:: When Nas said "Hip Hop's dead" he wasn't joking::  

Thank God!

I think Hip Hop, as with most music, is going through a phase. Hip Hop to me was at it's greatest during the late 80s, early 90s. There is a new generation of listeners out there now and most are probably catering to the younger audience. As for me, I can't relate anymore - I still listen to Criminal Minded BDP, Gang Starr and a host of other old school artists. This post has made me want to dig in my crates for Common's "I used to love her" and Pete Rock and CL Smoothe's 'Reminisce' - those were the days..all we have now are the memories, Thank god/dess for the old joints because the new ones aren't saying much at all.

Like the previous post said, it is going through a phase but it's still around. For me personally, I got sick of hearing the same old thing over and over - same sounds, same production, same content (which hasn't even been good). I stopped listening to rap on the radio or TV. I have found some great hip hop in the underground / local scene though. Hip hop isn't dead, it never will be - it just isn't in the spotlight.