To some, hip-hop is music. In reality though, hip-hop is a culture. It has evolved into a mainstream musical genre that is present all over the world and serves as a playbook for a lifestyle that exudes coolness and class. Gone are the days of music videos with guys outside in thick gold chains trying to pick up an around the way girl. Today’s videos are shot in VIP lounges or in cars worth upwards of a hundred thousand dollars with a plethora of beautiful models and bottles overflowing with pricey champagne.

One star that has managed to create a name for himself on and off the mic is Kanye West. He began producing music for Roc-A-Fella Records before dropping hit after hit from his own albums.

West, while sometimes being mentioned in the middle of a controversy, is the perfect example of today’s hip-hop artist. He’s always stylishly dressed, often has multiples hits in the rotations of radio stations at the same time, and he’s known worldwide. His “Watch the Throne” tour, also starring Jay-Z will be playing in Mexico and all over the Europe.

An artist following in Kanye’s footsteps to superstardom is Drake. The Canadian-born artist who was once known for his role in the teen drama “Degrassi,” has blown up into the artist who needs no last name. He keeps the constant company of his very famous label-mates Nicki Minaj and Lil Wayne.

While Drake is not touring all of Europe with Jay-Z, he does have a huge following. His “Club Paradise” tour is touring all across the United States; east, west, and in between.

An artist known for exposing a sexier side of hip-hop is Trey Songz. His slower more seductive tracks draw a largely female fan base and exemplify how many different scenarios hip-hop can enter. While critics call hip-hop abomination to women, Trey Songz’s tracks express an appreciation and desire to please and enjoy women both sexually and materially.

Trey is also taking his show on the road right before the release on his next album with the “Anticipation 2our.” He will take his seductive blend of hip-hop and R&B as well as rapper Big Sean, up and down the east coast.

There are many different people with different opinions of hip-hop, but one thing is for sure. Love it or hate it, hip-hop is bigger than just music.