Rap names putting rappers in a creative box?

I can't decide whether the media trend is that a rappers rap-name only foretells what they'll be rapping about, or if it's that a rap-name seems to put rappers in a creative box, so to speak, where making music about content that is different from what their rap name suggests just doesn't catch on/flops..

What do y'all think?

For instance:
Could Gunplay create a lyrical song with content that has nothing to with urban thug-esque struggles?

 

This is a very good discussion, I believe if the singer/songwriter was smart enough and had enough musical ability then they could do that.

 

That's what I'd like to think. I believe the foundation of the culture hinders the potential creativity in rappers to be subjected to only be able to sell certain ideologies and frames of thought. I only wonder if that trend has made it's way into rap names, even.

It's yet to be seen if, like you said, the intelligence of the artist and his willingness to venture out of mainstream topics is something that hip hop is ready for. At least, I don't know any rappers who actually do that. :/

Immortal Technique showed a difference in mainstream glorification, however still speaks about the same topics. Is hip hop ready for a new generation of perception about life?

 

In your second post, what do you mean by "the foundation of the culture"?

Hip hop and rap emerged as expression of social struggle. Throughout its entire history the musical culture has been periodically tainted by con artists and cleansed by true musicians; the former of whom typically seek to capitalize on the popularity of the latter, and then inevitably dilute the substance of the culture itself (at least in the sense of the word 'culture', as I believe you are using it) when there is an influx of money-seeking, cookie-cutter, rappers.

I don't think mainstream rappers select their names on the basis of anything other than what will sell. For example, Whiz Khalifa, Kid Cudi, Tyler the Creator, all have names that are, more or less, catchy, but they do not suggest anything about their music.

Hip Hop is a human creation, and like all human creations, it will always evolve and move in new directions. Musicians seeking to create music that is true to the original intent of the 'culture' must incorporate contemporary (and today, more far-reaching) social challenges in their music.

Here are a couple of examples of such musicians from different periods of hip hop's history







These guys have the right idea, but I think its still a little too early to tell where they stand as far as legitimacy goes.





So, yes. Hip hop today needs more musicians with legitimate concerns for the well-being of society.

 

Not once have I heard Eminem rap about chocolate covered peanuts.

/thread

 

This.

The name doesn't really define their limits as much as their genre does or their previous works. Countless bands get massacred (figuratively of course) by their fans for a new album that is 'more mainstream' or not similar to their older songs.

 

it's not so much of they limit what they rap about due to what their name implies, but their rep. u dont see ghostface killah hopping on some justin bieber track about lambos cuz it'd probably hurt his rep as a respected rap artist.... naw mean

even then, most real rappers will spit bars about whatever their thinkin/feelin, and if it sounds good they throw it onto a track... none of this creative box stuff

 

Most rappers don't even know if they're gonna blow and become mainstream when they pick their name so it probably is personal preference.
I have to agree with TV though that there are mainstream rappers who choose their name based on sales or what will sell best.

 

Not necessarily the name, but the songs that you make could definitely box you in a bit.

 

360 - aussie rap