"أكره كلمة الهيب هوب. بالنسبة لي، الموسيقى هي الموسيقى."

When you think about music, do you ever get bogged down by the labels? That's what this quote is getting at. The core idea here is that music should be appreciated as a universal expression rather than confined by genre labels. The sentiment is about breaking free from the constraints that the term "hip-hop" might impose, recognizing that music in its purest form transcends categories and is just, well, music.

Historically, this perspective isn't unfounded. It harkens back to the days when legendary artists like Miles Davis despised the term "jazz" because it boxed him into a corner. Similarly, the disdain for the label "hip-hop" reflects a desire for artistic freedom and the avoidance of stereotypes often associated with specific genres. Hip-hop, in particular, has often been unfairly pigeonholed, its richness and diversity overlooked because of preconceived notions.

Imagine you're at a local coffee shop—perfect setting! You're there to catch up with a friend, but there's a live band playing in the corner. They're fusing sounds: a bit of rap, some jazz, a touch of rock, even a sprinkle of classical violin. People are vibing, totally immersed in the experience. No one's thinking, "Oh, that's hip-hop," or "Is that jazz?" They're just enjoying the music. The band isn't confined to a single genre, and the audience appreciates the performance as a unique blend of sounds.

Now, think about applying this wisdom in your own life. If you're a musician, don't let labels limit your creativity. Explore, blend, and experiment with different styles. If you're a listener, challenge yourself to appreciate music without immediately trying to categorize it. Embrace the experience, the emotion, and the message rather than the label.

Let me tell you a story. I have this friend, Jason, who’s an incredible guitarist. He started off strictly into rock. But one day, he found himself jamming with a group that played everything—hip-hop beats, indie melodies, even some funky electronic sounds. At first, Jason was out of his comfort zone. He wanted to stick to the familiar riffs he knew. But as he loosened up, he found himself blending his rock style with those other genres. The result? Some of the best music he’d ever made. It wasn’t rock or hip-hop or electronic. It was just music.

Jason’s journey is a lot like the essence of the quote. Labels can sometimes build walls around creativity. When you tear those walls down, you discover new possibilities. So, whether you’re creating or enjoying music—or even something else entirely like food, fashion, or art—don’t let categories limit you. Mix things up, be open to new experiences, and most importantly, enjoy the ride. After all, there’s a whole world out there beyond the labels.