Jermaine Dupri Curious Over Oversight Of Artist Young Dylan

In hip hop, there are producers, and then there are super producers, and Jermaine Dupri falls into the latter camp. However, on May 11th, Dupri, who is known for nurturing some of the best talents in the industry, became the highlight of public discourse. The super producer is a bit curious and seriously trying to understand the lack of proper coverage and promotion of hip-hop artist Young Dylan by major hip-hop outlets. Who is Young Dylan Young Dylan is an overtly talented young artist who has built an impressive industry presence in music and television. Dylan is also an artist that falls under Dupri's prevue. While it is more than expected for talent cultivators to push and promote their artists, Dupri's recent arguments have a depth that goes beyond seeking promotion. And here's why. Dylan began building his public persona at 10. The young aspirant hip hop artist showed his love for the craft on one of the premiere talent show showcases on television, "America's Got Talent." He more than won over the crowd with his impressive rendition of Kendrick Lamar's Be Humble. He was a star in the making, proud, assured, and obviously a hip-hop head. His aptitude and skill for the art form did not go without recognition, even at his young and tender age. https://youtu.be/m46g3Q5GWEk In fact, his presence and skill were so absolute that it led to a feature role in a 2020 series appropriately named after him "Young Dylan." Young Dylan Featured Headliner "Young Dylan" was a show that, as most might guess, reflected the young artist's life. The inspired mogul, writer, and film director Tyler Perry wrote the series. And it focused on a young hip-hop artist trying to make it in the industry. Many of the episodes also served as a showcase of the headliner's talent. https://youtu.be/3PbxbXAXIJQ However, being a Nickelodeon series, it was, of course, geared to younger audiences. But the fan base was undeniable. The show's success, much of which is because of Dylan's role, was underscored by consistent renewals up to a fourth season. Even still, the young artist is putting his passion into crafting his art outside of the Nickelodeon series. https://youtu.be/cGaLenhZXjc So, the question for Dupri became, with Dylan's success and recognized talent in the public medium, why aren't hip-hop outlets providing more coverage? Dissecting Jermaine Dupri's Argument Dupri makes a solid argument. It is apparent that Dylan is more than talented, and his hip-hop roots and endeavors in the industry do not differ from other artists. Dylan is the exact representation of what hip-hop is about, unique expressionism and lyrical presentation through rhythmic flow. And as Dupri expressed in a recent interview, "He thought it [hip-hop} was a young man's game." That is a solid premise. Meaning, aren't up-and-coming artists deemed the future of the culture, movement, and art form? Weren't these young aspirants supposed to be the focus? After all, these torchbearers are what it's all about, aren't they? So, what's the deal with the lack of proper coverage? And Dupri called out specific outlets noting their direct oversite. His statement indicated, "If it's a young man's game, then why hasn't — you know if it is and all these different sites claim—like “AllHipHop,” they claim it's all Hip Hop. But they ain't posted a Dylan record. “The Source” is supposed to be the source of Hip Hop. They ain't talked about the Dylan project." And that is indeed valid and interesting. An Unacknowledged Driver There is much to digest here. Dupri's recognition of the oversight highlights a looming question pervasive in the industry. And the super producer and talent cultivator is not far from his analysis and theoretical rationale for undergirding such decisions, which he fleshes out through inquiry later in his discourse. He poses this very telling question regarding Young Dylan and another such artist. It's a young artist trying to rap in the rap game, and these outlets claim they cover all Hip Hop; so I'm like, 'rappers that start at 12, 13, 14, 15, and 16 years old—is that not considered real rap in the rap world?' Dupris Bullseye Assessment Therein lies the issue, one that is known but only sometimes highlighted. It's the ever-looming question of legitimacy, what that criterion is, and who decides such. Undoubtedly, several factors, some of which are prejudicial, drive the conversation of what is authentic hip-hop and who is acknowledged as a genuine artist of such. Unfortunately, this sentiment carries over even to the point of impacting who and what major publications cover. It's not necessarily an age thing, as young artists such as Bow Wow have received more than their share of publicity even at a very young age. https://youtu.be/RzRgScHpMGg The lack of promotion that Young Dylan has received is likely multifaceted. As Dupri also pointed out, he's been clued into the fact that maybe he's just not that good. The producer's response was one of acknowledgment. Okay, preference is understandable, but what does that have to do with the promotion of a young artist embracing hip-hop and trying to make it in the industry? No, denying that's an interesting perspective, and inquiring minds do seek clarification for better understanding. In Conclusion Dylan is hands down a great asset and credit to the industry. While all may not vibe with him, there are those out there who do. So why hasn't he gotten the same shine as most is an interesting question, and it's one everyone would like answered. The public may get that answer, and they may not. But regardless, FM Hip Hop celebrates all that Young Dylan is, all he has done, what he is doing, and what he will bring to hip-hop. And good on Jermaine Dupri for bringing to light something that needs addressing in the community. Written by: Renae Richardson