Dave East, Big K.R.I.T. & More Discuss Ageism In Hip Hop: ’It’s Never Too Late'

December 04, 2000

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Dave East, Big K.R.I.T. and more Hip Hop figures have shared their thoughts on ageism in the culture and if it’s really a young person’s game.

Earlier this week, rapper JFK hopped on his Instagram with a post asking several Hip Hop figures their opinions on ageism in the culture. For years people have assumed there’s an end period for rappers before the public considers them washed up. However, there are many examples of artists proving their worth across decades.

My Expert Opinion host Math Hoffa opened the discussion by referencing JAY-Z’s mind-blowing verse on DJ Khaled’s “God Did.” At 53 years old, Hov blew a lot of people away with a verse that a person at that age had no business spitting with such conviction.

“I think one of the hottest verses of the year came from someone who’s over 50, shout out to Hov, salute. Thank you for showing us the way,” Math Hoffa said.

Dave East chimed in, saying: “I feel like you get yourself old. I think Hip Hop is something you can stay young in. It’s not like basketball.”

Big K.R.I.T. commented on other genres never having to deal with ageism, saying: “It’s weird ’cause it is, but it’s not supposed to be. Hip Hop is a youngin’ genre that we know of right now, so I think about blues and soul, and you talk about them bands they never really dissed the OGs, they never really talked down. They talked about the inspiration.”

 

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Statik Selektah, along with 38 Spesh, agreed that it depends on the artist if ageism really matters because it all depends on how the person feels with their work. Houston rap legend Paul Wall brought up the separation between the old and new generation making the idea of ageism even worse.

“When we came up young, it was young people feeling us, but they aged with us,” Wall said. “So if we old still looking for the old people to follow us, I think we’re on the wrong path.”

JAY-Z further proved that there is no age limit on quality in Hip Hop by closing out the 2023 Grammy Awards with a performance of his verse on “God Did” alongside Rick Ross, Lil Wayne and DJ Khaled.

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