The 2025 American Music Awards Offered A Look At The Future While Honoring The Past

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While Janet Jackson and Rod Stewart received career awards at the 2025 American Music Awards, the performances and award wins themselves gave audiences a look at where music is heading for the foreseeable future. That’s both a figurative and literal characterization: multiple artists, including Alex Warren, Benson Boone, and Reneé Rapp, used their performances to promote their current projects (both Boone and Rapp have albums coming this summer, while Warren is riding the wave of his September release, You’ll Be Alright, Kid).

But on the other hand, despite zeitgeisty wins for SZA and Eminem, many of the breakouts involved artists who appear to be flying under the radar while still having outsized impacts on young audiences. As one of the few fan-voted award shows, unlike, say, the Grammys, which require professional connections, annual dues, and cultural cachet for participation, the AMAs are a slightly better way to place a finger on the pulse of where listeners are — Twitter Stan wars meddling with certain results notwithstanding.

Consider Gracie Abrams’ surprising New Artist Of The Year award win over chart dominators like Chappell Roan, Shaboozey, and Tommy Richman, or Billie Eilish’s Artist Of The Year win over cultural attention magnets like Kendrick Lamar, Morgan Wallen, and Sabrina Carpenter. Doechii’s win for new category Social Song Of The Year with her TikTok-favorite hit “Anxiety” also continued the Swamp Princess’ fascinating rise to the upper echelons of rap and the streaming and sales charts.

However, the show having so many categories begs the question of which awards are televised and why. For instance, Favorite Country Duo Dan + Shay were actually in attendance to collect their award, but Favorite Male Hip-Hop Artist Eminem(??????) was not, while neither Favorite Male nor Female Country Artist (Post Malone, Beyoncé) was broadcast, and Favorite Female Hip-Hop Artist (it was Megan Thee Stallion) also went unaired. Meanwhile, the Album and Song of the Year categories are both new, so it’s understandable that they weren’t part of the broadcast… but then, why were they added to the slate? Billie Eilish won both, by the way.

However, setting aside those questionable decisions, the other half of the performances, those honoring musical legends like Janet Jackson, Gloria Estefan, and Rod Stewart (and yes, even Jennifer Lopez, who has been a megastar in the past 20 years, despite her down year) were immaculate showcases of the sorts of talents that many of the younger honorees should hope to be. While some on social media found J. Lo’s six-minute dance medley confusing, it was also exactly the vehicle to display the sort of technical craftsmanship that even allows someone to share the stage with artists 25 years junior over 30 years into a career.

Some other fascinating trends of the evening: The era of the single genre star may just be at its end. In nearly every genre category, if a crossover artist was nominated, they won. Beyoncé and Post Malone took home country awards (Favorite Female Country Artist and Country Album Of The Year for her, Favorite Male Country Artist for him), while Lady Gaga was declared Favorite Dance/Electronic Artist for her work on Mayhem. Also, I’m not sure The Weeknd necessarily qualifies as R&B, but there he is, atop the Favorite Male R&B Artist category, along with an R&B Album Of The Year win for Hurry Up, Tomorrow.

Meanwhile, it sounds like thirst for a Bruno Mars comeback might be as high as it’s ever been, with the “Vegas lounge singer” taking Favorite Male Pop Artist and Favorite Music Video (alongside Lady Gaga for “Die With A Smile”), despite having been holed up in the desert . And Billie Eilish seems to have the hardest core of fans willing to spend time voting for her out of all the pop girlies, even taking home Favorite Touring Artist over the mighty Taylor Swift and her merry Twitter mob.

It certainly looks like the future will continue to be dominated by genre dilettantes, by earnest singer-songwriters and vulnerable, yet tough rap queens, and somehow, inexplicably, by Eminem’s faceless gagge of Mountain Dew swilling fanboys, who refuse to acknowledge any other MC no matter how corny his concepts get (truly, we are in Trump’s America now). Benson Boone will keep backflipping into America’s hearts, Reneé Rapp and Chappelle Roan will continue their all-out assault of grrrl-powered, bi-panic-baiting outcast anthems, and Beyoncé will continue doing anything she damn well pleases. The American Music Awards will continue to live up to their name: the music that largely represents America, sincere, diverse, hopeful, maybe a little bit cheesy, and always ready to put on a show.



source https://uproxx.com/music/the-2025-american-music-awards-recap/

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Hip Hop and Music: A Cultural Evolution

Hip Hop and Music: A Cultural Evolution and What Listeners Look For Hip hop is more than just a genre of music; it is a cultural movement that has deeply influenced the world for over four decades. Originating in the South Bronx during the 1970s, hip hop was birthed from the creative expression of marginalized communities. What started as a fusion of DJing, breakdancing, graffiti art and MCing (rapping) quickly became a global phenomenon. Over the years, hip hop has expanded its reach, influencing various aspects of society, from fashion and language to politics and social movements. But what exactly do listeners seek when they tune in to their favorite hip hop tracks? Let’s explore.

The Evolution of Hip Hop Music

The Evolution of Hip Hop Music At its core, hip hop music is built on rhythm and lyricism. Early pioneers like DJ Kool Herc, Grandmaster Flash, and Run-D.M.C. laid the foundation for what we now recognize as hip hop. They mixed disco, funk, and soul beats with rhythmic rapping to create a unique sound. Through the 1980s and 1990s, iconic artists such as Tupac, The Notorious B.I.G., Nas, and Jay-Z further shaped the genre, adding deeper narratives that explored social issues, struggles, and triumphs.
In the 2000s, hip hop saw its golden age evolve into new sub-genres, from Southern hip hop (e.g., OutKast and Lil Wayne) to the rise of trap music (led by artists like Future, Gucci Mane, and Migos). Today, artists continue to experiment with hybrid sounds, blending trap with pop, rock, and electronic music, creating a more diverse landscape for the genre.

What Listeners Look for in Hip Hop Music

What Listeners Look for in Hip Hop Music While the genre has evolved, the heart of hip hop music still beats with certain core elements that listeners continue to seek. Here’s what attracts audiences to hip hop music:

1. Authenticity

One of the most important qualities of hip hop is its authenticity. Listeners are drawn to artists who stay true to themselves, their roots, and their experiences. Whether an artist is rapping about overcoming hardship, life in the streets, or personal triumphs, their genuineness resonates with fans. Authenticity gives hip hop its raw edge, connecting the artist's voice with listeners on a deeply personal level.

2. Lyricism and Wordplay

Hip hop has always been a platform for storytelling, and the craft of lyricism is highly valued. Fans look for clever wordplay, metaphors, punchlines, and deep storytelling in their favorite tracks. Rappers like Kendrick Lamar, J. Cole, and Nas are revered for their intricate lyricism and ability to convey powerful messages through their words. A song with sharp bars, vivid imagery, and emotional depth can elevate a listener’s connection to the music.

3. Beat and Production Quality

The beat is often the first thing people notice in a hip hop song. A catchy, hard-hitting beat can make or break a track, and producers play an integral role in shaping the sound of hip hop music. Producers like Dr. Dre, Kanye West, and Metro Boomin have become household names for their distinctive production styles. From boom-bap beats to trap drums, the instrumental elements are essential in drawing listeners into the rhythm and groove of the song.

4. Innovation and Evolution

Hip hop is known for its constant evolution. Fans of the genre are often on the lookout for artists who push boundaries and experiment with new sounds. This spirit of innovation keeps the genre fresh and exciting. From the rise of auto-tune with artists like T-Pain to the blend of electronic and rap seen with artists like Travis Scott, listeners are eager for new music that challenges the traditional limits of hip hop.

5. Vibe and Energy

Hip hop isn’t just about the lyrics or the beat—it’s also about the energy the music brings. Whether it’s a party anthem, an introspective track, or a political statement, the vibe and energy of a song play a crucial role in how it resonates with fans. Artists like Drake, Cardi B, and Lil Uzi Vert have mastered the art of creating tracks that make listeners feel a certain way, whether it’s hyped up, laid back, or reflective.

6. Relatability and Emotional Connection

Hip hop has always been an outlet for self-expression and commentary on life experiences. Because of this, listeners often gravitate toward songs that reflect their own lives, struggles, and aspirations. Whether it’s a song about the challenges of growing up in a tough environment, the celebration of personal success, or the experience of love and heartbreak, hip hop has the unique ability to connect emotionally with audiences. Fans often seek songs that speak to their individual journeys and provide comfort, validation, or empowerment.

The Global Reach of Hip Hop

What was once confined to the streets of New York City has now become a global cultural force. From Tokyo to Paris, hip hop has spread across continents, influencing artists and listeners worldwide. In recent years, artists from outside the U.S. have brought their own cultural influences to the genre, blending hip hop with local sounds, languages, and traditions. The genre’s global reach is a testament to its universal themes of struggle, self-expression, and empowerment.

Conclusion

Hip hop music is an ever-evolving cultural powerhouse that has grown from a localized subculture into a global sensation. The authenticity, lyricism, production quality, innovation, energy, and emotional depth are the main ingredients that attract listeners to hip hop. While the genre continues to change, its core values remain consistent—offering a space for self-expression, storytelling, and connection. As hip hop continues to evolve, it will undoubtedly remain a major force in shaping the future of music. Whether you’re a fan of classic boom-bap or modern trap, hip hop’s diverse range offers something for everyone, proving that its cultural impact is here to stay.