Entertainment · Music · 1 hr ago
Pusha T Says Rap Has Lost Its Originality
In an interview, Virginia rapper Pusha T criticized rap’s lack of originality in 2026.
He said artists once aimed to stand apart, but now often make different versions of whatever is popular.
The conversation also touched on Jay-Z’s view that rap battles can get out of hand because of fan culture and social media, with the Drake and Kendrick Lamar dispute as an example.
Pusha said he disagreed with avoiding battles altogether, describing rap as a competitive field.
He said rivalries should stay within the music and anything beyond that goes too far.
Pusha also said he and Pharrell often start studio work at 6 a.m.
and treat it like a 12-hour workday.
Pusha T said the rap landscape in 2026 lacks originality, with artists adopting different versions of what is popular.
He said rap had more individuality in the past, when artists wanted to distinguish themselves.
Pusha T also said rap battles are part of a competitive sport and should remain within music.
He said disputes that go beyond music are overboard.
Pusha T said he and Pharrell often begin studio work at 6 a.m. and work until 6 p.m.
- Who
- Pusha T, the Virginia rapper.
- What
- He said rap lacks originality and that artists often imitate what is popular.
- When
- In 2026, during a conversation with The Wall Street Journal; the interview’s date is not stated.
- Where
- Not stated.
- Why
- He said people are more willing to be like others instead of setting themselves apart.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Pusha T discussed the rap landscape in a conversation with The Wall Street Journal.
Pusha T said he and Pharrell usually work a 12-hour studio shift.
- Artist
- Pusha T
- Year discussed
- 2026
- Studio shift
- Usually 12 hours, from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Frequent collaborator
- Pharrell
What people are saying
Now people try to do different versions of what’s hot. Everyone can just be good and be the same.
I don’t see a world in which artists are just going to get along at all times. This is a very competitive sport.
As long as it’s music, it’s fine. Anything outside of that realm, it’s overboard.