Hip-Hop is not music man. It's a culture. There will always be good and bad music in each genre, but sadly, the bad is always focused on in Rap. Booty sells. Bass Sells. Chorus' Sells. The Gangsta Image Sells. Generally. That's why the indepenedent labels are better IMO. At least half of the people on the list I put up denied contracts with Major Labels like Interscope,(The Evil) Sony, Def Jam, Aftermath, Shady Records, Deathrow, and Murda Inc. because they wanted them to change their style. Hell, Last Emperor got dropped from Dre's label because he didnt go with teh Aftermath image! Oh, and I think the underground is doing very well now, it's just that the surface music isn't very subsistent. And Typh, there are plenty of Political Rappers out now and you seem open minded enough so check out the people on my list. You'll be a better person for it
Oh and Crono, you'll get nowhere if you're like that. Put your hands over your ears and go Lalalalalala.