Hip Hop is a genre of music that originates from the Bronx, NY and a way of self expression, influenced by many cultural, political, racial and fashion events over the course of the years.
The meaning of Hip Hop nowadays has not been very positive just like how it was around the 80’s or around the time of our parent’s youth. Music is a weapon and when voices are not heard through just speech, people need a way to voice themselves, this is where hip hop comes into play. It has always been about voicing, expressing yourself in moments of struggle, pain, happiness or depression. This genre being related to many negatives thoughts is what made me want to tell you in where hip hop really stands and why it stands there.
“Now, up to this point, all this needs to be understood with regards to Hip Hop. Throughout history, music originating from America's Black communities has always had an accompanying subculture reflective of the political, social and economic conditions of the time.”(Hip Hop Corner 4) Hip Hop is old, older than its new fanatics and still has its old ones moving with it, one thing is true, it has its history with politicians, criminals, moments of innovation, struggle, pain and joy. With cultures changing day in and day out, Hip Hop has changed with it. The way it was played, coming to a creative creation (music), viewed, appreciated and evaluated is differently now then how it was in the 80’s. Because back then it was mainly used as the voice of the voiceless and this rumbling came from places of struggle where hope was something people could only dream of. Today after all these years people from all ages, race and beliefs still use this way of self expression as a way to voice themselves. The cultural impact Hip Hop has had over the world is undeniable and being a descendent of the culture it is only right to defend it.
The self expression aspect of hip hop is one of the most valuable parts of this music genre. It allowed communities from all over the world to express their feelings, pains, struggles etc. “…it offered young urban New Yorkers a chance to freely express themselves.” (Hip Hop corner 3) New Yorkers being only a part of this community shows you how much people relied on this form of expression to tell stories and have a voice when nobody really wanted to listen. “Hip Hop continues to be popular among today's urban youth for the same reasons it was a draw in the early days: it is still an accessible form of self expression capable of eliciting positive affirmation from one's peers.”(Hip Hop Corner 3) This form of self expression will be around for a long time no matter what happens to Hip Hop and that’s because every generation has its own moments of joy and struggles and needs a way to express this and Hip Hop is that weapon.
With Hip Hop being new in the 80’s so were a lot of fashion trends. Many trends and dances came from artist who wanted to be different from the pack and tried new things and quickly saw that it worked for them. Actor Will Smith who debuted in the sitcom “Fresh Prince of Bell-Air” may be the perfect example of this Hip Hop influenced fashion. With the Flattop haircut, the Jordan’s, the bright colored shirts and lose printed pants, he embraced that fashion just like many did at this time. Dancing was something that you could not go without in the 80’s with dances like breaking, poppin lockin etc. Kids from all over the place were emulating these dances with no flaw. One epic dance move was the moonwalk, dance performed by Michael Jackson at Motown 25 a place that had some of the greatest performers perform. At this time it was not about copying anybody but more about being yourself and dressing how you please. There was no limit on how you could express yourself and on what you were allowed to do. This style slowly evolved with time but it was still influenced by Hip Hop and the people in it.
Hip Hop being so old, has had its ups and downs. From the troubling beginnings to its rise, it has always been a roller coaster of emotions. Whether today’s audience likes Hip Hop or not today’s youth can agree that it is still a way of self expression. Let your message be positive or negative Hip Hop has still the same function. It still influences today’s youth. From fashion to our culture Hip Hop is something that has finally been embraces by many. Young or old we all appreciate it being here and what it brings on different levels. Some may still be skeptical about it but everybody has their opinion. All can agree that Hip Hop has brought a lot of good and positivity and one thing is sure it is not going anywhere anytime soon.
Work Cited
D’s, David “Hip Hop Corner”
Heck, Mike “A ROC EXCLUSIVE: ICE-T SPEAKS OUT ON CENSORSHIP, COP KILLER, HIS LEAVING WARNER BROS., AND MORE”
Marauders, Midnight “90’s hip hop classics”
http://www.hiphoptop10s.com/articles/90shiphop.html
Rap Central “N.W.A. DISCOGRAPHY / N.W.A. ALBUM LYRICS”
Wier, Verdie “Top10 List 4”
Images-
http://thecomeupevents.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/11/i-love-90s-hip-hop-1.jpg
I think part of your introduction paragraph is missing.. And your pictures did not show up. But otherwise I like it a lot. It makes me think of hip hop in a new way.
ReplyDeleteI can't see your pictures either! But your paper is really good! It is a very historical look on the definition of hip hop which is really interesting!
ReplyDeleteI like all of the historical references you used in your paper. All of those influential occurences really hold a lot of validity with your argument. The part about hip hop being old is a little exaggerated though seeing as how its relatively young compared to most other genres of music.
ReplyDeleteI liked how you incorporated a brief history of hip hop in your paper. All the examples you used from varying hip hop artists really strengthened your argument.
ReplyDelete