“If I don't like it, I don't like it – that don't mean that I'm hatin...”

Ok....this discussion seems long overdue so it's time to put it all out on the table. First – a brief history lesson: Soooooooo circa 1995 – 1997, Diddy's (then Puff Daddy) Bad Boy Entertainment was the first to popularize the term “playa hater”. This was meant to call out those “hip-hop purists” who were at opposition with the lavish lifestyle that was branded by Bad Boy in its hay day. Since then we've heard different variations of the term used (Hater, Ph. D, and one that should never be used in 2010 - “hater-aid”). It seems like we've seen every version of a “hater” song released. Needless to say, it is a common and sometimes overused term in our culture.    

My question is this...what makes someone a hater?

Lately, I feel like I've had to passionately stand up for some of our popular artists – not because I feel like they're God's gift to hip-hop – but because they are unfairly criticized. Don't get me wrong...if you've listened to their music with an open mind and realized it's not your cup of tea, I can't be mad at you. But if you're upset that they're always on the radio so you call them “wack” or “overrated” - that's just unfair.

For instance, I've talked to friends who've introduced me to Drake's music when So Far Gone was popular. They sold me onto him: said “He is the future!”, “He's the best thing to happen to hip-hop!”, etc. Now, since he's gotten popular, they refuse to listen to him because they don't “feel him anymore.” “Why?” I ask, out of curiosity. “They just don't rap like they used to.” This confuses me because unless I heard a different version of Thank Me Later, not much has changed in Drake's flow and formula since So Far Gone: same monotone flow, same rhyme scheme, same punchline setup, same style of hooks. I've also heard people say “he can't rap.”, which is the biggest pile of bs I've ever heard. Let it be known: Skee-Lo can't rap. Are we comparing Drake's talent level to that of a Skee-Lo?! I can see the argument in saying he can't sing...but Drake can rap circles around most rappers out right now. Do not sit here and tell me Drake does not have talent. You may not like his style or delivery, but that's completely different than saying he has the inability to put words together. That's just harsh.  


I think it's funny that the same people who used to complain about the state of hip-hop - crying that they're tired of artists glorifying violence, misogyny, and ignorance - are the same ones who dislike Drake: an artist who is the complete opposite of these images. He's clean cut, fairly positive, smiles, dresses nice, articulate, non-violent, caters to women and he sings. Where's the problem?

I used Drake as a point of reference because of his current popularity, but this could be said about any popular artist: Kanye West, T.I., Jay-Z, Lil Wayne...even Wiz Khalifa – but on a smaller scale. My point is that we need to learn how to listen to music objectively and stop listening for faults. The only thing that should matter when you listen to something is “how does it make you feel?” That's it. Different artists have different strengths. Paul Wall is one of the worst rappers to ever go platinum, but for some reason “Sittin' Sideways” stayed on repeat at one point in time for me. Am I not allowed to like The Roots and Paul Wall at the same time? I can't like Jay Electronica and Waka Flocka Flame?  If I judged every artist on their talent level or lyrical content, half of my 400 gigs of music would be deleted. I would never describe Triple 6 Mafia as the most talented rappers on earth, but dammit, their music makes me feel good. Does that make you look down on me?

It baffles me because we don't know how to listen to artists objectively. Example - I'm not a fan of Chuck D. Yeah, I said it. I'm just not. At least not as a rapper. Lyrically he does nothing for me. Is he in my top 5? Not even close. Top 10? Not at all. But I recognize this man is intelligent and incorporates poetic devices in his writing. I understand he was the face of an entire hip-hop generation in the late 80's. I have a huge respect for him. Unfortunately, his music just doesn't reach me the same way that Nas' does...or Jay-Z. Of course I grew up in a different era, so that's part of it. But I do recognize his impact on the game.

So back to my original question....what makes someone a hater? 


I think a hater is someone who dislikes something without proper reason. Right now, it's a trend to not be a fan of current mainstream hip-hop. We like to prove how wise and omniscient we are by showing off our useless music knowledge, name dropping unknown underground artists and complaining how “music isn't what it used to be”, the same way our parents did when we were growing up.

In addition, we as a people love to root for the underdog. We love to see someone overcome obstacles and make it to the top. Maybe it's us embracing movies like Scarface and Forrest Gump. Maybe it's the constant teachings of David and Goliath as kids in Sunday school. Whatever it is, we love to see someone succeed against all odds. And at the end of the day, that's what hip-hop was built on. Making something out of nothing. But here's the problem: We're also crabs. The same way we wanna see that person succeed, we don't want them to get “too” successful. God forbid. We love artists when they're “underground” and virtually unknown because of the novelty of it all. We feel like we have something that no one else has, and it feels great! But the minute that artist “crosses over” and becomes mainstream.......it's on to the next phenomenon. Happens every time. 



I challenge you – the next time you find yourself saying something negative about a mainstream artist – ask yourself is it because you're truly not feeling it? Or have you just trained yourself to not like what's popular, without giving it a neutral and unbiased listen? Can we learn to accept artists for what they are and the roles they play? We can't truly expect every rapper to speak on the plight of society or say something deep and profound. Not to say we should support ignorance all the time, but we need to lighten up! And if at that point, you still don't like it....then I guess you ain't hatin...