Yasiin Bey Labels Drake as ‘Pop’ and Questions Music’s Relevance Amidst Societal Challenges
In an exclusive interview with The Cutting Room Floor on Patreon, esteemed Hip Hop artist Yasiin Bey, formerly known as Mos Def, shared his perspective on contemporary rap, spotlighting Drake as a prominent figure in the genre.
Bey expressed his view that Drake’s music falls into the “pop” category, particularly emphasizing its compatibility with commercial settings like shopping. He playfully remarked on the idea of Drake’s music being an ideal backdrop for the shopping experience, adding a humorous touch to the discussion.
The Brooklyn native acknowledged the likeability of Drake’s music but raised more serious questions about the relevance of music tailored for commerce, especially in times he described as potentially “the collapse of empire.” Bey questioned the value of such music during societal challenges, urging artists to consider the message and impact their work carries.
Shifting gears, Yasiin Bey announced a unique and exclusive concert set to take place at the La Cigale theatre in Paris on January 18. The one-night-only event will feature Bey performing a setlist comprising only MF DOOM covers, paying homage to the late rapper. Bey has always expressed admiration for DOOM’s rhymes and unique style, even stating in a previous video that he believed MF DOOM was a better rapper than Lil Wayne.
MF DOOM, whose real name was Daniel Dumile, passed away in October 2020 at the age of 49. Last year, it was revealed that he died from angioedema, a rare side effect of blood pressure medication.
