When rap came out 30 years ago I thought it was just a fad

I'm quite surprised that no one has mentioned Gil Scott-Heron, as he was clearly a very powerful, early influence on the genre. And if you think that rap is all about "thugs", or that rap artists aren't musicians, then you haven't listened to Scott-Heron.

For those who are interested, try "The Revolution Will Not Be Televised" and "In the Bottle".

" it is now just real crap / by thugs .....with one step in and out of prison ''  It NEVER was any good and 30 years from now ...no 5 years from now, do you think that you will be listening to any of the, for a lack of any better words ; songs that are being played now ???? I think not  - can't say that about ' Miles Davis, Frank Sinatra , Louis Armstrong, Ray Charles, The Allman  Brothers, The Band, The Beatles  ...that list goes on.  I am amazed that crap is still around

The common denominator that ties the vast majority of the harsh critics – like garebear above – is that they lump all rap artists together.

That alone underscores that their opinions stem from ignorance.

Don’t misunderstand: everyone is of course free to express their opinions, and it is perfectly reasonable to dislike the genre. But dismissing it with a disdainful wave of the hand is simply ignorant.

"" ohhh okay I am one that's ignorant..... tell me one artist then Mr. Savat who will be relevant in say 5 years and not in prison or broke "  Give me a break ...the ignorant ones are the ones who actually but that crap   

Thanks for providing such clear, unvarnished confirmation.