Of course the state of hip-hop has been a topic of discussion for years on end but I like your view because you address the thoughts of both sides will sticking to an opinion of your own. So what do I think? I think some have a point when it's said that hip-hop has strayed from it's origins. However, I feel it's useless to try to persuade the opposition in the other direction. I believe it's unfair to expect mainstream to revert to the ways of old to please the other side. People like what they like; it's a matter of personal preference.