Hip-Hop Media Assignment

Hip-hop is a type of music, but also a cultural movement. Much like folk rock was a vehicle for the attitudes and contentions of another earlier generation, hip-hop has given a voice to a portion of society that, many times, feels disenfranchised. Yet, to pigeon hole this type of music as a solely niche related voice is myopic. Hip-hop can be scathing, fun-loving, ghetto, old-school, etc. The list goes on and on. The cultural element comes into play involving the heavier side of hip-hop. Many groups through the 80's (hip-hop began in the 70's) began to use their art form as a way to discuss social issues and perceived inadequacies amongst those living in close quarters. It is a multi-faceted, now firmly entrenched, form of expression within American culture. It is a part of the tapestry, for all colors and nationalities. It doesn't respect the bounds of country lines. There is rap in every country. It is far from a fad, as many speculated it was in its infancy (like disco), and it has become a powerful force in the pop-culture forum. Put simply: hip-hop is prevalent and powerful, and it still has the ability to do so while making you shake your ass. What began as expression due to a lack of representation has now become mainstream, and it is growing because of it, even with the cries that hip-hop has "sold out".

FIVE GROUPS I HAVE NOT LISTENED TO BEFORE (hard to find for the music nut I am):

1) Rick Ross - "Maybach Music 2"

2) STARSTRUKK - "3OH!3"

3) K'naan - "Wavin' Flag"

4) Asher Roth - "Lark On My Go-Kart"

5) Labcologne - "Fatality"

FIVE HIP-HOP VIDEOS I HAD NOT PREVIOUSLY SEEN (NOTE: these videos were seen on numerous TV channels and through the music service "Rhapsody", but linked to YouTube as a way of letting others view the images I am discussing):

1) Nas - "Hero"

The theme of this video seems to be that Nas, an outspoken member of the hip-hop community on numerous topics, is calling fr a "hero". From his positioning in the video, it very well may be him. Notice the images though. In a genre dominated by masculinity and violence, how is a man like Nas, who preaches change, helping the movement when he is perpetrating hip-hop stereotypes? Ski masks, dark me coming from dark alleys, bling bling, fast cars? There are themes in these videos that are predominant across the board (rare exceptions).

2) Del tha Funkee Homosapien - "Mistadobilina"

An early entry in the annuls of hip-hop, this song maintains a light and upbeat tone. Yet, when listening to the lyrics (and seeing the video), it seems Del is making a statement about the differences between him and this Mr. Dobilina, if you will. White men in suits acting like robots in office environments prevail in the video. A social statement that, once again, gets 'em up off da couch. Yo.

3) Common - "Universal Mind Control"

What would one expect from a stalwart in groundbreaking hip-hop? Common expands the genre. Pushes envelopes. Every time you hear something generic that sounds like everything else, go find someone like Common. He talks about important things. There aren't any big bootied hoes in this video. In these latter years of hip-hops existence, much like rock and roll, growth is inevitable. For all the Soulja Boys out there, there are a few of these guys that make listening to this music worthwhile.

4) Lil Jon - "Get Low"

Awful. Just awful. It's not even a good beat. The words are demeaning to not only females, but to any male with any form of cognisant thought. I love how the video is edited to not say, "Til the sweat drips off my balls", but they let the lyrics "Skeet Skeet Skeet" stay in there. That means to ejaculate. It was also humorous to watch 20-year-old girls walking around saying that phrase not even knowing what it meant. A truly enriching addition to any music catalogue. NOT. The video is like bad dental work (Lil Jon may know something about that).

5) 2 Pac - "I Ain't Mad At Cha"

After a terrible entry into the hip-hop genre, here is the master. Poet. Telling you a story of loss and love. Like any art, there has to be passion. It just isn't made like this anymore. It's so rare. He made hundreds of these tracks. The video is a narrative of a man's journey, finished in heaven, giving forgiveness to those he left behind. I don't see any asses shaking. It's more than that. More artists need to strive for this. Bottom line. I can even get my old white parents to give these songs nods of legitimization.

The influence of these voices, plus so many, many more, are numerous. Unfortunately, these influences have often been negative. The rap stigma is one dominated by violence and chauvinist attitudes. At this point in time, there are many who have grown past these stringent barriers and explored more deeply rooted human issues concerning our existence. Sadly, the majority are happy to make a buck and talk about alcohol, sex, and "skeeting" on people. Words like "trines" (derogatory term for women) and "crunk" (getting wild) have become a part of all races and socioeconomic groups' vernaculars. This type of music is mainstream. It angers some traditionalists who pine for the good old days, but like anything that draws publicity, for whatever reason, it gains notoriety. It loses its novel status. Just look at advertising. Companies are trying to move a product, and they aren't opposed to using popular music to do so. Vitamin Water, Ciroc Vodka, Castrol Motor Oil, Old Spice and numerous others have all used hip-hop music and figures to move their products. It is an accepted form of expression. It will be used as such.

The state of hip-hop is...what it is. It is a strong condition, filled with multiple geniuses and hacks alike, just as in any genre. Some have something important to say, others simply want to continue turning out the same old stereotypical rap crap. Like with anything, the burden is on the listener to seek out material of worth. Some don't have the capacity for it, and want simple tunes with simple themes. Others grasp for complex creations that make them think and question aspects of their lives and surroundings. Hip-hop has both. Just like rock. Just like country. Just like all forms of music. The idea that this is still a cultural movement is moot to me. It's not. Too many years have passed. That would be like me saying Buffalo Springfield still led a cultural movement. Nope. Hip-hop has evolved. And transgressed. But it's amazing how new it can be when it's done right.