Is Rock Music Dead?

The popularity of rock music has drastically declined since the early 2000’s – has hip hop taken rock’s throne?

Is Rock Music Dead?

Emma Bobbitt, Reporter

Rock music has been a symbol of rebellion and freedom since the 1950’s. Artists such as Elvis Presley, Chuck Berry, Hank Williams and Bill Haley contributed to creating the jazz and country fused sound. This then led to the evolution of rock with legendary artists who completely changed not only music but society as a whole. Artists including Jimi Hendrix, The Beatles, Led Zeppelin, Queen, The Doors, Rush, The Ramones, Nirvana as well as others contributed. Rock isn’t just a genre of music – it was rebellious way of life.

As the years have passed, the popularity of rock music has drastically declined. It was as if a switch went off in the 2000’s. And as the grunge era faded, a new wave of music started to raise popularity. Nowadays, rap and hip-hop music is by far the most successful and popular genre of music. After half a century of a heavily rock influenced society, rap has taken the throne.

Many may argue the rise of technology is to blame. It is so much easier to download some software and create a beat and record yourself over it than learn to play instruments, which is a reasonable explanation. Bands have been replaced with “soundcloud rappers”. You could be completely talentless, but if you have a nice flow and a catchy beat, you can make it far. Artists such as Lil Pump, are able to sell millions simply because their music is catchy. This isn’t to say there are not talented rappers though.

Music has been evolving since the start of time and will continue to until the very end. Although this generation of entertainers can be frustrating to many hard-working musicians, as it takes no talent to be successful anymore, rock music can always make a comeback. Bands like Greta Van Fleet which people are calling the next Led Zeppelin give hope that it will return. As for now though, we might as well sit back and relax and pick out the rap music worth listening to and embrace the new era.