Jay-Z advises older rap artists to chase ‘authenticity’ not ‘trends’
American rapper shares clear message to artists navigating authenticity in hip-hop music
Jay-Z recently offered advice to older rap artists to chase authenticity in music and not youth trends.
In his latest interview with New York Times, the American rapper opened up that the artists should try to focus on narrating real stories in music.
“We needed that other side,” said the 56-year-old.
Jay-Z went on saying, “We needed to hear about what happens when you have had four successful albums.”
“What does that feel like? How do you make the next one? How are your kids? How do you interact with investors?” explained the Young Forever singer.
The rapper noted that if the older artists “are trying to make young music and you are not young, it’s going to be inauthentic and people could feel that”.
“The best thing anyone can do… is to tell a story and just keep creating from that space,” suggested Jay-Z.
Elsewhere in the interview, the rapper pointed out the artists could have problems when they try to recreate moments, they are no longer connected to.
Jay-Z mentioned, “They were trying to recreate something that was already done, but they not connected to it like that. They're not living it and breathing it.”
“They were fighting against gravity,” added the rapper.
