As Twitter continues to become an influential force on society, the opinions of Twitter users have become somewhat of a monolith, especially when music is involved. The deeming of albums as "classic" has also become a popular trend on social media. With this declaration, the question of what exactly goes into a classic album begins to emerge. With hip hop, a fairly new genre in comparison to others, this question is particularly complex.
Hip-hop fans have their classic albums from artists and groups such as A Tribe Called Quest, Wu Tang Clan, NWA and Nas, among others. People, namely millennials, have been quick to call many modern day albums, especially rap/hip hop albums “classics.” But, in our short lives, can we truly give any modern album that title? The classics of hip hop have all stood the test of times. Albums from decades ago are still being hailed as crucial to the genre. Albums such as “Midnight Marauders” by A Tribe Called Quest or “Illmatic” by Nas are still being referenced, sampled and honored for their creativity, lyrical skill and ingenuity. Which brings us to another question: Are there certain guidelines for which we can call a hip hop album a classic? As hip-hop shape-shifts to accommodate the generation and culture it’s now emerged in, is there only one type of rap that can be acknowledged as a classic? Kendrick Lamar, one of the greatest contemporary rappers, obviously fits into those stereotypical guidelines befitting a hip hop artist, but what about, say, trap rappers? Does Gucci Mane, a rapper adored by many, get to boast one of his albums or mixtapes as a classic although his songs are in no way similar to those of his hip hop predecessors?
As time has gone on and hip hop has evolved into the melting pot it is now, its fans have also become somewhat segregated. There are, of course, the hip hop purists. Those that listen to Gil Scott-Heron and Public Enemy and wouldn’t dare put any song on their phone that came out within the last decade. There are the trap enthusiasts. Those that may not quite be able to list the discography of De La Soul but can undoubtedly spit lyrics from Migos, Future or Chief Keef with skill and precision. Then, there are the underground boasters. Those that will loudly and proudly say they listened to an artist before they blew up (their favorite artists tend to be Joey Bada$$, Chance the Rapper, Childish Gambino or Mick Jenkins). Lastly, there are just all around hip-hop lovers. Those that listen to a little bit of everything yet still acknowledge their hip hop heritage. None of these are particularly better or worst than the other. It’s impossible to mandate what another person should or should not like. But the fact that there are so many divisions of fans and sub-genres of hip hop proves to complicate the question of “What is a classic album?” even further. The fact that hip hop has evolved so much in the last few years only further complicates what constitutes a classic album. The hip hop purist may not see Drake’s album “Take Care” as a classic, but the underground boaster who was listening to Drake since "Comeback Season” may, without hesitation, declare the album as essential to every hip hop listener’s collection. If the opinions of modern day albums are so debated, how can we be so sure of classic albums?
Because there are so many differing opinions on “classic” and because it is so subjective, I sought an objective source for an objective answer: The dictionary. Merriam-Webster defines classic as a work of enduring excellence. What is the timeframe for this endurance, however? Can after, say, 5 years, a work be deemed a classic? Or maybe after 10 years? What does that, then, mean for instant classics? I’m sure on April 12, 1994, nobody knew the effect Nas’ "Illmatic" would have on the hip hop world. But it certainly didn’t get its “classic” title overnight. Although it received amazing reviews from critics, its initial sales didn’t do as well as they had hoped. Who would’ve thought that more than 20 years later, "Illmatic" would still be on countless “Best Albums” lists? It’s clearly stood the test of times because, 20 years later, "Illmatic" is still being hailed as a blueprint for many rappers and emcees to create and showcase their lyrical and creative abilities to the world.
After the objective definition and after the various different examples of how confusing this question can be, I concluded that a classic is timeless. A classic sets a foundation for inspiration and offers something to the genre that some didn’t even know was missing. As for the specific “type” of hip hop, there should be no specific guideline for what constitutes a classic rap album. Just as there can be sub-genres of other genres of music, there can be sub-genres of hip hop. The question still remains, however, how long must an album stand for an album to be considered a classic? “808s & Heartbreaks,” Kanye’s auto-tuned and emotional 2008 album, came out eight years ago, but for many, it is an obvious classic. Is eight years enough to be deemed a classic? For me, I would undoubtedly hail this album a classic. It set a precedent for so many more emotionally drenched and "808s" imbibed music, but others would be quick to rebuke it. This would then produce an emotionally drenched debate of what this very article is about. Because the term is so subjective, how can anyone truly compose a general collection of modern classics?
While many people tend to quickly label albums as a classic, it has to be understood that the title of “classic” holds with it a lot of weight. So while I may not agree with everyone on what constitutes a classic, and I may not agree with everyone on what modern albums currently hold that title, let’s all agree on a few things:
1. Only time will tell what albums are still considered a classic.
2. An album can’t be deemed a classic halfway through it’s first listen. So for all of you that deem every album you listen to a classic, stop!
And after carefully examining why an album can’t possibly be a classic after listening to just one song on the album, ask yourself what you truly think a classic is. After careful consideration, ask yourself if that album deserves to be in the metaphorical Hip-Hop Hall of Fame with all the other greats. Ask yourself if it’s truly a classic.
