Hip Hop in Society Essay Example

into a distinct cultural movement with four core elements: the DJ, rap music, graffiti art, and break-dancing. Some argue that these elements encompass visual arts, verbal expression, physical motion, and personal style. Initially, hip-hop was seen as a platform for individuals to express their economic and political realities.

(Jason Tanz, 2007)

Since its beginnings in 1970, Hip-Hop has significantly influenced American culture and experienced various periods of transformation. It has given strength to black Americans by expressing their challenges and acknowledging their artistic abilities, thus defying stereotypes and representing their true identities. During its early stages, Hip-Hop served as a platform for a wider audience to listen to the difficulties and barriers confronted by black Americans.

In 2009, K. Asante argued that Hip-Hop provides a platform for marginalized individuals to express themselves. Throughout its history, this cultural movement has offered insight into the lives of those facing adversity in the 70s and 80s, provided an understanding of the perspective of "dope boys" in the 90s, and allowed us to delve into the vibrant party scene of the early 2000s. However, it is important to question whether Hip-Hop is making positive progress. While there have been advancements in creativity, there seems to be a lack of substance in lyrics that ultimately lack meaning and portray false realities.

Surely, we do not want to repeat the previous eras. Life is about progression. However, is there a way to continue advancing hip-hop's lyrical creativity while preserving its substance? This would ensure that listeners are not stagnant in their own progress (N. Milan, the State of Hip Hop, 2010). It is important for listeners to understand that lyrics reflect the artist's mindset

and individuals should thoroughly evaluate the rap artist and their music. As Nas stated, "Hip-Hop is dead". Hip-hop is a cultural movement that is often portrayed as both a positive and negative influence on today's generation, particularly on Black and Latino youth.

Although African American activists, artists, and entrepreneurs like Russell Simmons have achieved success in registering voters and building a progressive political movement among young hip-hop enthusiasts, there is an opposing viewpoint. In the United States, several critics have recently expressed their disapproval of the portrayal of Black individuals, especially women, in hip-hop lyrics and videos.

Newspapers covered a high-profile study by a marketing firm that examined the impact of hip-hop culture on African American youth from low-income backgrounds in 10 cities. The study found that Black teenagers start engaging in sexual activity earlier than their peers and face higher rates of HIV/AIDS. It also revealed that these teens adopt attitudes associated with the tough image depicted by hip-hop artists, subscribing to slogans like "Use or be used" and believing in the idea of "Get it while you can."

' And in line with a culture that utilizes the "B" word and the "H" word to label nearly every woman except for one's own mother, the study discloses that 'Black females are disrespected by nearly everyone,' including other Black females," articulated Clarence Page, a columnist whose work is syndicated nationally. "The study on the hip-hop generation fails to definitively determine the pivotal question: Does rap music and other aspects of hip-hop culture sway teenagers or simply reflect the culture that teenagers have created? The answer is likely both," Page remarked. As hip-hop has developed for over twenty

years, a burgeoning group of young academics may offer concise responses to inquiries about hip-hop's impact. "At one level, we must document the genre."

Dr. Beatrice Bridglall, the assistant director of the Institute for Urban and Minority Education at Columbia University, underscores the significance of considering the perspectives of both hip-hop producers and consumers. It is crucial to acknowledge that understanding hip-hop requires actually listening to it, given its current reputation. To truly comprehend the genre of hip-hop, one must possess knowledge about its origins, how it has evolved throughout time, and its impact on society today.

Hip-hop and rap are dynamic genres that are constantly evolving languages. They have transitioned from conveying social messages to depicting a glamorous ghetto lifestyle to expressing hopeful thoughts similar to those of an optimistic poet.

According to the U. S. Department of State, hip hop has become a global phenomenon that spans social barriers and transcends racial boundaries, with a mega music and fashion industry at its center. National Geographic acknowledges hip hop as the world's favorite youth culture, with virtually every country having its own local rap scene. It is important to both preserve and respect hip hop, recognizing it as a genre that encompasses various movements, cultures, layers, and historical pages.