After nearly two decades in the game and enough drama to make the weak hearted run, two members of the original four man group Gangsta Shorties out of Miami, brothers Jump and Shy, continue to roll with the punches and make music for the hood.

This brings up the argument of longevity and the struggle for artists to maintain relevance in rap.

There are several artists in the hip hop game that one could say have put in enough work and time to be entitled to the crown of longevity and permanence. Nas, who has been making albums since 1991 and counting, Tupac who before and after his death dropped countless records that are still being played today, and LL Cool J the self proclaimed G.O.A.T. is still making albums and his mark in the industry. These are just a few artists that have shown that talent and skill are undying in a true rapper and once given the platform to shine, must never stop achieving greatness on the mic.

Today there are more rappers than ever and the question of longevity is a looming one – set forth in Jay-Z’s 2009 track D.O.A. (Death of Autotune). Even Nas created an entire LP accusing the new generation of hoppers of killing the art with lazy and uncreative music with Hip Hop is Dead. This in itself is proof that hip hop is considered an endangered craft and the artists are fading out quickly; most not lasting more than 3 albums.

As we study our beloved hip hop, it is important to reference the veterans who have and continue to set the bar when it comes to putting out good music. The hip hop audience is at least a wavering one, quickly ready to disown an artist who has lost appeal and status on the radio or TV. There are of course ‘backpackers’ or ‘hip hop heads’ who claim to have an unbiased opinion on artists and focus solely on the quality of music. This crowd is also dangerous to artists who feed into the mainstream and place popularity over skill.

Since 1992 when the Gangsta Shorties signed with former Stress Records, they have been known for their grimy and sultry lyricism with an underlying message of progression and change. The Liberty City squad took on the likings of groups like NWA instead of going with the booty poppin’ sound made popular by Luke and followers.

This is the life of a rapper with longevity. It could be argued that a rapper or group of rappers must be selling X number of records and be signed to a major label before they could call themselves lasting. But the difference is, is that these people have consistently stuck to their guns, and without compromise have kept making bangers for their fans. Whether signed or not, seen or unseen on a national platform, a true rapper never quits; and for damn sure doesn’t resort to garbage for a quick buck or the spotlight.

Take it from the G. Shorties that the industry is cut throat, and unless you have the heart and confidence to move forward within it, you will get eaten up quickly. Because there are so many people trying to get their foot in the door these days, the chances of signing with a major label are slim. So, more than likely your longevity has to come about by being a legend in your hood, amongst your crowd – this is what the Gangsta Shorties have achieved.