Hip Hop - from Sub Culture to Pop Culture - Research Paper Example

Hip Hop The culture that is hip hop has grown and been accepted as a way of life for most of the people who adhere to itsprinciples. The conception of hip hop as an African-American subculture could not possibly have foreseen the impact it could have on the huge masses it currently holds, and the impact it may have on society. It is through the hip hop culture that most of the African-American community prides itself with its beliefs and set of principles that guide its everyday actions. From the language to the fashion and music, hip hop culture has influenced the world to become a global phenomenon, which has gone across the global and racial boundaries to be accepted by the youth in modern society. Over the years, this culture has been used as an expressive form of art, where most people used it to speak against the systems that seemed oppressive. Despite the changing times, this popular culture seems to be doing the same, albeit a little differently. Hip Hop Hip hop, over the years, has been identified as a subculture developed by the African-American and Latino communities in the South Bronx. Developed in the 1970s, hip hop was seen as a means of stylistic rebellion, which would draw or set the Africa-American population apart from the rest. The evolution of hip hop from an ethnic subculture to what has become popular culture has taken time, but it is fair to say that through the media, the hip hop culture has become a global phenomenon. The concepts, ideas, and values that surround hip hop enable this phenomenon to traverse borders, leading to the growth of the hip hop movement across the globe (Persaud, 2011). Its spread to urban and suburban communities has enabled this phenomenon to be one of the biggest cultures in the world, having traversed racial and social lines to be embraced by different people from all walks of life. This paper will examine some of the basic elements behind the hip hop culture, and why it was accepted as an art form by people from different parts of the world. History of Hip Hop During the 1970s, the concentration of minorities, represented largely by Blacks and Hispanics, in New York led to the creation of hip hop to speak against some of the evils that were being witnessed. The movement of the white population into the suburbs left the city with the minority groups, who had to endure high costs of social services and a lack of financial support, which eventually led to the emergence of ghettos. Gang violence erupted as a result of the high unemployment rates (Emdin, 2013). A high percentage of the youth in the area did not attend the nightclubs as a result of poverty, which increased the number of underground parties. Break beats were developed that allowed only a song’s beat to play, which led to the dance commonly referred to as break-dancing. DJ’ing and MC’ing came about as a result, where the microphone would be controlled prior to the playing of the music at most of the underground parties. The conception or beginning of the hip hop culture was meant as a way to increase the peace between most of the factions that existed at the time, especially those that were warring over territory. It is because of this that graffiti became synonymous with hip hop culture, where it was seen as a stylistic facet of the sub culture. It was through Afrikaa Bambata that hip hop was defined, and identified as a non-violent and multicultural lifestyle. Throughout the 1980s, hip hop stopped being just a sub culture among the impoverished youth of the Bronx, New York and became a phenomenon that was internationally recognized (Persaud, 2011). It was at this point that the media begun recognizing the potential this culture had on the overall population, and decided to feature it in some of their magazines and shows. Process behind Hip Hop Hip hop is a representation of the society, and how people see it. Hip hop was meant to speak to the overall population on what was happening, and what needed to change. The music, the style and fashion, and the artwork are a means through which the culture is crossing all kinds of borders; racial and/or geographic. When the impoverished youth in New York wanted to explore the concept of hip hop music, it was difficult as the equipment used in DJ’ing and MC’ing was quite expensive. However, a blackout in New York helped increase the movement of hip hop music when lootings and arson enabled them to acquire some of the equipment to enable the hip hop culture, especially the music, to grow at an exponential rate. It is also through hip hop culture that style has been influenced the world over (Podoshen, Andrzejewski & Hunt, 2014). The jewelry, the clothes, and even language depicted a culture that was easy and laid back, which is what most youths find appealing (Podoshen, Andrzejewski & Hunt, 2014). By focusing on social issues, hip hop became the embodiment of all things right. However, it was not always smooth for the movement and growth of hip hop culture, especially when some of the biggest names associated with this culture were at war. Perhaps some of the biggest names in hip hop history, Tupac Shakur and Biggie Smalls, both revolutionary when it came to bringing hip hop to the world were also responsible for showing its darker side. The culture of hip hop was created as a force for good to ensure that people came together to fight some of the injustices they faced together. Unfortunately, some of the practices among the people behind this culture sought to use it as a tool for violence and hate, which was not supposed to be the case. Effects of this Culture on Society The culture of hip hop transcends racial barriers. That is why it is particularly easy to see different youth in the streets of America and other places trying to emulate what they think represents the hip hop culture. The African-American youth are lucky enough to be part of a society that can allow them to have identities that can enable them to adapt to their environments (Persaud, 2011). This is unlike the white population that does not have the luxury of conforming to the different identities that are there in modern society. In such a scenario, the black youth of America can choose to be either ‘African-American’ or ‘American’, and this may determine their place in society. However, the presence of the culture of hip hop may act as deterrence when it comes to the growth and development of the African-American youth. It is believed that it is impossible to be ‘American’ without having to betray one’s race and this especially true for the African-American youth (Woldoff & Weiss, 2010). The hip hop culture influences the attitudes and demeanor of most of the African-American communities. In terms of hip hop music, a major aspect of the hip hop culture, the trends with relation to gangsta rap appealed to the white youth, and it is something that the African-American believe is a representation of their culture. The ‘realism’ of what surrounds this aspect of hip hop culture is what actually negates the true aspect of this phenomenon, which implies that in order to succeed, one needs to be difficult and a ‘hard-hitter’ all the time. It is also because of the hip hop culture that American projects or ghettos have seen a rise in gangs in relation to territories and geographical location. The attitude, language, and fashion are largely influenced by hip hop culture, which is often seen as a way of life for most people, especially those living in the urban areas (Trans & Deepak, 2011). Purpose and characteristics of Hip Hop Hip hop culture was meant to unify the African-American community by providing them with one identity, which would reflect on their beliefs and characteristics as a community. The politics and political nature that surrounded hip hop culture was the main purpose behind its rise, especially from a people who felt aggrieved by the political and societal systems in place. Hip hop culture, through hip hop music was meant to enlighten people on the social evils, human conflict, skills, activism, and even life lessons (Persaud, 2011). Its development was seen as a way through which violence among one race could be reduced, so as to focus on the bigger picture. Through rap battles and dance competitions, hip hop was meant to unify a race, and bring together a community that faced hardship at a time when it was difficult living in the conditions that were present. In conclusion, the hip hop culture and its global reach has made it possible for the world to accept and embrace a different identity that would have otherwise faded into obscurity had it not been for the similarity and familiarity behind its principles. People identify with this culture because it speaks to their plight as countless experts believe that it is a global cry for a better life and system that can guarantee their elevation as individuals in society. It is through this culture that the world identifies and tries to emulate the beliefs and ideas of a community, and tries to indoctrinate some of those ideas and concepts in their everyday lives. That being said, it is clear that the hip hop culture has been accepted by more than just the white population in America; it was and still is receiving worldwide recognition for its role in society. References Emdin, C. (2013). Pursuing the pedagogical potential of the pillars of hip hop through sciencemindedness. International Journal of Critical Pedagogy, 4(3), 83-99. Persaud, E. J. (2011). The signature of hip hop: A sociological perspective. International Journal of Criminology and Sociological Theory, 4(1), 626-647. Podoshen, J. S., Andrzejewski, S. A., & Hunt, J. M. (2014). Materialism, conspicuous consumption, and American hip hop subculture. Journal of International Consumer Marketing, 26(4), 271-283. Travis, R., & Deepak, A. (2011). Empowerment in context: Lessons from hip hop culture for social work practice. Journal of Ethnic and Cultural Diversity in Social Work, 20(3), 203-222. Woldoff, R. A., & Weiss, K. G. (2010). Stop snitchin’: exploring different definitions of the snitch and implications for urban black communities. Journal of Criminal Justice and Popular Culture, 17(1), 184-223. Read More