I know a lot of people will agree when I say "music today is not how it used to be." Some may even say that "music was better back in the day." I don't think that is true in all aspects. I know my mom says it, I even say it when it comes to comparing pop music today to 90s pop.
This topic comes up a lot when it comes to rap music. People want rappers today to honor the style of older rap legends like Biggie Smalls Tupac Shakur, or NWA. They say that rap isn't lyrical anymore. Mumble rap has taken over, and It seems that artists rely on a great beat more than the art of the message. While this is partially true, It's more of the media than it is the music.
Mumble rappers can get more media attention than others for two reasons. One because the songs have a great beat and a unique title. Two because those that continually talk about how wrong mumble rap is, draw more attention to it. There are still good lyrical rappers out today; major and underground ones. Some good major ones (in my opinion) are J Cole, Kendrick Lamar, and Eminem. People who have rap as their favorite genre will have a much longer list. These are just a few from my Spotify favorites list.
My favorite genre is R&B. While R&B music is not the same as it was in the days of TLC, Jill Scott, and Destiny's Child, that doesn't mean it isn't real. Now there are Beyonce, Rihanna, Alicia Keys, Alessia Cara, Janelle Monae, Melanie Fiona, and Chloe X Halle to list a few. The first three have been around for a while but are still releasing new music.
Yes! I still listen to 90s music daily. But, the evolution of music can be beautiful if you're paying attention. Even going way back to where Jazz started, bringing Rock and Roll, Funk, Soul, Blues, R&B, and Hip Hop is fascinating. It's still evolving every day. We can go back and bring some forgotten elements into the new, and sometimes we can invent what has never seen before. In any decade, music is my favorite kind of expression and culture, no matter how it has changed.