I think the only thing that sort of drives me crazy about this conversation is the "cultural appropriation" element.

If what every white artist is doing is cultural appropriation, then This

and this

and this

and this

and this

and this

and this

are cultural appropriation. Hell, all of the "warhorses" of classical orchestral music are Italian and French music written by German dudes played on Italian and french style instruments.

Plus, the idea that the pentatonic (Blues) scale is somehow singularly african is pretty insulting to every Asian and most native american cultures. Or that percussion heavy music is either.

Hell, the Guitar is a classic blues instrument. A descendant of the Viol family, developed in Spain, turned into what it is today in Germany. Now, banjos ARE distinctly african, but you mostly see these guys playing them these days. Side note, This is also tangentially Germany's fault.

Now, I say all this and I probably sound like an asshole. I do not begrudge the idea that Black Americans hold on to hip hop as a cultural beacon. Indeed, I think it's crucial for cultures to have unifying elements that they can point to and say "this is who we are." It is one of Canada's failings that we have very few of these things (love my country as I do).

I do, however, begrudge the idea that a.) anything about it is uniquely new, when really it is a "sliced bread" just like almost any other musical innovation ( and that is the highest compliment I can give any musical art. I mean it.), or b.) that no one else can touch it without permission, or the "blessing" of black america.

Then again, I'm some nerdy, long-haired white bitch. What do I know.