Artist Versus Industry; GO!

Can an artist be diverse (in his representation of self) and still be authentic?

First we must answer the question on what authentic in hip hop means? It is a true expression of the image of self, family and/or neighborhood. True authenticity comes from the idea of shared experiences and being openly honest about the experiences that one has experienced as an artist. An artist should not speak of things that they do not understand, or pretend to be something that he/she is not. There is a way to speak about lessons that one has learned through insight or from listening to others, there are ways to express sentiments that one simply understands without experiencing those things personally, but one should not speak as if the music and the lyrics were their real life if it was not, As a long as an artist stays true to him/herself than they can be counted and regarded as authentic.
Now with all that said the answer to the question is yes, an artist can be diverse in representation of self and still be authentic. Every one has to have room to change and be diverse, rather it is in ideas, fashion or overall character, as long as the person is staying true or authentic within self and the things that they do. Artists should be diverse depending on the audience they are appealing to at the time and also as time goes on their image should change, there is nothing worse than a 40 year old rapper talking about the same things on every album and never growing. The idea that at 40 they are still participating in the same thoughts and activities as they were at 25 is not an image most people want to see.
Diversity is good, as long as it is done within the context of the artist being them self and learning and growing with time. No one should misrepresent themselves or do something just because it is the style at the time. People, authentic people rather in the industry or not should feel comfortable with themselves, getting to know themselves and having the support of those around them!