RJD2 Writes Passionate Rejection of Trend Followers, Embraces Artistic Rebels

In recent years, Twitter has become a notable platform for artists to share their views about current events and the contemporary music scene. On Saturday, producer RJD2 utilized the platform to discuss "the pack," or trend followers in the creation of music.

Over the course of a handful of tweets, the producer lamented the influx of trend followers. However, he also embraced greater number of trend followers as a way for artists to experiment, stand out and "light a match to the establishment."

"The more the crowd zigs, the more a zag stands out," the producer wrote. "The larger the group of white coated sheep are, the more a black sheep stands out."

For the producer, rather than viewing "the pack" as a liability, he views it as "a big asset" and believes historically it has facilitated the growth in genres of music such as hip hop and rock.

Read all of RJD2's thoughts below. In November, the producer lent his support for the first amendment and said newly-elected officials should "grow a pair."

Ok, let's talk art, for just a sec. Had a thought this morning regarding 'the pack', aka trend followers, that I wanted to share.

— RJD2 (@rjd2)January 28, 2017

I feel like it's easy to see sweeping trends in music as a signal of something wrong, or bad.If you are an artist, it should make u SALIVATE

— RJD2 (@rjd2)January 28, 2017

The more the crowd zigs, the more a zag stands out. The larger the group of white coated sheep are, the more a black sheep stands out.

— RJD2 (@rjd2)January 28, 2017

I'm not saying everyone should just want to be an artistic rebel, or outkast(sorry had to). I AM saying that the instinct to light a match

— RJD2 (@rjd2)January 28, 2017

to the 'establishment' of any corner of the art world is perfectly natural, and healthy.hip-hop was built on it. rock n roll was built on it

— RJD2 (@rjd2)January 28, 2017

I'm saying this cause ever since I've been involved in music, I have heard complaints about how 'all the new _____ sounds the same'

— RJD2 (@rjd2)January 28, 2017

Like it's a problem. I don't think it's a problem. To me, that shit is just more sticks on the bonfire, honestly. When it goes, it'll go big

— RJD2 (@rjd2)January 28, 2017

I'm not saying this to point the finger at anyone, but merely to offer up how what many see as a liability is actually a big asset.

— RJD2 (@rjd2)January 28, 2017

I can see right now 1 or 2 unlit bonfires in the music industry. Whoever lights a match to 'em is gonna leave a pile of smoldering ruins.

— RJD2 (@rjd2)January 28, 2017

alright, art rant over. as you were.

— RJD2 (@rjd2)January 28, 2017