Rap is relatively a young genre..back in the days you were only hot for a few years then someone else replaced you...These days rappers have the chance to last several decades...The Dr. Dre's, E-40's, Snoop, etc. have the best chance a being able to make music, tour and still be able to make money in rap....I dont even know if I would want to go to my favorite rappers show or buy his music talking s--t about killin, thuggin, etc. when he is in his late 40's...after a while, its like "ok now brotha...you have grandchildren now..."..im not saying stop rapping or making music, but I would hope at that age you're not still talking about the same s--t...I expect a "young" rapper to talk wreckless in his music, but not a 40 something year old rapper, still talking about moving major weight, or gang banging, but still aint caught a case....hopefully by then he has enough money to sick back and live off his investments or rapping as a hobby instead of a necessity to live...
Then again, as I get older, perhaps my favorite rappers wont be catering to my age demographics anymore....Although I still listen to rap these days, I also find myself listening to more soul, jazz, easy listening etc. music anyway....Rap is still entertaining, especially the older stuff, but i've calmed down a lot over the years so rap just doesnt play as important role....