Hip-Hop Is Under Attack...

The line between appreciating hip-hop culture and being a culture vulture can be thin, and it’s an important distinction to make—especially when discussing artists like Ian, who uses popular hip-hop sounds and presents them to a primarily white audience. There's a big difference between genuine appreciation and extracting from the culture for personal gain without contributing back.

Notable culture vultures like Post Malone and Miley Cyrus have a track record of disassociating from hip-hop after reaping its benefits, while figures like Adam22 and DJ Vlad highlight negativity within the culture purely for profit. In contrast, Ian still has the chance to set himself apart from known vultures by demonstrating genuine intention and continuing to act on his love for hip-hop in a meaningful way.

When we look at positive figures like Mac Miller, Action Bronson, and Paul Wall, we see artists who integrated their own culture into hip-hop, contributing something new while maintaining respect for the genre. These artists became net positives for the culture and never distanced themselves from hip-hop after achieving fame.

The key difference lies in authenticity, intention, and action. Whether Ian ends up more like a Mac Miller or a Post Malone depends on the choices he makes moving forward. As listeners and fans, we must ask ourselves: what makes an artist a true part of the culture, and where do we draw the line between appreciation and exploitation? It’s up to you to find your own answer.