Number 3 Most Overrated Musical Act of All Time: Rap/Hip Hop (the whole genre)

I realize this one will ruffle quite a few feathers, but the truth must be told. Here is a little rule that predates all of us: “music” is created and played by “musicians.” This is not a list of “overrated poets” or “overrated rhymers” or “overrated lyricists.” I have no doubt that many fine lyrics exist somewhere in the genre. But the genre simply doesn’t require musicians. Just like CCM from the 1980s on, musicians have been rendered unnecessary by this genre. All you need is the right lyrics, some computer-generated beat, and (as usual for overrated acts) the right dress code and “style.” This is not the same as “music.” It honestly doesn’t matter how many journalists and critics pile validation on the genre—if you’re not a jammer, you’re overrated in the category of “music.” Period. Nor is this a racial thing, for you lovers of the Straw Man Theory: from Louis Armstrong to Miles Davis, John Coltrane, Ray Charles, Jimi Hendrix, the Campbell Brothers and even today’s Robert Randolph, African-Americans have contributed mightily (if not outright shaped) American music for the past century or more. But rap and hip-hop simply aren’t music—it doesn’t require musicians or musicianship in order to make it, and the emphasis is on style rather than musical substance. It's an emblem; a virtue-signal; a "dog whistle" to show others how "relevant" you are .....it's not music. I would rather listen to that never-ending accordion solo in Tejano music than hip-hop—at least actual musicians are involved.  

Overratedness Rating: 4/5 John Mayers