I've read other articles proclaiming it's dead, even quoting major artists saying the same thing. This is what happens when local scenes blow up, money from outside pours in and outsiders take control, the best people get sucked away to ATL or NYC or LA or whatever, and the local scene fractures and fragments as everyone scrambles for the crumbs. And they don't have radio any more, which was crucial to developing the local scene.
LOLZ at this:
Contractual snafus and bad business practices by some artists resulted in missed opportunities; major labels signed local artists, then delayed releasing their albums. National media made a big fuss over the controversial practice of "ghost-riding the whip" (putting a car in neutral and dancing on its hood or roof while the vehicle kept rolling). Additionally, hyphy was frequently linked to illegal sideshows, and there were reports of violence at concerts and clubs. Subsequently, overall sales figures never quite caught up with the hype.
Shady business practices, broken promises, people afraid of black youth violence getting cold feet, shitty promotion and shelved records... same ol, same ol really. Of course we'll see all the stories that blow up the petty personal beefs to make it look like it's the artists' fault...