What's Important To The Culture?

There is a good faith clause that comes with those partaking in the culture of hip-hop as an artist. There is or might I say was, an expectation for those calling themselves hip-hop artists to be representative of it. You had to look the part and act the part. It didn't necessarily mean that you had to be gangster, or ruthless, but that you stood for something firmly and you let that be known. However, I know that could seem like I'm saying hip-hop artists were political back then, (like as though Biz Markie never existed) that is not the case. 

I'm just saying hip-hop artists back then had a platform in which they stood on uniformly. It made the music in hip-hop more grounded as though every artists were working together in a way to push this culture to the world. Like everyone knew that each other had a big role to play and that no one could slip. It was competitive, it was exciting, it was informative and ultimately produced timeless music that will impact generations after generations.

But what about this era of hip-hop? One could argue that there is a lost platform. Everyone does not seem to be in unison with each other outside of the same types of productions everyone similarly chooses to rap on. However, this era of rap seems to have a more artistic nature to it. There is something more raw and organic about it. No longer can we put a thumbnail on what hip-hop sounds like. Now hip-hop can almost be considered anything.

But I question just exactly what that does to the entirety of the culture? Does this enhance and push the culture of hip-hop to new heights? Or has the lost or lack thereof of a platform in hip-hop watered down hip-hop into this "anything for commercial sales" business? And if it is just business, can we argue that this is directly against the very culture of what hip-hop is about? 

I don't want to be that guy that bashes the new generation of hip-hop artists, (as though I was really around during the late 80's and early 90's experiencing the golden era of hip-hop because I was born in 92'), but I know that there is something missing these days in hip-hop. But maybe it's around the corner or maybe I'm looking in the wrong places.

HIP-HOP

My "Webster" definition of Hip-Hop is a living art-entity that has consumed majority of what we call pop culture since the early 90's to present day, in urban communities throughout the U.S. It is hard to put a stamp on what hip-hop is suppose to mean because it's a personal art. It is relative to each and every person in relation to what it means and what it's suppose to be about. 

But can you ponder if Hip-Hop has a place in being a voice for those without one? Is it suppose to be a reflection about the truth of society? Is it suppose to be a form of entertainment? Is it suppose to have messages? Is it just a platform to express the luxuries of life in which most would like to obtain? 

You can't debate facts when it comes to explaining what hip-hop is or suppose to be about, because it varies person to person. However, there is one thing that is true about Hip-Hop. It's ability to capture the minds and hearts of individuals worldwide is unexplainable.

Making it the podium in which every person can stand at and express their thoughts, ideas, emotions, or whatever they want. Maybe that's what Hip-Hop is and is suppose to be about.  But if not, here is where we discuss that matter.

If you listen to Hip-Hop and know the impact that it has had on your life, share your story. If there are certain songs that seem timeless to you, share why. Enlighten the world and others on the magic that you feel when that song hits your ears and you get to escape reality for a while. This is my culture, this is your culture, that is Hip-Hop.