This was genuinely fascinating. I'd at least heard of NBA Youngboy, but as I am old and uncool I don't know any of his music and had absolutely no idea how big he was. Going to check him out. I doubt it will be my jam, but you never know.
I'm an elder millennial rap fan and I've always been kind of lukewarm on YoungBoy. To me, guys like Kevin Gates, Rod Wave, and Young Thug mix melody and rap better. I've always assumed I'm just too old, obviously his millions of fans get and appreciate what he does.
But I can't help but notice this article dedicates a lot more words to his persona and the lurid true-crime elements surrounding him than specific songs or albums that will stand the test of time. And I have noticed this trend among a lot of the most popular rap artists - both fans and critics often seem more interested in the drama and violence surrounding artists than the songs, which to me is kind of a bummer.
Impressive and fascinating. Yup, had never heard of NBA Young Boy. I asked my 18-and-17-year-old sons. They've got him on their Spotify playlists. Now we've got something more to talk about. Another reason to be grateful for the piece.
Great, couldn't put it down, or whatever that means in digital screen time. Really dug the exploration of popular culture meets algorithms stuff. Truly incredible how the most famous people on earth are sometimes virtually unknown.
Gotta get my thoughts together on this before I can comment more thoroughly. Super impressive writing here, loved the tone and how readable it is. That 4th wall break was another level. The entire third act of this post was rocket fuel. Well done, man.
This was genuinely fascinating. I'd at least heard of NBA Youngboy, but as I am old and uncool I don't know any of his music and had absolutely no idea how big he was. Going to check him out. I doubt it will be my jam, but you never know.
Hard to fathom beating someone down while rolling on ecstasy!
I know I'm out of the loop, but I still can't believe this is the first I'm hearing about this guy. Also,
I didn't think albums were still sold at all, let alone one hundred and nine million of them.
Yes the Crime-Is-A-Racist-Myth crowd tries to wishcast this stuff out of existence by ignoring it, but they really did keep this guy under wraps good.
It’s not traditional sales. It’s streaming equivalent sales for the most part
That makes more sense
First off it's a fantastic piece of writing.
I'm an elder millennial rap fan and I've always been kind of lukewarm on YoungBoy. To me, guys like Kevin Gates, Rod Wave, and Young Thug mix melody and rap better. I've always assumed I'm just too old, obviously his millions of fans get and appreciate what he does.
But I can't help but notice this article dedicates a lot more words to his persona and the lurid true-crime elements surrounding him than specific songs or albums that will stand the test of time. And I have noticed this trend among a lot of the most popular rap artists - both fans and critics often seem more interested in the drama and violence surrounding artists than the songs, which to me is kind of a bummer.
I listen to Kacey Talk every day
Thats a classic. I like “I Am Who They Say I Am” as well
Impressive and fascinating. Yup, had never heard of NBA Young Boy. I asked my 18-and-17-year-old sons. They've got him on their Spotify playlists. Now we've got something more to talk about. Another reason to be grateful for the piece.
Great, couldn't put it down, or whatever that means in digital screen time. Really dug the exploration of popular culture meets algorithms stuff. Truly incredible how the most famous people on earth are sometimes virtually unknown.
Exactly the sort of article I subscribe for!
Please do Esdeekid next
rare music journalism. “My Shit” is what Tyler’s “Big Poe” aaaalways wanted to be
Impressive. An exceptional essay.
Gotta get my thoughts together on this before I can comment more thoroughly. Super impressive writing here, loved the tone and how readable it is. That 4th wall break was another level. The entire third act of this post was rocket fuel. Well done, man.
Great stuff.
🤌🤌🤌🤌🤌🤌🤌🤌
I'd been looking forward to this piece. Very good work.
Cool read
Nice work.