Pusha T Calls Out The Lack Of Individuality In Rap

Sounding like the next big thing isn't necessarily the same as being one. Pusha T believes too many artists have become comfortable borrowing from whatever is popular, rather than developing something that makes their music recognizable. The Clipse rapper has spent much of his career establishing a distinct sound, and he's concerned that individuality isn't as important to today's musicians as it once was.

Reflecting on how the industry has changed, Push told The Wall Street Journal that standing apart used to be a priority for artists hoping to make their mark. "It started off with a lot more individuality. Everybody wanted to be different. They wanted to be great, and they wanted to set themselves apart. You can't look like me, you can't do what I do," he explained.

His criticism wasn't necessarily about whether today's artists are talented. Rather, he questioned the willingness to settle for sounding like someone else, even when the result is commercially successful. Where establishing a recognizable identity once helped distinguish artists from their competition, Push believes there's now considerably more acceptance of following an existing formula.

"Now people try to do different versions of what's hot. Everyone can just be good and be the same," he continued. "I feel like people don't mind being like other people these days."

It's an interesting observation coming from an artist whose own career has been built around a remarkably consistent musical identity. Since the early Clipse records with his brother Malice, Pusha has maintained his distinctive delivery and lyricism while working with producers who challenge conventional Rap production. Their longtime relationship with Pharrell Williams has been especially important to that approach.

Push has also challenged the notion that older rappers must step out of the spotlight once younger artists become popular. Speaking with Billboard last year, he argued that Rap shouldn't have an age ceiling, maintaining that artists should be able to compete across generations without compromising their creative identities. Rather than chasing whatever sounds are dominating the moment, Push and Malice appear intent on continuing to develop the musical identity they've spent more than two decades establishing.