# Rap Culture Recognition Non-traditional art tributes to music performers create deeper connections. By [Ady Floyd](https://www.trendhunter.com/AdyFloyd), Futurist, VP Innovation Strategy | Published May 2, 2018 | Category: [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/lifestyle-trends) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/rap-culture-recognition ## Key Figures - Trend score: 4.3/10 - Evidence articles: 6 ## What is the Rap Culture Recognition trend? **Rap Culture Recognition:** Artists and brands alike are cultivating reputable art pieces in honor of prominent hip-hop and rap figures, working to engage with fans and deepen cultural connectivity in non-conventional ways. Whether an artist is creating a new comic book, or a brand is erecting statues in commemoration, leveraging idiosyncratic outlets expands music culture and fandom in unseen and inspiring ways. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 6 featured examples - Articles from: Jul 7, 2017 to Aug 17, 2018 - Published: May 2, 2018 - Patterns: [Divergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/divergence), [Redirection](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/redirection) - Megatrends: [Tribalism](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/tribalism), [Youthfulness](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/youthfulness), [Authenticity](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/authenticity) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Themes within the Rap Culture Recognition trend ### Non-Traditional Art Tributes Artists and brands are cultivating reputable pieces in honor of prominent music figures, deepening cultural connections in non-conventional ways. ### Niche Music Merchandise There is a growing desire for affordable merchandise focusing on specific artists and their work, offering new opportunities in fan engagement. ### Interactive Hip Hop Events Interactive elements at underground hip hop events create immersive experiences, fostering a tight-knit community centered around music and art. ## What the Rap Culture Recognition trend means for industry ### For Music Merchandise Opportunities arise in affordable and niche merchandise creation focused on specific music artists. ### For Street Art Influential rappers and hip hop culture can be immortalized through non-traditional art tributes like statues, pins, neon portraits, and more. ### For Event Planning Interactive underground hip hop events create a sense of community that can be leveraged for a variety of business purposes. ## Workshop question What is one marketplace that your brand doesn't currently play in that could present a new way to connect with your consumers? ## Trend signals for Rap Culture Recognition Trend score 4.3 out of 10, from popularity 55%, activity 66%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 55% - Activity: 66% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Rap Culture Recognition trend 6 featured examples from Jul 7, 2017 to Aug 17, 2018. - [Underground Hip Hop Events](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hip-hop-event): adidas Skateboarding & Journeys Hosted Thousands at Organized Concert (Category: Art & Design) Implication: Opportunities for music festivals and event organizers to collaborate with emerging and established hip hop artists to create unique experiences that appeal to a diverse audience. - [Collectible Hip Hop Pins](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hip-hop-pin): Etsy's LeeRickCollective Shop Celebrates Famous Rap Icons (Category: Pop Culture) Implication: The collectibles industry can expand their offerings to include hip hop-inspired enamel pins as a new category for fans to covet and collect. - [Hip Hop Artist Statues](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/spotify-statues): These Spotify Statues are on Display at the 'RapCaviar Pantheon' (Category: Art & Design) Implication: The music industry can leverage the trend of creating commemorative statues to increase their presence in the public space and engage with music lovers. - [Singer-Starring Comic Series](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/starboy): Marvel is Planning an Upcoming Starboy Comic Starring The Weeknd (Category: Pop Culture) Implication: Opportunity for entertainment companies to leverage celebrity fandom and expand into new media platforms. - [Neon Rap Portraits](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/neon-rap-portraits): Natalie Wong Creates Stylish Pieces That Blend Modern Art with Modern Music (Category: Art & Design) Implication: Incorporating the use of technology and multimedia into traditional art forms. - [Rap Album Art Lighters](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/444-album-release): The Novelty Lighter is Inspired by Jay-Z's Popular 4:44 Album Release (Category: Pop Culture) Implication: The music merchandise industry can capitalize on the demand for unique and affordable products inspired by popular rap artists. ## Recent trend clusters - [Assisted Choices](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/weight-loss-medication-support) (Lifestyle) - [Storyline Sips](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/themed-drink-menus) (Lifestyle) - [Bedtime Cocoon](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/sleep-sensory-blocking) (Lifestyle) - [Source Signatures](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/oak-finish-whiskey) (Lifestyle) ## Trending in Lifestyle - [Mystery Packaging Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cow-not-laughing) - [Multi-Benefit Protein Shakes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/comes-in-three-flavors) - [Creator-Led Learning Series](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/learning-series) - [Accessible Fintech Pop-Ups](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chequing-account) All articles: [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle)