>pop doesn't equal legend. legend equals quality of art
>product (music) + originality/personality + influence on a
>mainstream or underground level; if we wanna get reductionist
>about it...

okay then so what's the problem with Kanye, Wayne, Drake or Rick Ross being considered legends of today? they are the ones shaping the sound of rap music. they have their own style and sound and there are plenty of people who think there music is quality.

>
>and obviously pop is short for popular, but you know damn well
>that pop as a genre is different than pop as an adjective for
>well known music artist. Pop the genre takes from all other
>genres: rap, rock, electronic, ect, and streamlines the sound
>to its most basic elements (which always isn't a bad thing)
>and tries to turn a profit off culture as a form of escapism
>and collective enjoyment. I would argue rap isn't pop RIGHT
>NOW, it was from 98-06, but NOW... NO!

I see artists like Madonna or Celine Dion in the actual pop category. never seen rappers there. rap is rap. some you like. some you don't.

>
>And in here lies the irony: Jay, Em, Kanye are all
>indisputable legends IMO, BUT their influence on rap is
>largely tied to the industry trying to reproduce their
>templates ad nauseum. but there is a nuance and archive
>(discography) to those individuals artistry that validates
>their "legend status". It's also why IMO 50, Fab, T.I. ARE NOT
>legends though popular. as for Rawse we will see?

Is Em's discog good though? 50, Fab and TI aren't legends to you but Em is, why?

>
>but to think mainstream influence is the most significant
>marker of legend status is just plain ignorant. Are we really
>going to claim Dilla, Madlib and El-P aren't fucn rap
>legends!?!!! come on! yall on that good white. THEIR INFLUENCE
>on the art of rap (and other genres) is undeniable

Dilla had his hands in one of the most important groups in hip hop history. He also worked on Busta's projects when he was top notch. The Soulquarians were a movement. Dilla has impactful material under his belt. I love Madlib and El-P. Own a ton of their shit but I don't know if I can call them legends yet.