“Uncultural,” Kid X on Hip Hop Artists Turning Down Freestyles

On a recent episode of 5 Hip Hop Nights with DJ Speedsta, Kid X addressed Hip Hop artists declining to freestyle on the show, describing the practice as “uncultural.”

“Uncultural, very uncultural, for me that moment is not separate from uncultural pivotal moments that we’ve witnessed in Hip Hop that allow space for someone else to come in and say yeah but ‘I also can play this card,’” Kid X said.

He elaborated by referencing several notable moments in Hip Hop history where artists approached freestyles in unconventional ways. Kid X cited Canibus’ battle with Disastrous, noting, “Let’s look at Canibus in battle with Disastrous, he decides I’m pulling out an exam pad and this is what we’re doing and he starts spitting from the exam pad.”

He also referenced Drake, highlighting a radio freestyle where the artist used his phone. “Let’s look at Drake on a radio freestyle where he pulls out his phone and decides this is what we’re doing, I’m opening this portal,” Kid X said.

More recently, Kid X pointed to J. Cole during a battle, noting the artist’s use of similar unconventional methods. “Let’s look at more recently now J Cole in a battle where he decides to pull out,” he said.

According to Kid X, these moments collectively contribute to a shift in what is considered acceptable within Hip Hop freestyle culture. “All of those things, I think for me kinda create now this weird thing and they normalise uncultural things being socially acceptable but at the same time I think it’s necessary to also just dissect this freestyle culture and really get to the essence of it,” he said.

During the discussion, Kid X did not single out specific current artists who declined freestyles but framed the issue within the context of historical and recent examples. He emphasized that these decisions, while normalized, represent a departure from traditional freestyle practices that have long been central to Hip Hop.

The conversation explored the balance between unconventional approaches and the foundational principles of freestyle.

By referencing past examples and recent occurrences, Kid X highlighted the tension between unconventional methods and traditional freestyle practices, suggesting the importance of understanding the essence of freestyle within the Hip Hop community.