Up@dawn 2.0

Tuesday, December 8, 2015

McKayla Boatwright (12)- 3rd Installment

           My previous blog post have been about the different elements of hip hop, and the things that rappers say, the stories that they tell. Every artist has a different story to tell, and every artist has a unique way of telling that story. The story may be theirs, or societies. I do realize that not every artist will rap about their story or anybody else’s story; I also know that not every artist tells the truth. And for this particular we will exclude them. I want to focus on those who tell the truth regardless of what their fans or other rappers might think.
          Today, hip hop is described as the cognitive, creative, and emotive expression of Western youth of African descent who attempt to find success and meaning within the social realities of their lives, that are characterized by poverty, racism, and urban decay. Hip hop doesn’t have a particular bible, nor is it a religion, but philosophically it is thought about in the same way as radical western philosophical movements like existentialism, and libertarianism that promote freedom of thought and expression.
          Rappers have the power to change the nation in a certain way, and some realize it. Those who do realize it don’t promote violence, but rather promote the power of words. To you, hip hop might be a lot of trash that only “thugs” listen to. It has no meaning or value, and those who listen to it are up to no good. To me, it is a way for some to tell a powerful story. It gives me a voice when I feel like my opinion doesn’t matter. So yes, hip hop is philosophical. Just take the time to listen to the words, and not focus so much on that the person is that is doing the rapping, or worrying about the latest trend. You might be surprised at what you learn. In my previous posts I have shared links to different videos, and I encourage you to listen, who knows you might learn something.
 
References: http://www.newstatesman.com/blogs/the-faith-column/2007/09/hip-hop-movements-thought
Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qzb0-zysU3s

1 comment:

  1. Unfortunately, those who don't know the genre tend to hear more about the misogynistic, misanthropic, violent exxamples of hip hop artists who don't have a constructive message. But at its best, it is indeed a form of poetry with a social conscience.

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