Nepotism in entertainment, and life in general, will always exist. In this life, it really is all about who you know. But are the children of rap’s elite poised to ruin the music?
Beyonce stole the show at MTV’s 2011 Video Music Awards, announcing the upcoming birth of her first child. She and hip hop luminary Jay-Z began a romantic and discreet relationship years earlier. Marriage and/or kids were rumored several times. The long-awaited pregnancy confirmation had the entertainment industry buzzing.
If hip hop was a person, it would be middle aged in 2015. The stars are getting older, too. As they come of age and begin creating families, a new paradigm is being birthed along with the rappers’ kids. The children are attempting to take the musical baton from their parents. From the studio to the stage to the media, these kids are getting lots of help.
Nepotism goes on in every industry, including at the very highest levels of finance and politics. Families like the Forbes, Trumps, Murdochs and Waltons all have promoted within the bloodlines. Some believe that Hilary Rodham Clinton has benefited from nepotism. Pakistan People’s Party leader Benzir Bhutto appointed her son next in line before her 2007 assassination, going against some of the very democratic ideals she championed.
Even Civil War-era president Ulysses S. Grant, highly regarded by most historians for his honesty, regularly helped incompetent family and friends get jobs.
An established family member helping a loved one get advantages is as old as humankind. The desire to help is 
natural, and not shameful in the least. But how does that nepotism affect hip hop music, in particular? Do the fans who truly love (not simply enjoy or occasionally listen to) the music have anything to worry about?
natural, and not shameful in the least. But how does that nepotism affect hip hop music, in particular? Do the fans who truly love (not simply enjoy or occasionally listen to) the music have anything to worry about?Related: Kids in the limelight
Will and Jada Pinkett Smith’s children aren’t old enough to drive legally, and are already mini-empires. They appear to be trying to build a family of moguls who would wield not only musical and financial, but political influence. At one point, jokes about Will running for President were circulating. The Smiths could be laughing last.
Kimora Lee and Russell Simmons have children performing in the entertainment world, too. Master P’s son Romeo has been on television, in films, and rapping on records since the turn of the century.
Questionable talent and product quality from some second-generation hip hoppers has met with mixed reactions, with a lean toward the negative side. Some observers are simply jealous, of course; other criticism is meant mostly for comedic purposes.There is no evidence that a familial helping hand necessarily corrupts. But it definitely can.Hip hop’s relative youth in the music family means that changes in direction and quality have greater effect than on established genres, like jazz or rock. Added to the fact that a sizable portion of consumers don’t see rap as an art form, there is a danger of this music being co-opted and watered down even more than it already is.
Food for thought from a Huffington Post commenter: “Do you know why there isn’t much nepotism in classical music? Because you actually have to be good to win competitions and become internationally known.”