However, in recent years, rap music has gained popularity, acceptance and prominence among other racial groups as well as nationalities (Thompson et al, 2002). Therefore, a greater number of people are becoming familiar with the glorified black male and female identities, resulting in greater number of stereotypes. Ironically, despite being distanced from the actual image of black people, it may be possible that other racial groups would perceive themselves as being familiarized with black culture. This could very well result in increased use of color-blind rhetoric and would therefore tend to increase the prevalence of color-blind
The next song, “N.Y. State of Mind” by Nas. As shown here, I have a wide ranging taste in music that notably includes hip hop. Why do I find myself as a suburban, white teenager listening to artists such as Nas and Kendrick Lamar when hip hop has historically been predominantly connected to black America? Many of my friends and acquaintances have also taken a liking to hip hop.
West coast hip hops effect on music Purpose: Explain to audience how the influence of rap music more especially from the west coast has on music today Introduction: Many people enjoy music today; the artistic expression of sound has proven to have an effect on people. This is most true when it came to west coast hip hop which featured explicit lyrics of rebellious inner youth that gave voice to the ghettos of America. No previous form of rap or music came with such an attitude and controversy, artist like ice t and n.w.a spoke of the trials of living in tough neighborhoods, crime and social injustices.. West coast hip hop for one made music listeners politically conscience of social injustices such as flagrant abuse by the police, perpetuation of racial discrimination. Secondly they were pioneers of self promotion i.e. mix tapes and other means independent funding.
“Rap as an art form, began as personal narrative, telling the individual stories of urban lives ignored by the mainstream media.”(Rose, p.2-3). “It used to be a respectful, decent form of music, however, it has turned bad, into utter crap listened to by posers.”(“Rap”). When people are conversing and the word “rap” comes up, blacks and whites complain about the misogyny, materialism, drugs, and violence present in the lyrics and videos. There are many different forms of rap and they fall under two categories: the language of empowerment and the language of oppression. Conscious rap deals with empowerment and consists of “songs that are responsible, thought provoking, and/or inspirational toward positive change or a cry of protest against social injustice”.
[1] Hip hop gained appeal within the black community because of the authentic and relatable nature of the lyrical content. Over time, hip hop and gangsta rap became a tool for competing record labels and associated gangs. Record labels wanted to build up a reputation in order to achieve commercial success. Emergence of the West Coast[edit] In 1986, inspired by Philadelphia rapper Schoolly D, Crenshaw-based Ice-T released the song "6 in the Mornin'". It is considered by many critics as the very first gangsta rap song.
Hip Hop was conceived in the late 1970’s with artist such as The Sugar Hill Gang and the Fabulous Five. Back then, the idea behind creating this music was to express the struggles and culture of the urban individual, particularly African Americans. In addition, the music was about having a good time and this idea was clearly expressed in the lyrics of the day. Nevertheless by the late 1980’s as the popularity of Hip Hop approached its height, artists began to earn income that was unprecedented in the music industry. Many African Americans and people of color were not privy to such high incomes at the time.
All of these things have great influence on the youth. Hip hop went from being a relatively underground style, to being a major style herd throughout the world. Some people not only think of Hip Hop as a negative influence because of its provocative language and meaning, but also because of the effect on the black community. This is where there conspiracy of Hip Hops influence on the youth plays its role. The minds of those it influences are being controlled by Hip Hops music, fashion, and slang.
Listening to the song alone does not achieve the full effect of understanding the artists’ message. Rap and hip hop artists’, portraying harsh environments or life styles, lean towards using few words and repetition, but the lyrics are meaningful to disadvantaged audiences or individuals that are touched by the stories told. Rap emerged from the streets of inner-city neighborhoods, ostensibly as a reflection of hopes, concerns, and aspirations of urban black youth (Kubrin, “Gangsta”). Inner city areas are affected and defined by society to be areas compromised of poverty, unemployment, family disorder, and segregation. Artists use their music to depict their experiences, views, and harsh portrayals of their respective societies.
The increasing popularity of hip-hop has recently transformed the behavior of a relatively large group of listeners with staggering results. The growth and accessibility of modern media has generated a massive subculture to which there is extensive coverage. There are a great deal of movies, television programs, internet websites, and radio stations that incorporate this highly praised genre. Hip-hop music is saturated with an overwhelming number of references to illicit drugs among other unwholesome content. The drug innuendo has been popularized by gang related hip-hop, but it recently became a primary component in various forms of hip-hop music to achieve a particular image.
Though some types of rap music have immoral values in it, that is not true of the genre as a whole (Hip-Hop). Many people from all over the world have been introduced to this type of music and since it is such a relatable type of music, all different races and colors of people have been able to have something in common. Another important role Hip-Hop has played in America, is that it has brought issues of poverty stricken neighborhoods into the lime light of the media mainstream, when before this issue was ignored for the most part. The most important thing Rap music does not only for our country, but for our world, is how it brings people together. One pioneer of Hip-Hop states, “It has given young people a way to understand their world, whether they are from the suburbs or the city.