Hip hop culture encompasses various components: deejaying (turntablism); rapping, also known as MCing; graffiti art and dance. A rapper’s flow is essential in conveying their message effectively.
MF DOOM was renowned for his intricate rhymes and storytelling abilities. Additionally, Afrika Bambaata’s Planet Rock had a significant effect on both Black pop artists as well as new wave rockers.
Rock The Bells
LL Cool J could never have predicted that his classic track “Rock the Bells” would have such an enormous impact on hip hop music and culture. Not only was it an overwhelming hit, it inspired one of hip hop’s premiere festivals – Rock the Bells Festival – to commemorate hip hop’s golden age era by uniting Wu-Tang Clan, Nas, and OutKast among many others.
This year’s Rock the Bells event took place at Forest Hills Stadium in Queens, New York and was an incredible success, boasting an epic lineup including Wu-Tang Clan’s reunion performance – something fans were sure to appreciate – Ice Cube, Eminem, and Slick Rick among many other performers. Established by Chang Weisberg back in 2004, LL Cool J eventually bought out all rights associated with Guerrilla Union so he can curate this year’s festival himself.
LL Cool J’s song, “Rock the Bells,” is an anthem to hip hop music and his musical prowess, as well as to LL himself. This track contains a sample from Bob James’ “Take Me to the Mardi Gras,” used by Run-DMC in their iconic 1985 track called “Peter Piper.”
Rock the Bells is an annual tribute to hip hop’s pioneers and legends. Now an integral part of culture, this festival serves as an important reminder of hip hop music’s roots while simultaneously helping change perceptions about it through mainstream media coverage and becoming an invaluable platform for hip hop culture.
Rock the Bells was established to bring hip hop culture forward from its origins into modernity, creating an immersive fan experience where fans could connect with their favorite artists and brands – thus becoming part of an international community of hip hop fans.
Longfellow’s Song
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow was one of America’s best-known 19th-century poets, creating many lyric poems that depicted mythological stories or legends and translating European literature with ease. His poetry became widely popular both domestically and abroad; even so, some critics considered his works such as Hiawatha and Paul Revere’s Ride essential components of American culture.
Longfellow’s most beloved poem is “Christmas Bells.” Written during the American Civil War in 1863, its narrator is struck by church bells which bring hope of peace – Bing Crosby and The Carpenters are among those who have performed it over time – making this timeless tune an annual Christmastime favorite in American households for generations of Americans.
This song is an elegant love ballad dedicated to a woman whom the protagonist loves and his desire for creating an enjoyable experience for her. The lyrics brim with beautiful images that conjure nostalgic and entrancing memories. Furthermore, this track pays homage to nature and how music can provide transcendent experiences.
Though a classic work of art, some have criticized this poem for cultural appropriation. As it draws heavily from traditional Native American legends and practices, critics claim the white man who wrote it had no right to use such sacred traditions for personal gain. Yet regardless of criticisms against its writer and recipient alike, its impact remains undiminished.
Longfellow’s best-known poem is “Hiawatha.” This epic poem chronicles Ojibwe hero Hiawatha and his adventures with Minnehaha, daughter of two opposing tribes. Packed with legend and history, this work has been performed by various artists such as Bing Crosby and the Carpenters; many others sang it before Longfellow wrote his masterpiece! This rhyming and rhythmic composition made it extremely popular at its time of publication.
The Game’s Theme
Type A from Tetris has become the iconic soundtrack of one of the most beloved video games ever, conjuring feelings of nostalgia for many players who know its tune. But did you know its real name is Korobeiniki?
Developers of this game incorporated cover versions of popular songs into its soundtrack to create a soundtrack that fit with its narrative, known as leitmotif – an recurring musical motif representing characters or concepts throughout a game – such as Guiding Light melodies or Curious Lights themes – into its story. Examples of leitmotif can be seen with Guiding Light melody or Curious Light motif being two examples.