Origin and Effects of Hip Hop Culture - Article Example

Table of content Introduction………………………………………………………………………………….....3 Origin of hip hop culture.………………………………………………………………..….…..4 Positive effect of hip hop culture………………………………………………………….….…5 Negative effect of hip culture ………………………………………………………………...…5 Conclusion……………………………………………………………………………………….6 References………………………………………………………………………………………..7 Hip hop culture Words from the editor This magazine clearly indicates what I like most. As an editor of this magazine, I was motivated by the fact I m a hip hop artist who has been inspired by the rap culture. In this magazine, I have talked about what hip hop entails, its origin, and influence on society. Introduction Hip hop is a wide conglomerate of artistic activities characterized by aspects of rap music. These aspects are oral, turn tablism, deejaying and breaking or break dancing. Rapping/ emceeing and spitting are spoken or chanted form of rhythmical lyrics which are accompanied by strong rhythm. The main components of hip hop music are content, flow and delivery. It is significant to note that there is a variable distinction between rap and spoken poetry in that rap is performed in accordance the musical beat while spoken can be performed with or without musical beats (Attridge 23-25). Deejaying as part of hip hop refers to a method of creating manipulation of sounds utilizing phonograph turn tables and a DJ mixer. Later, the element of Scratching introduced to the field of deejaying. Break dancing is a style that is associated with hip hop culture in that it brings people of common interests together. It is important to note that breaking dancing or any dance associated with hip hop borrows some traditional aspects from street dancing. deejays at work The connection between hip hop culture and graffiti is based on its establishment on early graffiti musicians and artists who used graffiti in their work to present their views on different aspects affecting the society. Graffiti is perceived as visual expression of hip hop or rap music. Hip hop culture originated in New York among African Americans in the twentieth century. Street culture has been in existence for a long time since it was seen as a direct way that one could express his or her ideas. Hip hop break dancing Origin of hip hop culture The origin of hip hop or rap music is associated with people like Dj Kool Herc and others. He is perceived as being influential in the establishment of hip hop since he incorporated traditional Jamaica culture in the genre. For instance, he pioneered development of things such as boastful poetry, speech and impromptu toasting, boastful poetry in music. Additionally, he is thought to have introduced the aspect of break-beat deejaying (Ogbar 65). This is a situation where funk songs breaks are separated from the main song and repetition is created which targeted nigh dance parties. Hard funk form forms the backbone of hip hop music (Edwards 39). Since hip hop came into prominence in the 1970s, DJs started releasing many records in order to capture the attention of people and introduce them to the new type of singing. During the 1970s, street gangs dwelled in abject poverty and engaged in violent acts. In an attempt to avoid breaking the law, they started rapping and writing graffiti in order to keep themselves busy and sale their records. By the end of 1970s, hip hop culture had attained media concentration in the U.S and other parts of the world. Influence of hip hop culture in society Positive effects of hip hop culture Hip hop culture has affected society in different ways. The development of mass communication helped in the rapid spread of hip hop culture. When young people listen to the rap songs, they feel motivated with the flashy lifestyles of the artists and in turn try to generate their own type of hip hop. This has in turn established a great worldwide exchange process where young people are connect and meet to listen to same common musical form. This is because the culture reflects the economic, social and political realities of the disengaged or disenfranchised youth (Edwards 44). Hip hop culture or rap music has been used to express the voice of the disfranchised youth in the society. Apart from this, rap music has greatly influenced the literary and academic circles in that hip hop linguistics are offered in educational institutions such as University of Toronto which aims to help people learn about hip hop language. In this manner, hip hop can promote social change in the sense that when people learn about the ideas of rap music, they are motivated to avoid things such as crime (Attridge 59). Further, they rap linguistics create verbal inventiveness which can motivate listeners to learn new methods of simile and metaphor, play with language and value rhyme and rhythm. More importantly, hip hop music promote intercultural connections between developed nations and young listeners (Emmet 54). Negative effect of hip hop culture However, on the other side, hip hop culture has negatively influenced society because of distinct nature of some songs and genres that promote violent and criminal activities. There is a correlation between lyrics espousing or explaining illegal violent or sexist activities and unwanted behaviors. Visual data, aggression, sexual activity and sexual content negatively affect people in that some of them opt copying and practicing what they hear and see. There is an escalation in risk taking activities and drug utilization linked with certain hip hop lyrics. Some Hip hop culture can encourage thug lifestyle which centers on leaving school and instead advocates dealing and using drugs and rapping (Edwards 87). Conclusion Summarily, hip hop culture is associated with an artistic express characterized by elements of rap music. Hip hop culture originated in New York in the late twentieth century where it received new aspects such as scratching, break dancing and boastful poetry in music. Since its inception, hip hop culture has affected society both positively and negatively. On the positive side, it has established intercultural or cross cultural connection and development in linguistic study. On the negative side, it has created an anti educational sentiment and focused on illegal activities such as doing drugs. It is significant to note that hip hop culture is still evolving because of the evolving nature of social needs. An ad for hip hop culture Catch a rising hip hop star this weekend. Your favorite hip hop artist will be performing at the Carnivore grounds. Do not miss this exciting event if you are true lover of hip hop. Entrance is $ 50 and $ 100 for V.I.Ps. References Attridge, Derek. Poetic Rhythm: An Introduction. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2002. Print. Edwards, Paul. How to Rap: The Art & Science of the Hip-Hop. Chicago: Chicago Review, 2009. Print. Emmett, Prince. Hip Hop Culture. New York: Kindle Books, 2006. Print. Ogbar, Jeffrey. Hip-Hop Revolution: The Culture and Politics of Rap. Kansas: University of Kansas Press, 2009. Print. Read More