SoundCloud is a free app that anyone can openly make an account and publish music on.  Many young rap artists have used this forum as a free, easy way to get their music promoted without the need of a record deal.  This new wave of artists however, are changing the way of the rap game.  Allstars such as Xxxtentacion, Lil Pump, and Ski Mask the Slump God have made such an impact on the youth and changed what it means to be a rapper.  You can criticize the vulgar lyrics, ignorant hooks, and distorted bass. These young adults are keeping up with the pack of rappers that have been signed to major labels.  Also, they keep up on social media everyday talking to fans and paying respect to those kids that are the reason they can afford to buy Gucci Belts and Margiela shoes.  

The youth is getting spoken to through music better than any other era has.  Most of the Souncloud Hero’s are still the age of their fanbase ( Xxxtentacion-19, Lil Pump-17, Smooky Margiella-15 ), so they are emotionally and mentally in sync with the fans.  For the purpose of not misinterpreting these statements, take a look at 30 year old artist Kendrick Lamar. He is viewed as the best, but he rarely uses his social media to check how his fans are doing. This is a huge difference between him and 19 year old Xxxtentacion, who leaves his social media dm’s open for people that need someone just to talk to. Granted it is impossible to open and respond to every single fan, he still is extending the offer and trying to help the generation in a different approach rather than just the music. Not to take away any from the extensive charity work done by Kendrick, this is just an example of newer, different ways artists are trying to appeal and help their generation since these forms of social media (SoundCloud, Instagram, Twitter) are relatively new.  

This new era of hip-hop is very comparable to punk rock in the 90s. Not Blink 182, or Sum 41; we’re talking about the raw artists that grabbed major labels by the throat and proved they could make hits themselves.  We’re talking bands like NOFX, Lagwagon, Strung Out, Rancid, Early Offspring or Greenday.  These scenes are a cliche example of history repeating itself with an eruption of open minded, creative people changing the art of music.  This being said, you have to have an open mind when browsing these artist’s albums, songs, or accounts.  You have to be able to accept different types of music because the creativeness can surely scare the person with a closed mind and have them scream, “NO TALENT.”  Call it mumble rap, garbage, or even a joke, but never knock these artists of their talent.  Before this spark of SoundCloud DIY rap, Did you ever here music like this? Did you ever see millions of kids bump Ski Mask the Slump God and XXXtentacion?  NO! You didn’t. So if these young adults have no talent then tell me why they are kicking back right now, writing music that they love, getting paid for it, and have millions of fans behind their back.