Why Hip-Hop Sucks In '96
DJ Shadow Lyrics

The lyrics "Why Hip Hop Sucks in '96" by DJ Shadow are a critique of the music industry's commodification and commercialization of hip-hop music in the mid-1990s. In the opening verse, the line "Funky Solo" references the instrumental break, a common feature of funk and soul music, which was frequently sampled in early hip-hop tracks. The use of such techniques allowed early MCs to create something new from pre-existing material and celebrate black music heritage. However, DJ Shadow observes that as the industry evolved, the focus shifted away from creativity and artistic expression towards profitability and commercial appeal.

The central theme of the song is arguably articulated in the lines "There's no money/'tis fat." The slang term 'fat' is used to describe something as lucrative or profitable. The lyric refers to the attempt of corporations and record labels to exploit the cultural value of hip-hop for financial gain. In the process, the real essence of hip-hop, which was built on social commentary, dance, and self-expression, was lost. The result, according to DJ Shadow, was a wave of formulaic and unauthentic tracks that lacked the soul and vitality of the music that preceded it.