Hip-hop culture may have celebrated 50 years, yet is facing serious challenges today. From increased gun violence and profits-oriented enterprises to controversial lyrics written by certain rappers – hip-hop seems to have lost its edge and should not be treated as entertainment only.
Rappers have used music as an outlet to speak out against racism, economic exploitation, war, mass incarceration and poverty. Additionally, rap has opened dialogue about electoral politics, gender/sexuality issues as well as crime issues.
It’s still around
Hip-hop lyrics have long been a potent tool of social activism. From criticizing racism and police brutality to drug trafficking and global drug deals, rappers have used hip-hop’s powerful lyrics as an outlet to communicate important social messages that are both personal and universal. Hip-hop has inspired protests and demonstrations all across America while serving as the soundtrack for struggles of black people worldwide. Hip-hop became especially powerful as an avenue of resistance following its introduction in the 1960s as part of an ideology which linked authentic black identity with militantly adversarial positions towards American society – something hip-hop’s musical predecessor had never achieved.
Additionally, the genre’s lyrics have inspired dialogue about electoral politics, gender and sexuality issues, poverty and crime issues as well as police policing practices. Yet many critics contend that its music has harmful effects on young people; some even accuse rap of desensitizing teenagers to violence and gang activity while calling for parental advisory warnings or even outright bans on certain genres.
No matter its contentious history, hip-hop remains a powerful musical genre in America today and remains one of the top sellers. Rap music outsold country music for the first time ever in 1998; and hip-hop culture is becoming a global culture with fans all around the globe.
While some artists have found a balance between artistic integrity and industry demands, others have lost track of what originally drove rap music’s original message; as a result, their work has become more about marketing than art – leading to a decline in quality rap music.
Another issue facing the music industry today is corporatization. Artists no longer feel encouraged to express themselves creatively; instead they are expected to copy their biggest competitors and mimic their style instead. As a result, genres are losing their distinctive sound while audiences no longer appreciate storytelling or lyricism as much. Furthermore, most rappers now rely on auto-tunes making differentiation harder from competitors.
Hip-hop will likely never die out as long as there are young people eager to become the next Nas or Jay-Z, given its strong roots in African American culture and lasting appeal.
It’s evolving
Rap music has long been used to portray the struggles and triumphs of urban youth, while also serving as a tool for change and social activism – from racial discrimination to economic disparities – while its influence extends far beyond musical genres; fashion trends and even vernacular are influenced by it – making rap an indispensable genre that won’t ever disappear from existence.
Recently, hip hop has been plagued by violence and drug addiction. Artist deaths such as Mac Miller, XXXTentacion, Takeoff and Pop Smoke have raised questions about its state; however, their deaths don’t signify that hip hop is dying; rather they show that the genre is evolving into something different.
Gangster rap has evolved over time from its initial message of empowerment towards an increasingly violent lifestyle, becoming an entertainment source for young people that is heavily influenced by media and social media platforms such as YouTube. Unfortunately, it has also struggled to produce young talent with recent releases by Baby Keem and Lil Baby failing to capture public interest.
Even as it evolves, rap music remains a beloved genre in American culture and remains the most streamed genre in the US. Although some elements may become more commercialized and violent over time, rap will remain part of American culture while also developing into new genres that reflect current social issues and concerns of youth culture.
Though some may assert that rap music is on its way out, Jackson Gagne, an independent music producer in Welland, Ontario believes otherwise. According to him, rap will eventually evolve into high-brow genre understood by intellectuals; until that day comes though, Jackson wishes for the genre to remain true to its roots and act as a positive influence among teens.
Hip hop music has always been marred by controversy, whether over racism, sexuality or drugs. One landmark moment for hip hop was when Run-D.M.C collaborated with Aerosmith on a rap-rock remake of Walk This Way that received mainstream appeal – an event known as Hip Hop Unleashed (Hun). This collaboration between Run-D.M.C and Aerosmith became known as Hip Hop Unleashed – becoming a landmark moment in its history.
It’s struggling to produce young talent
Rappers serve not only as entertainers but also serve as role models for young people. When rappers promote lifestyles that include drug abuse or violence, it could have detrimental repercussions for young children and teenagers who listen to rap music – which often glorify and celebrate artists – making sure that positive messages about their lifestyles come through to viewers and listeners alike.
Though many rappers strive to remain relevant in this increasingly mainstream climate, they’ve had difficulty maintaining their unique identities. Rap has evolved into an unpredictable mix of offensive language and inappropriate topics which may attract new listeners while potentially harming children and teens.
Producing new talent in the music industry is difficult, especially with so many rappers focused on materialistic values and swag. This can cause much discord among younger listeners who can be easily influenced by their favorite artist negatively.
Hip-hop stars still strive to provide quality content for their fans. Lil Baby and Baby Keem stand out as two notable examples, both struggling to break through mainstream rap due to inconsistency of work schedules as well as competing with bigger celebrities for media attention.
Another challenge facing the genre is its own success. Afrobeats, regional Mexican music and K-pop have caused it to be increasingly difficult for rap to remain at the center of conversation without being challenged, which may cause it to lose some relevance among young people.
Vulgarity in much modern rap had no place in black culture or attitudes prior to the 1960s, when an emerging generation of artists equated thuggish adversarialism towards American society with authentic black identity and legitimized its use as an authentic response against America’s purported dehumanization of blacks. They saw Malcolm X’s raised fist as a legitimate way of responding to its perceived dehumanization of African-Americans.
It’s dangerous
Rap music has long been an essential part of youth culture. Over two decades, its rhythmic beats and staccato rhymes have defined fashion trends, inspired dance styles, and become the source of urban America’s soundtrack. Additionally, its widespread acceptance has made rap an integral component of selling products from Kentucky Fried Chicken to movie soundtracks – yet despite this popularity it remains dangerous.
Rap music has long been accused of glorifying violence, misogyny, and drug addiction. It’s often linked to crime and gang culture; many parents restricting their children’s exposure to this genre due to allegations that its artists promote such harmful messages – though that shouldn’t be taken as the reason behind their restrictions.
Rap has been used for marketing by fast-food chains, alcohol producers, and car manufacturers. Its images can be found in magazines, on television shows, video games and video game graphics; its sounds have even been sampled to produce dance and rock tracks.
Still, rap remains popular with youths of all races. In the 2000s, a wave of rappers appeared who criticized racism, economic exploitation and mass incarceration; Public Enemy released “Let’s Get Free,” while Immortal Technique denounced police brutality and drug trade via his albums.
These artists represent a community with limited access to alternative media or political outlets, and who remain trapped within America’s widening disparately. They depict youth culture that finds itself mired in its inequities.
Violence is an everyday occurrence for some rappers living in economically stratified neighborhoods, whether through gang or drug dealing activities or simply as part of life in general. Their lyrics reflect this reality by representing an entire generation that feels alienated from its communities and society in general.
Rap is an integral form of cultural resistance in today’s society, reflecting young people’s fears and frustrations with government and business leaders who claim to care about them, yet it must also be remembered that rap music serves only as entertainment – it cannot raise children to respect women, stand up for their rights or avoid substance abuse.