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.
I like how you refer to hip-hop as a culture at the end. Most people say "I listen to hip-hop". I see what they mean but I don't think they do. When I grew up rap was was what all hip-hop music artists did, but if you were exceptional you were considered a lyricist, you truly represented the culture and positively contributed to it so you were then hip-hop. Everyone rapped but if you were conscious, and tried to not only move the culture forward, but educate the entire human race, you were hip-hop. Common, Mos Def, (the old version of) The Roots, Public Enemy, that was hip-hop. Master P, Nelly, that was simply rap. Hip-hop was represented proudly and a vision to influence someone positively was something what they strived for. I understand that categories and nomenclature adapt and change over time, and it is true that it is all subjective, but one thing we can all agree on, rap is something being done, hip-hop is something being lived.
ReplyDeleteI think Im going to find this a very interesting blog I will keep my eye open for it.
ReplyDeleteOkay...I'm in!
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