Given how many artists have been popping off this year, it’s hard to pick just one that’s been the most dominant. There are arguments to be made for sure for a small handful. Kendrick Lamar, Future, and Tyler, The Creator immediately come to mind. You can also make the case for a region in 2024. The West Coast is definitely at the top of the list, thanks in large part to K. Dot. But ScHoolboy Q, SiR, Snoop Dogg and Dr. Dre (soon), are just a few others that have put out stellar projects. However, it goes beyond the mainstream names. Artists like Lefty Gunplay, JasonMartin, and Jay Worthy have also been doing some great things for the underground scene.
However, all of this isn’t enough for DJ Akademiks, who believes that this region isn’t as popular as people make it seem to be. He decided to present his argument to his livestream viewers recently, following some DMs between Mustard and Boi-1da that made the rounds. After initially supporting his Cali contemporary for his work on Lamar’s “Not Like Us,” the Drake affiliated producer had a change of heart. “West Coast rap is a**,” he said. Mustard decided to share that and the other key texts to publicly blast Boi-1da.
DJ Akademiks Has The Internet Split
DJ Akademiks personally doesn’t share that opinion, even though his takes on some West Coast artists would suggest otherwise. However, he recognizes that there are a few that have that much motion from that region. But it’s just that. Overall, Ak thinks that “99 percent” of rap from there doesn’t make it outside of California. For example, he mentions names like YG, who was dropping hit record after hit record back in the mid-2010s. But now, his sale numbers aren’t what they used to be.
Overall, his key reason as to why he stands by this claim is that he feels artists from there don’t market their material enough. Akademiks thinks most West Coast acts are overly sensitive and that they have a belief that they are on Kendrick’s level. Listening to his argument, he makes some points that make sense. In fact, he has quite a few agreeing with him as we speak. But he’s also losing some as well, as they are mentioning how they listen to West Coast music when they aren’t from there.
About The Author
Zachary Horvath is one of the Music Freelance News Writers at HotNewHipHop and has held that title since August 2023. Prior to this position, he held another freelance gig covering local high school football, girls and boys varsity basketball, in addition to recapping Cleveland Cavaliers games remotely.
He’s taken the previous experience and used it to become a jack of all trades at HotNewHipHop. Zach has thoroughly enjoyed tackling some of the trending topics in sports, with a larger focus on hip-hop and pop culture. Some of those include Bronny James’s draft stock, a multitude of angles swirling around the Drake and Kendrick Lamar beef, as well as Diddy’s arrest and lawsuits. Separate from the headlines that everyone wants to hear about, he was fortunate enough to help spread Zaytoven’s current thoughts at the time around mid-December in 2023.
Even though being able to give his expertise on these stories is fulfilling, being able to share his passion for releases trumps that ever so slightly. Having the chance to express his excitement indirectly about what he thinks our readers should be checking out/revisiting grows his passion for writing that much more.
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