We live in a generation of diversity. Through the decades of growth, hip-hop has evolved into something that is praised by some, but shamed by others. With that being said, we ask, “What exactly is good music?”

Depending on where your music taste is from, “good music” can be a variety of things. Back in the “good ol’ days” real hip-hop was Run-DMC, Biggie Smalls, and Cypress Hill. Fast forward to today, rappers like Lil Wayne, Wiz Khalifa, and Future are getting the most praise. There’s no denying that today’s hip-hop has a much different sound from the finer days, but does that mean it’s not quality music?

Not necessarily. It just means things have changed. Evolution is a part of life. Before “F**k The Police,” no one would have ever thought about taking the risk of speaking out against injustice publicly. However, that chance N.W.A. took was a gateway for artists like Kendrick Lamar to make “Alright.”

This is something you’ll notice a lot in today’s music. The same qualities you like in old school music can still be found in the new school, but with a twist. The same love you hear Tupac have for his mother in “Dear Mama” is the same you’ll feel in J. Cole’s “Apparently.” Meanwhile the lust Sir Mix-A-Lot had for women’s curves in “Baby Got Back,” is the same pride Nicki Minaj has in “Anaconda.”

Everyone relates to music differently, which is why hip-hop is so loved. The types of music that can be compiled in the one genre is innumerable.

The street hustlers and grinders find an escape in Future’s trap music. While others may find Lil Wayne’s skillful word play entertaining. At the same time, Wiz Khalifa is the way to go when you want to have a chill, laid-back night.

The point is, no matter what, the sound you like is the sound you like. And that, ladies and gentlemen, is what makes it “good music.”