Hip-hop/Rap
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| Nasir Bin Olu Dara Jones better know as "Nas" |
Hip-hop emerged in the 1970's. It is popularly believed to have begun in Bronx, New York because of a Jamaican immigrant disc jockey called Kool Herc. He originally rhymed over reggae records but soon realized it didn't appeal to people, so to try and gain popularity he changed to chanting rhymes over instrumental records and the percussion part of songs that were popular. With the emergence of DJ Kool Herc and other disc jockeys hip-hop began to quickly spread through urban areas. As it became more popular people began to use rap as a way to express themselves in an unlimited array of ways. People were able to rap about problems in their own lives, things that they learned and wanted to say to others, or just their daily life or struggle. Though rappers became popular in the underground world, rap still did not enter the market yet. It was through to the efforts and success of the Sugar Hill Gang and Grand Master Flash that truly solidified rap as important and attained peoples recognition of the rap industry and its potential. These things made it possible for the rap of today to exist.
Today, much of rap is different. Undergoing a lot of change during the 1990's much of rap now presents degenerate qualities. Much of popular rap talks about things like money, drugs, alcohol, shows women in a demeaning manner, and obscenities which also reflects the community of people who listen to this music. Much of this is due to what people call "commercial hip-hop" and because it has grown to become such a big part of our culture today. Many artists will sacrifice integrity enticed by it allowing their music to possibly become more popular or for them to make more of a profit. Mainstream hip-hop has lost a lot of it's originality, creativity, and much of the songs lack real meaning behind them. Of course there are artists who maintain their principles, and produce music with substance. Artists like J. Cole, Lupe Fiasco, Nas, etc. Over time, everything will change, and hip-hop is not an exception. The style of it has changed throughout the years, people are constantly looking for something that will spark interest in people to listen to their music. The question is if people think it should be on this path and where we want to go.
Alot of people denounce rap music, and believe it is all violence and swearing, but that's only the rap they have been exposed to in their lives. In the 90's there were many rap artists who rapped about problems they saw growing up in the Bronx or small towns including the racial problems and difficulty growing up around people who abused alcohol and drugs. Rap was a light shined on things many people didn't see or fully understand, and it helped these problems come to light. Rap music has great roots and heritage, and that shouldn't be forgotten. Rap has even been called "poetry in motion", alluding to how rap has a style and form, or pentameter.
ReplyDeleteIn all honesty people have forgotten the main core elements of rap. The biggest one is the art of competition. The artist with the edgier lyrics have always stood out in the forefront. And though you named all the "conscious" artist that are popular at the moment. Don't forget each one named have been subjected to scrutiny over there lyrics. For example Nazir Jones(Nas) has made songs like " Black Girl Lost" or his controversial song "You Owe Me".So yes you want to teach as an artist. But we cant have friendly and educational music all the time.
ReplyDeleteIn all honesty people have forgotten the main core elements of rap. The biggest one is the art of competition. The artist with the edgier lyrics have always stood out in the forefront. And though you named all the "conscious" artist that are popular at the moment. Don't forget each one named have been subjected to scrutiny over there lyrics. For example Nazir Jones(Nas) has made songs like " Black Girl Lost" or his controversial song "You Owe Me".So yes you want to teach as an artist. But we cant have friendly and educational music all the time.
ReplyDeleteI am a big hip-hop fan Ive been listening to music since a child. And i can honestly say that the music ten years ago then it is today. When music started it was coming from the heart and it was meaningful. Lately, the music is coming from money hungry individuals who are making the music just to get paid. Lots of the up-to-date music is negative as you stated its mostly about women, drugs, fame and money. The older music is magical and you can hear the talent in their voices. My favorite artist would have to be Tupac because he rapped about true experiences and even gave off a message to respect women. I have yet to seen an artist top Tupac and I doubt I ever will. I just hope that hiphop music can transform to become more meaningful.
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