Patriot Act with Hasan Minhaj Season 2 Episode 5 Hip-hop and Streaming

In season 2 episode 5 of Patriot Act with Hasan Minhaj, titled "Hip-hop and Streaming," the comedian and social commentator dives into the world of music streaming and its impact on the hip-hop community.

Minhaj begins by acknowledging the immense popularity of hip-hop music, which has become the most streamed genre in the world. He then highlights the disproportionate power that streaming services like Spotify and Apple Music hold over the industry, as they ultimately determine which artists achieve widespread success and which are left in obscurity.

To illustrate this point, Minhaj turns to the story of Lil Nas X and his chart-topping hit "Old Town Road." The song initially gained traction through TikTok memes and eventually went viral, but it wasn't until it was added to Spotify's "Hot Country" playlist that it truly took off. However, after some controversy over whether the song was truly a country track, Spotify removed it from the playlist and effectively stunted its success.

Minhaj also explores the issue of royalties for artists, pointing out that while streaming services have made music more accessible to listeners than ever before, they have also drastically reduced the amount of money that artists earn from their work. He interviews rapper and producer Ryan Leslie, who explains how the current model of streaming royalties is unsustainable for musicians trying to make a living off their craft. Minhaj notes that this problem is particularly acute for hip-hop artists, who often rely heavily on streaming revenue due to the genre's popularity on those platforms.

The episode also delves into the ways in which streaming has changed the culture around hip-hop. Minhaj notes that the "mixtape" format, which has long been integral to the hip-hop scene, has been disrupted by the rise of streaming. While it used to be possible for underground artists to gain a dedicated following through mixtape releases and live performances, now they must compete with a seemingly endless stream of music available online.

Finally, Minhaj examines the role that social media plays in the current hip-hop landscape. He interviews rapper Megan Thee Stallion, who has gained massive popularity through platforms like Instagram and Twitter. Megan says that social media has been essential in allowing her to connect with fans and build her brand, but she also admits that it can be a double-edged sword - too much exposure can lead to negative attention and criticism.

Throughout the episode, Minhaj asks important questions about the future of the hip-hop industry in a world increasingly dominated by streaming and social media. He raises concerns about the power imbalance between artists and streaming services, while also celebrating the creative potential of these new platforms. Ultimately, "Hip-hop and Streaming" is a thought-provoking exploration of a cultural phenomenon that is shaping our world in profound ways.