Harry is Hip-Hop’s Last Hoorah?

Being of a certain age, I have seen numerous musical trends come and go.  Hair metal died when record labels started signing anyone with big hair.  Grunge died when plaid started showing up on the runways of Milan, New York and Japan.

 

If the past is any indication of the future, the world of hip-hop may now be on its last legs as well.   The kids’ show Hip Hop Harry takes the notion of musical oversaturation to dizzying new heights, no doubt making even Gene Simmons insanely jealous.  There’s even a brewing battle between Barney and Harry, a la Kanye and Fiddy.  Thankfully, I don’t ever recall a Hair Metal Harvey or Grungy Garry.

 

Even the trash talk in rap has gone commercial.  The latest battle between 50 Cent and Kanye West was not about who had the greater talent or artistic merit but who would sell the most albums.  Could competing tours sponsored by Target and Wal-Mart be far behind?

 

Perhaps the next step in the mass commercialization of hip-hop includes sponsorship by the big cereal companies.  I’m hoping for Kanye Krisps and Fiddy Flakes – that way when they continue to cram the mass consumption of hip-hop down my throat, it at least will have a sweet sugary aftertaste.