ELi5: Why are there child prodigies in classical music, but no rap or rock child prodigies?

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Is it simply a matter of labels? Are we socialized into reserving the label of *prodigy* for fields that are traditionally held high regard? Or is classical music actually more complicated than rap and rock music, therefore warranting the use of the word *prodigy* to describe any child that excels in it?

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Anonymous 0 Comments

The word child prodigy in music doesn’t match the dictionary definition of prodigy. It refers to someone who performs well enough to contend with those who have a higher age and much more experience.

Kriss Kross were commercially viable hip-hop artists at the ages of 12 and 13. Lil Bow Wow released his first commercial rap album at 13. I’m sure there are more recent examples.

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