What Makes a Rapper Corny and Why We Keep Hearing the Same Themes

The perception of a rapper being 'corny' is often rooted in a lack of authenticity, repetitive themes, and an overreliance on commercialized content. Understanding what makes a rapper corny and why fans keep hearing the same themes in their music can shed light on the evolving nature of hip-hop.

Lack of Authenticity

One of the primary reasons a rapper may be perceived as 'corny' is a lack of authenticity. When rappers try too hard to fit into a certain image or sound, often without genuine connection to the culture, it can come off as insincere and shallow. Authenticity is highly valued in the hip-hop community, where artists are expected to represent their true selves and resonate with their audience on a deeper, more personal level.

Overly Commercialized Content

Another factor contributing to the perception of 'cornyness' is the excessive focus on mainstream commercial appeal. Rappers who use clichéd themes or overly polished production often lack the introspective or meaningful content that resonates with fans. Themes of wealth, fame, and superficial topics that lack depth can become repetitive and unoriginal, leading to a perception of corniness.

Cringe-Worthy Lyrics and Silly Personas

Lyrics that are overly simplistic, awkward, or attempt to be humorous but fall flat can also contribute to a rapper's corny reputation. Clever wordplay and smart rhymes are preferred in hip-hop, as the genre values wit and creativity. A rapper who adopts a gimmicky persona or overly theatrical branding that detracts from their music can be seen as corny. This includes excessive use of catchphrases or outrageous outfits that come across as inauthentic rather than entertaining.

Trendy Fads and Failure to Evolve

Rappers who chase trends or adopt styles that feel forced or inauthentic can be viewed as 'corny.' Even in a genre that values evolution and experimentation, sticking to outdated styles can lead to a perception of stagnation. This is especially true for artists who refuse to adapt to the changing landscape of hip-hop and music in general.

Cultural Appropriation

Lastly, cultural appropriation can also lead to a rapper being labeled as 'corny.' When an artist uses elements of hip-hop culture without respect or understanding, it can be seen as exploitative rather than genuine. This lack of respect for the culture can overshadow any artistic merit and lead to a negative perception among hip-hop fans.

In summary, what makes a rapper 'corny' often revolves around a perceived lack of sincerity, depth, and originality in their music and persona. As hip-hop continues to evolve, it is crucial for artists to stay true to their roots and their genuine experiences, while also being open to innovation and growth.

The issue with rap is that no matter how good an artist is on the mic, many people won't care to hear the same topics repeatedly. I heard people say artists are corny because they get repetitive. Yet, it's okay for artists like DaBaby to rap about girls on every track. People seem to be hypocrites. It reminds me of people that say try this food place out, it has the best burgers ever. At the end of the day, no matter how you season it, it's still a hamburger. You take artists like 21 Savage and Pop Smoke, you look at their last couple of songs, they're all about girls and women. You have artists that can flow like crazy, but if you look at the message, it's the same on every track. People don't know what they want to be honest. Mumble rappers, you expect them to rap about girls or drugs, haters, etc. Older generations might not care, but younger ones want to rap about what's cool and can be blasted in the streets while driving and dancing. The other artists have no excuse outside of their fans not caring. You have many who don't care if you are rapping about the same thing as long as it sounds good. If you rap and I can rap your next word, first time listening to it, not expecting RB to be what it is, but rap has no excuses for so much to rap about. Fans be like screw it, let me get my system and rims and lets go! Time to be cool! Rappers see it and are like this is what you want got you.

Stay tuned for the 'Smashing Bitches' remix coming out Friday featuring lilAdvil, lilSmooth, and lilTylenol. People are already posting, 'man I can't wait for that banger to come out Friday'! 'Let's go!' It will be in the top 5 tracks for sure.