Can T Nobody Hold Me Down: Song Analysis

The so-called golden age of hip hop was the theoretical name given to the most popular or mainstream songs during the period between 1980 and 1990. In addition to, many of these songs had similar characteristics. These songs were constructed with quality diction, had the power to influence listeners, and spoke truths about relatable situations as well as diversity (Lavin). The collection of rap songs from the golden age of hip hop were written almost as stories with poetry like writing. The diction held in these songs was composed of pure quality. An example of this would be Puff Daddy’s first solo song, Can’t Nobody Hold Me Down. The song was released in 1997 and was described as being, “warmer, smoother, easier to digest” (Serrano, 120). Puff’s song, along with the rest of the golden age of hip hop tracks, brought upon a new form of innovating sound that projected the energy and talented writing of rap artists. The second characteristic that could be depicted from the golden age of hip hop is the fact that these songs held the power to
influence their listeners. In other words, rap artists began to reach out to a target audience, in an attempt to encourage change. Most of these artists aimed their messages towards the minority, who’s voices tried to be shut down. Fight the Power, by Public Enemy, was released in 1990 and served as an empowering song for the black population. In their song, Public enemy states, “Cause I’m black and I’m proud/ I’m ready and hyped” (Public Enemy). This statement was delivered with the intention of influencing the black population, as they to, should be proud of who they are and be ready to stand up against any form of discrimination. The final characteristic of the golden age of hip hop songs was that these songs were all similar as they spoke about situations that the common person could relate to.
A great number of these artists happened to be extremely unfortunate and stuck in the cycle of poverty before their fame. As a result, they discovered a way to translate their struggle filled lives into songs that allow listeners to metaphorically step inside their shoes. An example of this occurrence would be DMX. DMX was “abused and abandoned as a child. That led him to emptiness… Then that led him to rap” (Serrano, 125). This sequence of events can be relatable to many listeners who have yet to speak out about their difficult lives. Therefore, hip hop artists provide personal testaments in their music to let people know that they are not alone in these instances. The so called golden age of hip hop is a collection of hip hop songs that speaks
volumes.