⁠“We went from Angie Martinez to Akedemiks that’s the problem” — Internet reacts to Top Dawg’s TDE Punch’s take on Hip-Hop journalism

On October 22, TDE Punch, President of Top Dawg Entertainment, took to X to discuss Hip-Hop journalism. His tweets came in soon after Kendrick Lamar sat down with SZA for a cover story for Harper’s Bazaar, and the two discussed music, and hip hop.

TDE Punch started by asking:

“Is it ok to criticize the “critics”? Cause ultimately we’re just talking about opinions, right? Well, my opinion(lol, I’m a critic) is we’re losing perspective on things. Something great or not so great happens, then we talk about it. And that’s fine.”

He then posted another series of tweets as he wrote:

“I respect Hip Hop Journalism and feel it’s needed in its truest form. It helps keep the culture alive. But it’s only a few real ones left. Most of you guys are trash. Just my opinion. That’s why artists don’t want to talk to you.”

The rapper concluded the posts by writing how all of it was just his “opinion today, and it might change later.” He also urged to “fix it so that it continues to flourish.” However, as soon as the tweets went viral on social media, several comments from the masses poured in, one even commented on his post, and said:

“We went from Angie Martinez to Akedemiks that’s the problem.”

X users commented on the rapper's post as he poured in his thoughts about the current scenario of hip-hop journalism. (Image via X)

Others also wrote:

“Right message wrong messenger, Don’t y’all cut cheques for them journalist??,” questioned on social media user.

“Define journalism. Because I hope you’re not equating ppl like Akademiks and DJ Vlad to actual hip hop journalism,” added another X user on the post.

“Lmao it’s funny bc it’s true,” wrote another.

Some others also commented:

“Lmao that’s not why and not true. If this was the reason why not go to those that were solidified that’s still making content and doing interviews? Yall don’t fw Sway, Big Boy or Angie anymore?” stated a netizen.

“YOU’RE PART OF THE PROBLEM,” exclaimed another.

TDE Punch AKA Terrence Louis Henderson Jr. is best known for his singles, Project Windows, 1965, Prelude, Fear, Kings, Gone and 40 Years.

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TDE Punch posts on X came after Kendrick Lamar spoke about the music scene with SZA in an interview

TDE Punch’s views on Hip Hop journalism are making headlines, as the views came in after an interview of Kendrick Lamar with SZA for Harper Bazar went viral.

In the interview, Kendrick opened up about his recent hit, Not Like Us, which was a diss track targeting Drake. In the interview published on October 21, 2024, Kendrick said of Not Like Us:

“Not like us? Not like us is the energy of who I am, the type of man I represent. Now, if you identify with the man that I represent . This man has morals, he has values, he believes in something, he stands on something. He’s not pandering.”

Furthermore, talking about the rapper’s recent post about Hip Hop journalism, TDE Punch was hit with many comments as people asked him to know the “difference between a journalist and a blogger,” to which he responded by clarifying how he never mentioned “bloggers,” and was purely talking about “hip hop journalism.”

As the rapper’s posts continue to go viral on social media, they have not garnered any response from Kendrick Lamar or Harper’s Bazaar yet.