the Problem with “Best Of” Lists: Why Your Favourite Critic Might not No What They’re Talking About
We all love a good “best of” list.but before you treat any ranking of art – music, film, television – as gospel, consider this: the very foundation of these lists is often shaky. The idea that media critics are automatically experts simply because they can dissect a song’s key or identify obscure film references is a flawed one.
Let’s be real. Knowing Jimi Hendrix’s recording details doesn’t automatically equate to good taste. Often, critics prioritize being contrarian, championing niche works over widely-loved “commercial bangers.” This is how you get recommendations for films almost no one has seen, instead of genuinely impactful pieces.
The age & Experience Gap in Criticism
The issue isn’t limited to intellectual snobbery. A notable problem lies in the demographics of many publications.
* Young Critics, Limited Viewpoint: Many younger Millennials and Gen Z writers are weighing in on decades of hip-hop history after the foundational albums were released. Can you truly assess Nas, Ice Cube, Jay-Z, or Scarface without experiencing the cultural moment they shaped?
* Age Bias is Real: We’re seeing a trend of younger voices dismissing older artists, or older critics clinging to outdated preferences. Do you want opinions on current music from someone who prefers Immortal Technique in their Top 5? probably not.
* The Chris Brown vs. Michael Jackson Problem: A lack of historical context can lead to questionable comparisons and evaluations.
Ultimately, judging art requires lived experience and a deep understanding of its evolution.
Knowing Your Limits: the Importance of Genre Expertise
Its also crucial to recognize when someone is simply unqualified to rank a particular genre. Loving an artist doesn’t make you an expert.
Think about it: you might adore Takashi Murakami‘s art, but would you trust your judgment to compile a “Top 10 Contemporary Artists” list? Probably not.You’d likely be met with skepticism in any serious art discussion. The same principle applies across all creative fields.
The Shadow of Corporate Influence
let’s not forget the less glamorous side of things: money. Corporate interests have always influenced rankings.
Remember the controversies surrounding The Source magazine and Benzino? Inflated ratings, like the 4.5 mics given to a questionable album, were a clear sign of pay-for-play. If something feels out of place on a “best of” list, it’s worth questioning why.
What Makes a “Best Of” List Worth your Time?
Despite these pitfalls, not all “best of” lists are created equal.Here’s what to look for:
* Diverse Perspectives: The best lists aren’t compiled by a single person.They reflect a range of opinions and experiences. Publications like The Root utilize staff and freelancer polls to create a more balanced and representative ranking.
* Thoughtful Curation: Look for lists that demonstrate genuine consideration and articulate why certain works are included.
* Clarity: A good list will acknowledge its inherent subjectivity and avoid presenting itself as definitive.
Brian “B-Dot” Miller’s long-running top 10 hip-hop lists are a great example of thoughtful curation. They spark conversation and offer insightful analysis.
The Takeaway: Be a Critical Consumer
Ultimately, you should approach “best of” lists with a healthy dose of skepticism. Don’t blindly accept someone else’s opinion.
* Trust your own taste.
* Explore widely.
* Consider the source.
And remember, the “best” art is subjective. What resonates with you is what truly matters.
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