^^^ Yo... one time for the 8701 shout out...
8701> Confessions in my book
You know i was one of those music pessimist 2 years ago, both HIPHOP and R&B seemed to be going to hell in the a handbasket, BUT I really feel like BOTH genre is on an upswing. Its hard to tell right now because they are both in a transition but I believe that both have been saturated to the point that it has to go back to its fundamentals to survive. The success of Fantasia and Monica's last efforts show there is still a market for REAL R&B. Besides Usher's big hit with OMG most other R&B artist (excluding Beyonce, Rihanna who are no longer considered R&B) are beginning to shift to R&B. I think we are going to be pleased with most of the efforts that come out for the rest of the year.
Regardless of how you feel about them: Drake, Wale, Jcole, Slaughterhousem Jay Elec, Big Sean, are saving the lyrical competency of HIP HOP. They aren't really gimmicks... They have talent.. thats light years away from Snap music and Soulja Boy....
So I think we as fan need to support the real artist and calm down and let the transition happen.