Reclaiming the Culture: LaRussell's Push for Higher Standards

Photo Credit: Good Compenny

When LaRussell tweeted about the state of our culture, he wasn’t just critiquing today’s artists—he was calling out a deeper issue. In a series of tweets posted within the span of 30 minutes, he expressed his frustration with how the bar has been lowered in both hip-hop and the media that covers it. “We’ve allowed the bar to be on the floor for entry into our culture,” he said, questioning how artists today are being given the same recognition as legends like Michael Jackson. And if we’re being honest, LaRussell was right.

Right after that, he followed up with a message that hit just as hard: “Be the solution. You can spend your time complaining about the problem, or you can spend your time creating a solution.” That tweet stood out because it wasn’t just about calling out the industry—it was about taking responsibility. And it’s that line that resonated with me, because, in many ways, it’s why I started The Wave.

A while back, I pitched a story to one of the major publications in hip-hop, thinking I might get a chance to contribute to the conversation. I wasn’t expecting a “yes” right away, but I definitely wasn’t expecting to be told that they weren’t accepting any story pitches. From a major outlet? It felt like a slap in the face as a music journalist outside their inner circle. It screamed gatekeeping.

Then came LaRussell’s third tweet: “A cultural reset is needed.” He’s absolutely right. The media that once uplifted the culture is now just as much a part of the problem. “It used to be an honor to get posted and a write-up in a blog. Now you just pay for it… There’s nothing genuine about any of it.” He’s calling out the gossip-heavy, clickbait-driven spaces that dominate the conversation around hip-hop. It’s all surface-level now, and, as he said, the amount of negativity being consumed is “disgusting.”

The Wave was born out of that frustration. Platforms that truly support the culture can’t afford to be exclusive or only focus on what’s trending. We’re here to cover the real stories—the ones that might not fit into the mainstream’s mold but reflect the heart and soul of hip-hop and R&B. We’re here to give space to voices that deserve to be heard, whether the industry’s gatekeepers want to listen or not.

LaRussell spoke up when many wouldn’t, and we need more of that. We need more honesty, more willingness to push back when we see the standards drop. And we need platforms that aren’t afraid to highlight real talent and real stories, not just the ones backed by a check or a click. That’s what The Wave is about. We’re here to be a part of the solution and to do our part for the culture.