I find the word 'rap' has a bad reputation, so I like to use 'hip-hop' instead (rap [rhythm and poetry] = hip hop). Definitely the under dog on this forum. I was a big rock fan back in the day, but have since developed more than a passion for hip-hop (obviously still love the rock music I've always loved). I don't really like any new rock though. I find it's more alternative rock these days..which is fine, but a lot of it sounds the same to me.

If you know what to look for in terms of hip-hop (Most people who say anything about 'mainstream' or shit on hip-hop music just have no idea what to look for...the word is...naive), you'll find it is definitely not going anywhere. Hopefully all that shitty crunk southern bullshit (which is NOT hip-hop/rap) will die out though. Nas (already working on his next album) and Jay are still kicking at full strength...Em and Jada are coming with new records next year...it's only growing stronger (not to mention the underground artists that are rising)...and hopefully more true hip-hop artists can join the race rather than those talentless gimmick shitheads.