The Unfair Scrutiny of Mumble Rappers: Lil Uzi Vert as a Case Study

The term 'mumble rapper' has become a point of contention in the hip-hop world, with many critics labeling artists like Lil Uzi Vert as not being true rappers because their lyrics are hard to understand. However, this criticism is unfair and misses the larger picture.

One notable instance of this scrutiny is Lil Uzi Vert's recent interview on Hot 97, a New York radio station known for putting up-and-coming and seasoned MCs to the test. The station's host, Ebro, tried to get Lil Uzi Vert to rap over a DJ Premier beat, which the rapper struggled with.

This reaction from fans and critics alike is not only unfair but also misguided. It's like asking every artist to freestyle, which is an independent skill from recording or performing music. Not all rappers make music that lends itself to freestyling, and it's not fair to hold them to this standard.

Moreover, the XXL Freshman list, an annual round-up of rappers who are 'next-up,' often perpetuates a self-fulfilling prophecy. This list funnels and forces a range of musical artists to perform in a specific way, rather than celebrating their individuality.

The Breakfast Club and Sway in the Morning, among other radio programs, consistently bring rappers on to chat and freestyle, but this can be seen as a form of judgment. Hot 97, in particular, has immense sway over the hip-hop zeitgeist.

Despite these criticisms, Lil Uzi Vert is already successful and will continue to be so. Fans don't care about the rules of the game; they simply enjoy his music. In fact, some critics have started to take mumble rappers seriously, recognizing their talent beyond the narrow definition of what constitutes a 'real' rapper.

Ultimately, the debate surrounding mumble rappers like Lil Uzi Vert is a reflection of our society's resistance to change. We're stuck in a destructive cycle of evaluating artists based on outdated standards rather than embracing their unique contributions to hip-hop culture.

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