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Mauricio Santana / Contributor via Getty Images and Mark Blinch / Contributor via Getty Images
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JPEGMAFIA and Drake
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Key Takeaways
- JPEGMAFIA believes fans are seeking fresh perspectives in Hip Hop, moving away from repetitive lyrics.
- He argues that the genre is in need of creativity and innovation.
- His comments highlight a generational divide within the music industry between established and experimental artists.
In a recent interview with Billboard, JPEGMAFIA shared his thoughts on the current landscape of Hip Hop, particularly regarding mainstream artists like Drake. He suggested that listeners are growing weary of what he describes as “repetitive” themes in rap music, specifically referencing Drake’s tendency to focus on relationships and personal struggles.
When discussing the potential for a crossover between hardcore music and rap—an approach he has explored in his work—JPEGMAFIA stated, “I think a lot of people are gonna jump on that.” He emphasized that many are beginning to recognize the lack of excitement in the genre. “People yearn for something new, especially in rap,” he noted.
JPEGMAFIA’s criticisms of Drake were pointed: “We don’t wanna hear Drake complain about b**ches anymore,” he expressed, adding, “We don’t f**king care. He’s 40.” It is worth noting that Drake is actually 38 years old. While Drake’s discography covers a range of musical styles—from dance tracks like “NOKIA” to his exploration of drill beats in “Calling For You”—JPEGMAFIA insists that audiences are looking for a change in thematic content as well.
This is not the first instance of JPEGMAFIA addressing Drake’s work. He has previously referenced the Canadian artist on his 2024 project, notably on the track “New Black History,” where he criticized the mainstream music landscape: “cashing out for PDFs and rapers (No Drizzy).” In another track, he echoed sentiments found in Kendrick Lamar’s work, stating, “If I show you a Drac’, I ain’t playin’ with kids.”
The urgency for innovation in Hip Hop, as highlighted by JPEGMAFIA, reflects broader sentiments within the genre. He lamented that many artists often resort to rehashing existing sounds rather than venturing into new territory. “We need something different,” he stated firmly. “I’m here to try to provide and cultivate that as much as I can because rap fans are f**king bored.” He underscored the difference between his experimental approach and what he perceives as repetitive mainstream trends, asserting, “If I’m not [doing something new], I did not do my f**king job.”
In conclusion, JPEGMAFIA’s reflections on the state of Hip Hop serve as a call to action for the genre’s future, advocating for originality and innovative expression amid a musical landscape often criticized for its stagnation.
