Taylor Swift Ditches Pop Sound For ‘Hip-Hop And R&B’ Album


Fans have been waiting to hear the details of Taylor Swift’s new album. It was previously assumed that she would release another pop album or go back to her country roots, especially since she wrote a song for Little Big Town and made a surprise appearance at the 2016 Country Music Awards.

The country-pop crossover act is now making experimenting with a new genre. Swift, 26, wants to release an “edgier” album that consists of “hip-hop and R&B sounds,” according to recent reports. That could explain Swift’s sudden interest in partying and collaborating with Drake. A source told the Sun that Swift’s upcoming album might have R&B and hip-hop vibes thanks to her new friendship.

“Taylor is always looking at ways to grow as an artist and really wants to try something different and unexpected for the next album. She’s not afraid of experimenting so is working with a lot of different faces to see if she suits a new sound.”

There’s also a possibility that this rumor may not be true. But given the success that Swift had when she switched over from country to pop, it wouldn’t be unlikely that she’s thinking of a new sound for her sixth album. Swift and Drake have been spending a lot of time together lately. Even E! News confirmed that the two are working on a new song together. Swift may want to snatch up the next Album of the Year award at the Grammys with release an album in a different genre.

Taylor Swift 2016 Grammys
Taylor Swift wants to snag another Album of the Year with her reported hip-hop album. [Image by Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images]

“As well as writing with Taylor, [Drake] is producing a few tracks and even lent his vocals to one song. It’s a real mix of edgier hip-hop and R&B sounds,” the alleged source added.

That same insider also went on to note Swift’s “Bad Blood” remix featuring rapper Kendrick Lamar. It seems like the singer-songwriter is still riding high off the success of her song and accompanying music video, which featured her famous squad. Swift’s song skyrocketed to the top of the music charts, and the video reached 20.1 million views within 24 hours.

“The remix of her song Bad Blood had a less pop vibe – especially [with] Kendrick Lamar featured on it – and was a big hit, so she thinks her fans will like her going in this direction,” the source further stated.

As for the reason why Swift wanted Drake as her collaboration partner on her next album is simply because she’s a fan. The two have also developed a close relationship while working together.

“Drake has been her friend for a while and it seemed a no-brainer that she would spend time in the studio with him,” the insider said. “They share a real connection over their love of music and studio time and get on very well.”

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Drake fueled the speculation by sharing a photo of the two together on his Instagram earlier this month, but only time will tell what musical direction Swift decides to go in on her next album.

Taylor Swift Republic Records Grammy Celebration
Taylor Swift hopes to snag another Grammy with her upcoming album. [Image by Angela Weiss/Getty Images for Republic Records]

It seems like the music industry is turning its head upside down. Beyoncé made headlines when she performed at the Country Music Awards alongside the Dixie Chicks. So, maybe it shouldn’t be a surprised that Swift would want to create a hip-hop album. It seems like all the pop stars are switching music genres lately. Lady Gaga’s latest album, Joanne, had a mix of folk and country music.

But, some think that Swift dropping a hip-hop album would be an awful idea. Take a look at Miley Cyrus’ brief affair with the hip-hop world with her Bangerz album and supporting world tour. She was called out for appropriating and exploiting black culture during her so-called “edgy” and “sexually suggestive” era. Stereogum sums up why Swift doing the same would be horrible.

“Taylor Swift is a pop songwriter with impeccable instincts, and she has never recorded a less-than-great album. But her songwriting gifts are in no way compatible with any form of rap or R&B that has ever existed. And if she’s just bringing in Drake to make fake dancehall a la ‘One Dance,’ that’s nearly as f***ing bad. The world is scary enough these days. A Taylor Swift rap album is emphatically not what we need.”

Well, there you have it. Now, we want your thoughts. What do you think of a Taylor Swift hip-hop album? Sound off below in the comments section.

[Featured Image by Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images]

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