New controversy has hit the Quebec hip-hop scene this week. Ti-Claude, a rising figure in Rapolitik, has launched harsh criticism of the veteran group Rainmen in a video that is very responsive.
Ti-Claude’s accusations
In a video segment shared by Rainmen themselves, Ti-Claude is not going to go out of his way:
- He admits that Skandal has made "a good hook", but accuses the group of "sailing on the same boat (success) for 30 years"
- He calls their rap "shit" and advises them to "move on"
- He criticises their lack of evolution, saying that they still rely on the success of their hit "Pas d'chilling"
Ti-Claude is frank, although sometimes clumsily in his words. He says things anyway and fully accepts them. Its ideology in this situation is interesting to dissect.
Ti-Claude’s motivations
When asked about his intentions, Ti-Claude says that Rainmen is "desperate to attack him and lacking attention". He points out that the video generated more than 1000 views in 24 hours after it was shared by Rainmen, compared to 2000 views in two days initially.
A generational challenge
Ti-Claude generally questions the current relevance of the rappers of the 90s-2000s. According to him, just because we grew up listening to a band doesn’t mean it’s still good today. He recognizes, however, that some veterans like Starky Starks, Yvon Krevé, Connaisseur, Sadik and Imposs have been able to adapt to the current market.
He scorches the supposed godfather of Quebec rap by mentioning that SP de Sans Pression has developed badly, but that he works his rap to try to adapt. We note that SP of Sans Pression did not adapt either, it is not us who say but rather the sales figures that are clearly not there.
Would SP become the godfather if sales are not substantial for a so-called hip-hop sponsor?
Ti-Claude accuses Rainmen of taking their reputation for granted, saying that you have to be "versatile and good" to succeed, or risk being "stuck and pocket". Ti-Claude argues that talented artists will see criticism as a challenge, while others will be "soft like the dove," whine and avoid confrontation. For him, the successes of 20 years ago do not represent the present if the artist is no longer at the same level.
This confrontation between Ti-Claude and Rainmen illustrates the generational tensions that may exist in the Quebec rap scene, raising questions about artistic evolution and the place of veterans in the face of the new generation.
Do you think a veteran artist still has a place if he does not evolve in the face of the market? Will it have the same influence and respect as 20 or even 30 years ago?