Is Hip Hop Dead Now?

More and more I find myself asking this question. And I have come to the conclusion that Hip Hop is Dead and Alive!
Here's my explaination!

So how is Hip Hop Dead?
It's Dead in a sense that American Hip Hop is shit now! It's glory days are over! Gone are the great lyrics, the funky beats, the dj scratching on hip hop songs today etc!
Back during the "Golden Age" of American Hip Hop (1984 -1997) Rappers were so diverse!
Some rappers would rap about crime and violence (N.W.A., Ice T), some would party rap (Whodini,Will smith) , some would tackle political or conscious issues (Public Enemy, KRS One, De la Soul) some rappers would rap about how great they were or are (Big Daddy Kane, KRS One, Kool G Rap) and some just rap for the hell of it (Beastie Boys.)
Yet, all (well most) had a thing called "talent". They let DJ's scratch on their songs. Even Underground American hip hop isn't all that great! Underground cats have lost their spark and have become up their own arse (not all of them though.)

Here's a quote which I heard:
Mainstream rappers have can't rap, while underground rappers can't entertain!

Most of today's mainstream American rappers are nothing but one trick ponies! All they do is rap about money, bling, love and how "gangsta" they are!
Granted some rappers in the golden age were also one trick ponies but at least they had talent.

I think the hip hop group that best describes what has happened to hip hop today is the Black Eyed Peas. Before Fergie the Black Eyed Peas were sick and they made one of the best hip hop albums of all time - Behind The Front.
Ever since Fergie joined the group they're an insult to my eardrums. They don't make hip hop anymore, the make dance/pop!
Quite frankly the Black Eyed Peas sold out but I digress.

So how is Hip Hop Alive?
Well it's alive because of 2 reasons:
1. Hip Hop is global now, There's Japanese Hip Hop, South African Hip Hop, Brazillian Hip Hop, French Hip Hop, German Hip Hop etc! No longer is it about the Americans!
While the U.S.A. will always be the home of Hip Hop and will always be an inspiration! Other countries will always have their own take on Hip Hop.
2. Hip Hop is a culture not just a genre of music. It composes of 4 (I think 5) elements -
DJing, MCing, B-Boying and Graffiti (I think beatboxing should be included as well!)
So long as just one of the elements exist so will Hip Hop!