Hip-Hop Subcultures
“Divorced from skin color, sound quality, scene or history, Hip-Hop (and therefore its more prolific offspring, rap) and punk share every important defining factor: heavy bassline, repetitive and melodically simple or devoid vocals focused on internal rhyme, minimalistic instrumental hooks, and lyrics about nihilism, social concern, poverty and oppression”(Ross Hsu). Hsu asserts that despite the fact that Hip-Hop and punk have different cultural and historical backgrounds, they are similar because they share the same musical elements. Yet, the historical background for development of music is important, so it shouldn’t be ignored. If both kinds of music are so similar, they would have been considered the same. Even though a truck and a sports
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Lyrics are socially conscious in Hip-Hop songs. Starr and Waterman argue that Hip-Hop is a "Cultural response to historic oppression and racism, a system for communication among black communities throughout the United States" (82), which can be seen in a part of lyrics of the song, Rapper's Delight, by The Sugarhill Gang: "… and you could be my boyfriend you surely can; just let me quit my boyfriend called Superman; I said he's a fairy I do suppose; flying through the air in pantyhose; he may be very sexy or even cute; but he looks like a sucker in a blue and red suit; I said you need a man who's got finesse …" It shows the racial preference held by many non-black females, and the boundary existed between two races. Rappers also question the government's role and powers inside society, which leads to young people questioning and considering governmental roles as well. Clothing also plays a significant part in Hip-Hop culture. Neon-colored or over-sized shirts or pants, sneakers made by Nike, especially the Jordan series, accessories including large eyeglasses, baseball hats, nameplates, name belts, and multiple rings, and jewelry made with heavy gold worn by rappers are popular within the Hip-Hop audience. In addition, break dancing, graffiti writing, sampling, and beatboxing are elements often found in the Hip-Hop subculture. ("Hip Hop: National Geographic World
Lyrics are socially conscious in Hip-Hop songs. Starr and Waterman argue that Hip-Hop is a "Cultural response to historic oppression and racism, a system for communication among black communities throughout the United States" (82), which can be seen in a part of lyrics of the song, Rapper's Delight, by The Sugarhill Gang: "… and you could be my boyfriend you surely can; just let me quit my boyfriend called Superman; I said he's a fairy I do suppose; flying through the air in pantyhose; he may be very sexy or even cute; but he looks like a sucker in a blue and red suit; I said you need a man who's got finesse …" It shows the racial preference held by many non-black females, and the boundary existed between two races. Rappers also question the government's role and powers inside society, which leads to young people questioning and considering governmental roles as well. Clothing also plays a significant part in Hip-Hop culture. Neon-colored or over-sized shirts or pants, sneakers made by Nike, especially the Jordan series, accessories including large eyeglasses, baseball hats, nameplates, name belts, and multiple rings, and jewelry made with heavy gold worn by rappers are popular within the Hip-Hop audience. In addition, break dancing, graffiti writing, sampling, and beatboxing are elements often found in the Hip-Hop subculture. ("Hip Hop: National Geographic World