Hip-Hop, like other historical phenomena, has many forms and variations. The art itself is best heard via the independent label medium. True aficionados often gravitate to the "Indie" platform for fear of mainstream dilution, and for good reason.
Hip-Hop ,at ground-zero, is nothing but inspired, intelligent MCs unleashing their inner turmoil over well-crafted, tight-ass beats. Real Hip-Hop is not contrived; it's as real as Donald Trump's racist, soul-crushing agenda; it's as real as the struggle has always been.
There is a symbiotic relationship between producer and rhymesayer; between crate-digger and poet. Hip-Hop is in their blood and bones, permeating their daily lives on a fundamental level, in other words, these cats live it! Respect the roots; respect your elders; learn from your peers; perfect YOUR craft. Hip-Hop is an oral culture, and like all successful cultures within successful civilizations, knowledge is passed down or it is lost forever.
