DJ Akademiks raised eyebrows recently with comments about the current state of hip-hop music, suggesting that the extensive touring by artists is detrimental to the genre. His remarks coincided with the announcement that Kendrick Lamar and SZA have achieved the highest-grossing hip-hop tour of all time. While not a direct response to their success, Akademiks’ insights reflect broader trends in the industry.
During a livestream discussion, Akademiks highlighted the rising trend of artists prioritizing touring over album releases. He noted the impressive performances of several artists, including NBA YoungBoy with his MASA tour and Playboi Carti with the Opium tour. These tours have significantly contributed to the financial landscape of hip-hop, but Akademiks expressed concern about the implications for the music itself.
Akademiks stated, “Yo, I keep telling y’all: part of the reason music is going down [is that] the majority of acts that are popping are all on tour.” He suggested that many artists are now focusing on touring as a primary revenue source, which he believes detracts from the music-making process.
He elaborated, “You drop one album and you go on three tours. Three tours, do mad festivals, and come back in two years.” According to Akademiks, this shift represents a significant change from the traditional approach in hip-hop, where artists typically toured following a successful album release.
The commentator pointed to the pandemic as a possible catalyst for this shift. “I don’t know if this is a pandemic re-correction,” he said, noting that while artists are back on the road, the emphasis on constant touring might be negatively affecting the quality and creativity of hip-hop music.
He further mentioned that artists like J. Cole are also set to announce tours, while Drake continues his busy schedule on the road. “Everybody’s on the road,” he remarked, indicating that the trend of relentless touring is now the norm rather than the exception.
Akademiks’ comments sparked a discussion about the balance between live performances and creating new music, raising questions about the sustainability of this touring model in the long term. As artists continue to chase lucrative touring opportunities, the impact on their music and the genre as a whole remains a topic of debate among fans and critics alike.
In a landscape where touring can generate significant income, the challenge for artists will be to maintain their artistic integrity while navigating the demands of a grueling performance schedule. The future of hip-hop may hinge on how artists adapt to these evolving pressures in the industry.
