This fame that persisted till the 2000s and beyond is still favored today. Hip-Hop has become popular by musicians like Usher or Justin Timberlake. This music trend was then intensified by Jay-Z and Kanye West who combine hip-hop with rap to create an enjoyable rhythm with rap-style lyrics. Moreover music in this decade was determined by a contrast in themes. In recent years, when hip-hop and rap music overtook the mainstream music, music has been repeatedly criticized for its violent themes and sexual lyrics. The impression that hip-hop focuses on sexually based themes, and rap promotes violence against innocent citizens has come up. Furthermore, the charts were also topped by the mainstream pop music genre. Musicians like Kelly Clarkson who won the television show American idol, contributed to the popularity of this music genre. Besides, the 2000s also witness the birth of various new music genres. Rock metal rap combines lyrics that are characteristic of rap with memorably rhythms that are typical for rock plus the hard core feeling of metal. Musicians like Kid Rock have contributed to this unique style of music. The music genre emo, which is metonymic with emotional music due to its heartfelt lyrics and melancholy melodies, also peaked in popularity by its formation in 2000. Bands like Dashboard Confessional recorded great success by this genre. Bands like Green day construed emo in a new way. By the use of louder music and faster melodies with the maintenance of typically sad and depressing lyrics, these bands tended to criticize the government and present administration. Green Day’s song “American Idiot” caused a great deal of controversy by vituperative lyrics and concert speeches about the American government. At the same time, musicians like Alan Jackson and Toby Keith counteracted by creating pro-American songs that support the present administration and government. In addition, the present music represents many musicians and artists who have proved themselves. Many of them have been there for decades, like Madonna. Bands like The Red Hot Chili Peppers arose to the popular music scene in the late 1980s to early 1990s and are still generating great popularity. Other pop artists, such as Christina Aguilera and Britney Spears are still making the headlines in today’s society but do not continue in building on the success that they have built up years ago. And so the trend continues. Some musicians have a long-term fan base which will continue to buy their albums as long as they make them while others are one-hit wonders that society will never hear from again. The 2000s unlike other decades did not experience the emergence of a new genre of music. Instead, there was fusion of different yet existing types of music. This is the pattern music industry has followed for decades and which will be probably maintained for many more. To put in a nutshell as diverse and exciting, the music development, mainly from the 70s to the 90s was so monotonous it is to be expected in future.
