Does Genre Exist in Music Anymore?

By Katherine Abayev, Staff Writer

Last weekend’s Grammy Awards prompted discussion on the state of music in our modern age. There were lots of surprising wins and losses, incredible performances, and eccentric fashion statements. But many were left wondering how certain songs achieved nominations in categories or genres they didn’t typically fit into or follow. Genre has always been the knife that divides and separates pop from rap, rap from rock, rock from country, and so on. However, there seems to be more blending of music than ever and placing of musicians in boxes that they may not even fit in.

For example, Justin Beiber’s album “Changes” is what he describes as an R&B album, yet in 2021, the Grammys listed his album under Pop Album of the Year. He took to Instagram to say that he was very “intentional” in making sure that this was a R&B album and he felt that it did not fit into the category of pop.

Additionally, Tyla is a sensational artist from South Africa, who recently won the 2024 VMA for Best Afrobeats. Upon accepting the award, she was grateful that African music and afrobeats were getting recognition, but said “I am not afrobeats.” Most assume her song that won, “Water,” would fit better under R&B. 

There seems to be a trend of a person’s attributes overshadowing their art. Characteristics like who they are, where they came from, or what they are known for tend to directly influence what genre their music is attributed to. Tyler the Creator’s album “IGOR” was nominated for Rap awards, but he claimed it was only because of who he is and what he looks like, saying that it would be okay to put this album under pop. Furthermore, Tyla being from Africa won afrobeats for a song that is not afrobeats and Justin Beiber, a famous pop singer, trying out R&B and not being recognized for it seems like a case of defining the artist by their identity as opposed to their work. As much as genre helps define a type of music, it can also limit artistic expression.

Joseph Lercara, third-year computer science student believes that genre is still a fundamental part of the music industry., 

“I do believe there are still genres in music. People wouldn’t classify rap songs by Eminem as the equivalent of rock songs like Blink-182. These classifications exist because there are certain characteristics you tend to find in one type of music as opposed to the other,” he said.

This is a clear sentiment of most students who listen to music in a casual manner, like knowing the difference between a heartfelt ballad by Dolly Parton and a high-tempo track by Kendrick Lamar– there are clear distinctions between different types of music.

It seems that genre isn’t the only way to categorize songs. Third-year computer science student Nodira Kazakova, discussed the relationship between language and music in appealing to specific audiences.

“I really like mixing the languages in music, like I know some Russian singers who mix Russian with English and even some Kazakh. While that limits the audience of the song, the audience who gets it will appreciate it even more.”

Her thoughts can be translated into genres as well as language because of the thoughtful mixing and transitioning between genres and languages that create a new, beautiful sound.

Ultimately, genre in music can help categorize an artist’s sound, but it also places limitations on their intended goals for a record because of preconceived stereotypes. 

Yet, music is always beautiful and there is no wrong way to make it or display it as long as it is intentional and thought out.