Rap Music and Society
Rap Music currently enjoys a status of mouthpiece for society's rebels. In fact, since the music of Elvis, various forms of music have pushed the boundaries of acceptability and decency in culture. According to some critics, rap has done this to an extent that cannot be condoned in terms of social norms. Below a short historical overview of this music genre is examined, followed by a consideration of its significance for society. While it is true that some rap artists have broken rules and norms not only in their music, but also in their lifestyles, and sometimes to an extreme extent, it is also true that other rap musicians attempt to use their art for social upliftment.
Historical Overview of Rap Music
During the 1920s, urban street jive was a form of speech developed in Chicag0, Ill. (Current Events). According to some historians, this is the tradition at the root of rap music as it exists today. In its current form, rap music emerged in New York City, courtesy of a Jamaican immigrant, Clive Campbell, or DJ Kool Herc, as he is also known. During the 1970's, Campbell pioneered this art from by mixing music from two records on two separate turntables. The beat created in this manner was accompanied by Campbell speaking to match the rhythm of the music. The first hit in this genre was created by the Sugarhill Gang in 1979, and entitled "Rappers Delight" (Current Events).
It was during the 1980's that rap music became increasingly popular. DJ Africa Bambaataa for example introduced drum machines and synthesizers to popularize the new "techno sound"
Current Events). With its rising popularity, rap artists began to turn their attention to social problems such as economic equality and abuse issues. During the late 1980's this culminated in "gangsta rap," still addressing inequality and injustice, but also glorifying the violence and misogyny that is often a part of life for disadvantaged...
Rap Music - a Soundtrack of Revolution Soundtrack of Revolution for the Generations of Rap Artists Since 1980s Hip hop is a culture that encompasses a vast corporation of artistic forms, which originated from marginalized subcultures within the South Bronx in New York City during the 1970s. This culture encloses four distinct elements, representing diverse manifestations of its founding reasons: the rap music (oral), disc jockey (turntablism), graffiti art (visual), and break-dancing
Rap Music: The Result of Violence Rap music is a phenomenon that is unparalleled in America, at no other time has a music form risen in such a way and gripped a nation as fully. While, rap music has its roots in the ghettos of the U.S.A. And black culture, it is now a full scale industry that caters to the disenfranchised youth of America and bridges all gaps of culture
Ethnic Music Humanities a) Origin and Development of Traditional and Contemporary Ethnic Music My personal experience in learning this subtopic reveals to me that music is a global cultural practice found in every known culture, both in the past and present, but with a wide variation with regards to time and place of practicing it. Since every ethnic group around the world, including some of the most secluded tribal groups, depicts their
This has led to the development of the culture of the Asian-Americans in the context of the United States thus an opportunity for global representation of the global culture. There is also an enhanced interaction between the United States and Asian nations following the increased influence on the development of the genres of the music in America (Aton p. 517). Describe the roots of rap and hip-hop. Name the general
Music on Brain and Emotions The Effect of Music on the Brain and Emotions The study of human's mental state on subjection to music has been a research subject to many with interest. Over the past decade, interconnection between human's physical and mental strength and music has been subject to research with a number of positive outcomes. These research endeavors suggest that music exhibits the healing power in certain elements, in
Ironically, an article by Beaver (2010) intended to decry the lack of censorship in gangsta rap actually demonstrates that companies allowing greater artistic freedom tend to succeed with greater longevity. According to Beaver, in spite of calls from communities to engage in censorship of violent or misogynistic lyrics, "the companies have basically ignored their critics and continued to market gangsta rap because for years it had been so highly profitable."
Our semester plans gives you unlimited, unrestricted access to our entire library of resources —writing tools, guides, example essays, tutorials, class notes, and more.
Get Started Now