Hip Hop/ R&B in the Obaman Era

I'll start off by fully disclosing that I am not an Obama supporter. I recognize the historic nature of the election of the first biracial US president; however, that's about as far as I care to celebrate. My main interest lies in the effects this new era will have on popular music.

The music of Sept 11, 2001 through around Sept 2007 will, I think, define the '00's sound on the whole. The popular music of this era is mostly characterized by escapism from very somber world events. This was the time of Beyonce, Fergie, The Pussycat Dolls, and Chris Brown.

If the 2000's music era was all about escapism, the Obaman era so far seems to be about (what else?) hope. Already, I'm noticing Hip Hop and R&B artists getting a little more serious, a little more confessional, more sincere. Starting with Will.I.Am's ode to Obama, "Yes We Can," Hip Hop artists and R&B singers are involved in a mass-movement toward sincerity. Kanye, Q-Tip, and T.I. are all showing the subtle signs of transition (I might as well say it- of change).

All of this good will sure feels great. But whether it will translate into great music is a question that will be answered in part hopefully by 2012.

Achoo

A lot of times I will sneeze, and no one will bless me. I'm starting to believe that my sneezes must sound like coughs....