How Hip-Hop Legitimizes Artists Through Co-signs

Drake revealed to MTV in 2013 that he chose to remix “Versace” over Rich Homie Quan’s “Type of Way.” Both are career-launching singles, but the Migos ascended to higher heights following the breakout hit. Without Drake, “their flow,” wouldn’t get legitimized. Even further, on their latest collaboration, “Having Our Way,” the Toronto rap star’s appearance is still that of the legitimizer. 

“I'm havin' my way, 'Set out here havin' his way, Qua' out here havin' his way, and like the third Migo, I take,” Drake recites on the chorus, fitting each member’s name into the rhyme. 

Although music journalist Paul Thompson called Drake’s two and a half minutes on Having Our Way, “a turn so drab and interminable that it suggests a stolen thumb drive more than an album sequenced by humans,” I think the song is structured to show how established the trio are. They get the highest selling rapper on the planet to give them an extended verse and still work their names into the hook. It’s a senseless flex rather than thoughtfully sequenced. 

Rap, as an artform where co-signs are needed to move up in rank, the right legitimizer can be the approving stamp that keeps your name elevating. Rich Homie Quan, in comparison, is just as talented as the Migos. He can write the songs, sing the hook, rap the verses, and do it all at a level equivalent to any of his peers. His issue isn’t talent, but a co-signer. 

Birdman and Rich Gang help to legitimize Young Thug and Rich Homie Quan to a mainstream audience. Look back on the music video for “Lifestyle,” it’s branded content. Branded to usher in two new rappers under Birdman’s wing. He’s one of the best at legitimizing the next generation. 

He did it with The Hot Boyz as a group and as solo artists. He did it with Wayne. Then, alongside Wayne, he legitimized Drake and Nick Minaj. Another great legitimizer who was a part of ushering Drake and Nicki in was Gucci Mane. 

Gucci also had the Migos, Thug, Rich Homie Quan, Waka Flocka Flame, Slim Dunkin, and countless others and is still being the figure who stands next to the latest budding neighborhood superstar. 

I've been thinking about the power of the co-sign since T-Pain admitted that Usher told him that he ruined music. Not just Usher but both Kanye West and Future have stories of disrespect toward the Tallahassee music genius. Even JAY-Z, unintentionally, discredited T-Pain’s contribution to music by making a song like “Death of AutoTune.” 

Lil Wayne was the first to sit next to T-Pain as a peer and use AutoTune as a tool. He legitimized the tool, which many artists still use today, but the music business didn’t treat the innovator with equal respect. Sadly, it’s common to see artists struggle when they aren’t embraced by their peers. It’s important for fans, no matter how big or small an artist is, to be that legitimizer. 

It goes a long way.