Hip-Hop had it’s ups and downs in 2009. Definitely some good stuff, most notably the Blueprint 3 and Only Built for Cuban Linx 2 dropping, but also a lot of bad stuff that just pushes us further and further away from the hiphop we all know and love.

These are just a few key trends that hip-hop music needs in in 2010. If you’ve got some to add, drop them in the comments.

1. Bring back the samples – We saw a slight resurgance in the sample game in 09, but we always saw the shift towards electronic music. Not even the whole “I played this” type of stuff, but straight up Electronic the Genre – you know, DANCE music. Hip-hop in 09 kept moving towards electronic dance music. It’s cool for dance, but let’s not merge everything into one big POP genre. The solution – BRING BACK THE VINYL. It’s still the epitome of hiphop, so keep it coming.

2. Let them RAP – As has been the trend since the passing of the “BIG’s” (Big Pun, Big L, and Notorious of course) rapping has faded and replaced by half-singing r&b hip-hop vocalists. Obviously if that’s your thing, go for it, but when I’m listening to someone like Young Jeezy trying to sing, I’m hitting the skip button. If you’re a hip-hop artist, prove it. That’s what’s been lost, saying something. I’m not talking about the no-one-hears mixtapes, get that stuff out in the open. It’s been started in 09, let’s continue in 2010.

3. Bring back the grime – I’m sure I’m not alone in thinking that everything is too “soft” these days. Not even talking about content, but voice and sound. It’s a shame when Lil Wayne has the grittiest voice on the radio and that’s just because he’s so f**ked up when recording. Remember the emotion you’d hear from someone like Sticky Fingaz or even Jadakiss. His songs got zero radio play here.

What does hiphop need in your opinion? We need you to chime in.

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Everyone has a twitter account now, but just because they have one doesn’t mean you should be following 

it. These artists give you an actual inside look at their lives, their personalities, and of course the music.

Remember to follow these guys, and always, follow @beatstatus too!

1. Rhymefest – Rhymefest is definitely one of the most entertaining people on Twitter. From engaging convo’s with the fans to some of the craziest polls ever. Rhymefest is a MUST-FOLLOW regardless of what kind of music you’re into.
2. QuestLove – The hardest working man in Hip-Hop, from my own backyard to yours, Philly’s own QuestLove.
3. JustBlaze (TheMegatronDon) – It’s Just Blaze, so you know it’s going to be entertaining. Definitely some of the most random stuff coming from this guy.
4. JoeBudden (mousebudden) – Everything from Bowel Movements to Studio Sessions. This current Slaughterhouse member definitely provides an “inside look” at his life…maybe too inside sometimes.
5. BlackMilk – Good source of news from the road, and the life of Black Milk. Definitely cool to get an inside look of a world tour.
6. Illmind (IllmindProducer) – This world renowned producer/teacher/all-around good guy has been laying it down for years on the beats. He definitely keeps his twitter up to date with great links and news on his day.
7. Skyzoo (TheRealSkyzoo) – One of the hottest artists to come out in the past few years keeps it insanely real on Twitter. From public beef to reaching out for help on projects, he makes a follow worthwhile.
8. Noreaga – Lefrak’s own Superthug is on twitter. Just today he had a whole convo about how a 9-5 is keeping it real. Good stuff from Nore.
9. MistahFAB – Gotta give some attention out to the Bay. Mistah F.A.B. is one of the biggest artists in the bay, and keeps his Twitter moving. Definitely gives love to his fans.
10. Oddisee – One of my favorite producers out there, most likely one of your favorites too if you’re reading a blog like this. He definitely takes the time to talk with people on Twitter since that’s what it’s all about. Definitely follow Oddisee.

That’s it for now. Go follow all these people, Retweet this post too!

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