Cultural Influence of Hip Hop & Rap Essay Example
Influence of Hip Hop & Rap
Hip hop and rap as a musical genre is a very controversial subject for nearly everyone. Its influences are powerful, both positive and negative. There are many positive influences of hip hop, and a few examples are the breaking down of cultural barriers, the economic impact, and political awareness of pressing and urgent issues. Though there are many positive influences, there are many negative influences as well. Some of the more heated debates of the negative influences of hip hop are that it glorifies violence, and the fact that the music sexualizes women and degrades them as well. Attached to the negative outlook on hip hop, there are also many stereotypes assumed by society towards this type of culture that just aren’t true. Much of the negative viewpoints of hip hop and rap are misconceptions, such as; speculators believe hip hop has a destructive effect on the youth, when in fact, that is a small percentage of the musical genre, and in reality it has many positive and uplifting messages.
Rap is a product of the evolution of hip hop throughout the years. Hip hop is where it all started and is the root of it all. Hip hop emerged in the 1970’s in New York City, specifically the South Bronx. The pioneer of it all was a DJ from Kingston, Jamaica who immigrated to the U.S. to start a better life; this pioneer was named DJ Kool Herc. There were many inspirations and influences in the creation of the musical genre. Jazz, blues, country, and rock n’ roll were just a few of the styles of music that were influential. Influential artists include James Brown, Elvis Presley, and The Beatles to name just a few. Hip hop started small with funky, different beats resonating at house and block parties. This was new vocal style where the artist could speak lyrically in rhyme/verse, and usually told candid stories of the rough urban streets they lived in. With its growing popularity in New York, hip hop was a new way that black urban youths
Hip hop and rap as a musical genre is a very controversial subject for nearly everyone. Its influences are powerful, both positive and negative. There are many positive influences of hip hop, and a few examples are the breaking down of cultural barriers, the economic impact, and political awareness of pressing and urgent issues. Though there are many positive influences, there are many negative influences as well. Some of the more heated debates of the negative influences of hip hop are that it glorifies violence, and the fact that the music sexualizes women and degrades them as well. Attached to the negative outlook on hip hop, there are also many stereotypes assumed by society towards this type of culture that just aren’t true. Much of the negative viewpoints of hip hop and rap are misconceptions, such as; speculators believe hip hop has a destructive effect on the youth, when in fact, that is a small percentage of the musical genre, and in reality it has many positive and uplifting messages.
Rap is a product of the evolution of hip hop throughout the years. Hip hop is where it all started and is the root of it all. Hip hop emerged in the 1970’s in New York City, specifically the South Bronx. The pioneer of it all was a DJ from Kingston, Jamaica who immigrated to the U.S. to start a better life; this pioneer was named DJ Kool Herc. There were many inspirations and influences in the creation of the musical genre. Jazz, blues, country, and rock n’ roll were just a few of the styles of music that were influential. Influential artists include James Brown, Elvis Presley, and The Beatles to name just a few. Hip hop started small with funky, different beats resonating at house and block parties. This was new vocal style where the artist could speak lyrically in rhyme/verse, and usually told candid stories of the rough urban streets they lived in. With its growing popularity in New York, hip hop was a new way that black urban youths