Rappers have opened up dialogue about electoral politics, gender and sexuality issues, crime policing and mass incarceration. Scholars such as Bell hooks argue that genres like Gangsta Rap reflect dominant American society in its violent tone and sexual sexism.
Many have linked rap music with African oral tradition of Griots1, who are famous for their exceptional vocal skills and lyrical fetishism2. Nommo2, an idea originating from West Africa, describes the transformative power of words.
Origins
Rap music first emerged at New York City block parties during the 1970s when MCs began rhyming over percussive breaks from soul, disco and funk songs to entertain crowds at block parties. Over time, its influence spread beyond block parties into other areas such as fashion, sports and television programming; its evolution became even faster after 1990 when its consumption and influence spread more widely than before.
Black rappers’ surge into mainstream culture has raised awareness of urban issues and inspired activism across communities – not only African American communities but beyond as well. Tyler the Creator and Drake demonstrate the ability of music to reach any demographic regardless of race or social standing.
Black rappers’ rise into mainstream culture has had a profound effect on modern vernacular, including clothing brands and other cultural phenomena. This phenomenon’s roots can be traced back to semiotics – the study of language as an interdependent system – developed by French literary theorist Roland Barthes. According to this theory, words have both an intended literal meaning as well as connotative connotations which is determined by context.
Rappers’ use of spoken word poetry as an outlet for self-expression draws on centuries-old oral traditions. Griots of Africa would share knowledge through song and storytelling; later, during the Black Arts Movement of the 1960s, spoken word poetry emerged; an influence that continues today through Amiri Baraka and The Last Poets.
Rap has spread globally in terms of its social and political relevance, with artists speaking out against racism, economic exploitation, imprisonment and international issues such as climate change. Dead Prez’s Let’s Get Free album was an outspoken criticism against poverty, education and policing, while Immortal Technique’s Rebirth of a Nation took inspiration from D.W Griffith’s white supremacist film Birth of a Nation; moreover Iraqi rapper Narcy has adopted and extended rap music by combining Arabic poetry and rap medleys to reach wider Middle Eastern audiences.
Influence
Rap has had a profound effect on black culture by providing an outlet for self-expression and social commentary, as well as providing an outlet for black artists to become cultural leaders. Additionally, rap serves as an example of polyculturalism; where different racial groups share and borrow ideas and musical styles from one another; this phenomenon is evidenced in how hip hop culture has adopted elements from Caribbean music as well as African American musical styles into its repertoire.
Hip hop culture developed from youth response to the social problems many blacks in America were facing, such as poverty, inner-city violence, urban renewal, deindustrialization and urban renewal. Its music reflected these experiences of poverty, inner city violence, urban renewal and deindustrialization. Parties would feature DJs spinning breaks while MCs recited rhymed words over beats while breakdancers performed moves – this culture even boasted its own streetwear style and graffiti art!
Rappers have frequently explored negative aspects of urban life, such as crime and gangsta lifestyles, while some have taken an opposite stance. Schoolly D was among the early MCs to use his microphone as an instrument of violence by “murdering” and robbing their competitors through lyrics; KRS-One voiced strong opposition against this style in his song titled “Murderers.”
Other rappers have used music as an avenue to criticize issues that impact black communities, like economic exploitation and mass incarceration; during the 2000s groups such as Public Enemy and The X-Clan spoke out against racism, economic exploitation, mass incarceration and Iraq war via their albums.
Recently, a new wave of rappers has emerged. Some artists are now including live instruments – like drummers and bassists – back into their recordings, setting themselves apart from contemporary hip hop stars like Sean Combs and Dr. Dre who use sampled instruments or synthesizers for sound production. Furthermore, there have been efforts made by several rappers to distance themselves from violent and misogynistic gangsta rap by refusing to spit profanities and promote positive lifestyles; these artists are known as new school rappers.
Styles
Rappers employ various styles in their music. Some master the art of maintaining one particular style across an entire album while others shift between various sounds and rhythms. Switching styles can be challenging and damaging if not handled appropriately, while rappers who employ various styles often do so to appeal to various audiences.
Though most rappers are men, there have been notable female hip hop artists like Lauryn Hill, MC Lyte and Jean Grae. Many of these women have also become advocates for social justice issues like feminism and antiracism.
Early rap music was heavily influenced by disco and house. Later, rappers took on urban issues head on by engaging with gangsta rap – its themes including inner city living, drugs and crime – with greater force.
More recently, rappers have increasingly engaged with electoral politics and social movements. Many rap artists have voiced support for President Barack Obama while Talib Kweli took part in protests surrounding Ferguson police brutality crisis and racial capitalism.
Not only can rap music serve as an avenue for political advocacy, but it can also serve as a vehicle for cultural expression. Many rappers utilize West African nommo practice; where words give life to objects through delivery of words. This concept is evident when watching how rappers articulate words to give meaning through delivery of rap songs.
Rap has proven itself an exceptionally lucrative business. As one of the most widely enjoyed musical forms in America, rap songs are used as advertisements for fast food chains and other businesses; additionally, rappers have even joined forces with corporations to form or endorse new brands.
Rap music has quickly grown beyond its roots in marginalized communities to become an international phenomenon. While some critics may criticize its use for being violent and misogynist, its success proves its ability to reach wide audiences. Many young people find solace hearing about experiences from rappers who share similar backgrounds; this has resulted in an entirely new generation of white rappers like Post Malone and Arizona Zervas emerging.
Significance
Rappers have made important contributions to black intellectual tradition despite facing harsh criticism and censorship. They have helped develop a vernacular that expresses inner city youth’s experiences with technology, culture and politics; creating new vernacular. Furthermore, their poetry and song lyrics have created lively debate on issues like authenticity, gender/sexuality/respectability/police brutality as well as urban economics.
Rap music has often been considered an artistic medium; however, more commonly it’s understood as a subversive political movement. Rap artists have used it to protest and challenge the status quo both within America and globally – such as war with Iraq, AIDS epidemic, poverty, racism economic exploitation mass incarceration.
Hip hop music has long been influenced by other forms of musical genres, including rock and R&B. Yet its core themes remain distinct to the African-American experience, being used as an outlet to address feelings of oppression, dissatisfaction among blacks, as well as struggles to reclaim cultural identities denied through slavery and segregation. Many view hip hop as rejecting traditional values like family, religion and community in favor of celebrating individualism and sexual freedom – something this form of art often does.
Rappers typically perform over a beat provided by DJs or turntablists when performing live, which is known as a “rap track.” MCs may also choose to perform without beats altogether or use samples of another song as part of their rhythm and flow.
Rappers often incorporate elements from other genres into their music to form what is known as hybrid rap. For instance, a rapper may mix elements such as classic funk’s fast pace and rhythm with more aggressive and violent lyrics of gangsta rap for an innovative musical blend that has gained global appeal and reached new audiences worldwide. This genre has quickly become part of global pop culture as it challenges conventional boundaries while extending to new audiences; becoming an essential element in urban lifestyle culture worldwide.