Video summary

A Lost Art: Storytelling in Hip Hop

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News and Commentary

Core Argument: Hip-Hop’s “Lost Art” Is Mainstream Storytelling

The video argues that hip-hop’s “lost art” is actually mainstream storytelling—specifically songs that take listeners through an emotional, character-driven narrative arc. It uses Mr. Cheeks’ “Renée” from The Lost Boy as the central example.

“Renée” as Proof of Masterful Storytelling

  • The song doesn’t just present tragedy; it draws you into the relationship first.
  • As the narrative progresses, it builds chemistry and emotional investment.
  • Only later does the story’s devastating turn arrive—Renée dies.
  • The impact isn’t only shock; it feels personal, “as if you actually lost someone.”

The Music Video Makes the Character Feel Real

  • By giving Renée a face and presence, the video intensifies the audience’s connection.
  • The character becomes more vivid, strengthening the emotional realism.

Why “Renée” Stands Out From Other Relationship Rap (Especially ’90s-Era Tracks)

  • The narrator contrasts this sincere, vulnerable romance with many ’90s tracks that frame women through:
    • sex/conquest
    • or disrespectful dynamics
  • The record’s stated goal is to make listeners care—not just to provoke.

Why This Kind of Storytelling Used to Be Widely Rewarded

The creator lists classic narrative songs across eras and artists, emphasizing that they share common ingredients: clear characters, conflict, plot, and resolution. Examples include:

  • Select — “Children’s Story”
  • Tupac — “Brenda’s Got a Baby”
  • Nas — “I Gave You Power”
  • Notorious B.I.G. — “I Got a Story to Tell”
  • Eminem — “Stan”
  • Jay-Z — “Meet the Parents,” “You Must Love Me,” “Frontin’”

Storytelling Has Always Included Women in Rap

The video pushes back against the idea that women don’t tell stories, citing:

  • Eve — “Love Is Blind” (inspired by real abuse)
  • Lil’ Kim — “Aunt Dot”
  • Cash Doll — “For Everybody” (praised as standout storytelling that didn’t receive mainstream recognition)

What Changed: Not Artist Skill—Industry Incentives

The narrator argues artists didn’t “forget” how to write. Instead, the industry shifted toward:

  • streaming/playlist behavior
  • TikTok algorithms
  • shortened attention spans

This rewards songs that hook quickly—often within about 15 seconds—rather than tracks that sustain attention long enough to deliver a full narrative.

Storytelling Isn’t Gone—It’s Just Niche (Even at the Top)

The video claims storytelling still exists at high levels, with examples such as:

  • Kendrick Lamar (notably “Reincarnated” and “Gloria,” where creativity/identity is personified)
  • Plus newer/experimental artists including Doechii, JID, Little Simz, and EarthGang (mentioning “Chel”)

The claim is that storytelling is still possible, but less universally expected as a requirement for mainstream “great lyricist” status.

Conclusion: Emotional Longevity, Not Playlist-Designed Moments

Songs endure when they create emotional investment through unforgettable characters—something playlists can’t replicate.

The narrator doesn’t ask hip-hop to copy the past, but urges artists to remember what made those records timeless.

Closing Question to Viewers

The video ends by asking whether storytelling has truly “died” or simply evolved into a niche, and it invites recommendations for today’s underrecognized storytellers.

Presenters/Contributors

  • Mr. Cheeks (referenced via “Renée”)
  • Lil’ Kim (referenced via appearance context, including 106 & Park)
  • The Lost Boy (the album attribution for “Renée”)
  • Select, Tupac, Nas, Notorious B.I.G., Eminem, Jay-Z
  • Eve, Lil’ Kim, Cash Doll
  • Kendrick Lamar, Doechii, JID, Little Simz, EarthGang (including “Chel”)
  • Video narrator/creator (referenced as “Money” in the subtitles)

Original video