The article examines the state of rap music in the U.S. and France, noting its decline in popularity in the former while remaining strong in the latter, although concerning trends are emerging.
The article investigates the current landscape of rap music, questioning whether the genre is facing extinction. While rap has seen a decline in popularity in the United States, particularly highlighted by the recent Super Bowl performance which featured more Latin trap and reggaeton than traditional rap, the genre maintains a dominant presence in France. However, there are warning signs indicating that this might not last forever, as new musical influences gain traction among younger audiences.
The Super Bowl showcase, which attracted 135 million viewers, featured Bad Bunny, a popular artist leaning towards Latin rhythms, signaling a shift away from rap's prominence in American pop culture. This contrast between the U.S. and France illustrates how rap's initial explosion, with roots in New York, is not as resonant today in its birthplace as it once was. Instead, artists like Billie Eilish and Bruno Mars have started to eclipse rap artists, thrusting pop and other genres into the spotlight.
In France, despite some troubling indicators, rap remains at its peak, with a loyal fanbase. Yet as the article touches on the evolution of musical styles and tastes, it suggests that even in a stronghold like France, the future of rap could be precarious if the genre fails to adapt and evolve in the changing musical landscape. As listeners gravitate towards new sounds, the potential for rap's decline looms, suggesting that the genre must remain innovative to sustain its relevance in the face of evolving trends.
