Can the Stars of Hip Hop’s Golden Age Stay Relevant?

By A.D. Carson, University of Virginia It’s always awkward telling people what I do for a living. I’m a rapper. I also work as a professor of hip-hop. I work at the intersection of art making and academic research. I write music as part of a greater effort to challenge antiquated ideas about learning, teaching and expertise. RELATED: Is JAY-Z’s Wealth Good for Black America? Black stories matter Stay up-to-date on reporting that amplifies the stories, voices, and perspectives of Black America. But I assume the awkwardness in conversations about work is related to stereotypes of hip-hop culture. Among many, one of those assumptions is that hip-hop is only made for and by young people. It’s no surprise that ageism exists in and about hip-hop culture; in the U.S., ageism is everywhere. But I would argue that ageism in hip-hop is especially strong because the first generation of rappers is only now reaching their golden years. New rap categories In August 2024, music producer 9th Wonder proposed a new “Adult Contemporary” category for rap music. A month prior, 52-year-old Common and 54-year-old producer Pete Rock had released “The Auditorium, Vol. 1.” In response to 9th Wonder, legendary hip-hop artist Q-Tip...