You can learn from it. Instead of coming to an understanding about each side there’s always an ongoing debate about the state of music and the platforms it’s presented on to its audience. In recent news, rap artist Lil’ Baby released a new single and video called “The Bigger Picture.” The new single and video perfectly highlighted the current events happening in the world with the murders of Black Americans, police brutality, and racism. The new song and video shook the table a lot and opened a lot of people’s minds about whether or not the new school generation of artists are truly aware of what’s going on. One song shouldn’t make a huge difference all of a sudden but it does show the naysayers that an artist is capable of reinventing themselves. Just because it’s not in a particularly rap fashion like most want it to be and from a specific artist doesn’t mean the message isn’t still said loud and clear. The amazing visuals and message in this recent Lil’ Baby song and music video does spark a conversation at the table and a question asking, will this be the beginning of a new era for the new generation? Will the music remain the same or be different? Will people demand more of one kind of style over one song? Or will things remain the same? After all, there is a bigger picture indeed. What’s mostly important is that the message is heard loud and clear.
Written by Jalen Hemphill