Monday Night Thoughts: Next Bob Marley of Rap

"I know I wanna get my songs on iTunes
Then see the world
Then write new music
That feeds the world
I’m not black enough to go back to Africa
Fast enough
Decaffeinated on the grounds of a massacre
It’s like that for real
Nightcap, right back to my record deal
I wanna help people
I wanna be rich
I wanna be the Bob Marley of this
Rap music"

- Paradise by Noname Gypsy

I was listening to some Noname Gypsy the other day and there was a line that stood out to me. In 'Paradise' Noname spits about hoping to one day become "the Bob Marley of this rap music."

I've listened to this track a countless number of times but this was the first time the line actually resonated and sparked some thought. I've been pondering on it and there's been one thought circling my mind for days on end: with all of the Nas', Tupacs, Mos Defs, Jay Zs, Kanyes, Gurus and Biggies of the culture; is there still an open place available for somebody to be the Bob Marley of rap? I'm not decoding the line nor is this opinion piece meant to be circling that specific line (because it's obvious she just meant she wants to be influential). All it's doing is serving as a base for discussion to build upon. The Hip Hop culture is continually growing and evolving and over the years there's an unbelievable amount  of pioneers that contributed, ultimately forming the Hip Hop that we have right now. It's interesting to think about how so many changes have taken place and so many people's lives have been affected along the way. I personally think that although it might be very difficult, it's more than possible for there to be room for more legends within this diversifying culture.

I'm putting the queston forward to you - let me know what you think about this..

Is it still possible for people to influence the Hip Hop community even more or have our role models come and gone?

Peace, love and Hip Hop
KTTIB x