Discussion about Misconceptions of Hip-Hop

Greetings fellow chancetakers,

I recorded a podcast to discuss the research I have done about hip-hop. In this show, I examine different aspects of hip-hop and defend the genre against common critiques. Enjoy!


Hip-*Pop*








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A Lesson to Learn from Hip-hop

We know Hip-hop is an intriguing genre that often produces controversial messages. Consider the reason previous generations of people tend to not like the music; they harken to a time when music seemed more respectable and innocent. If anything, they will lay claim to a lack of talent in the art form. This talent argument is made under the assumption that rappers do not play instruments or compose music, and/or they curse so much because they do not have a decent vocabulary.

There is a point to be made in these arguments against rap music, however they are simply reviews of the genre based on personal music preferences.

With all that said, I must assert that there is indeed as much to learn from hip-hop as there is to learn from a genre like jazz or classical music. For example, I insist you will learn about life in the “hood” from rap or how to put intricate poems together. For this instance, I am referring to rappers on the radio who are widely considered to be bad at rapping.

If a rapper focuses more on melody than lyrical complexity, it is assumed he does not have a message in his songs. Or if a rapper always mentions violence and drugs, he is thought to be dumb or some other type of extrapolation. I argue that the message of a song does not have to be confined to the face-value lyrics of a song.

Take 21 Savage, who is often rapping about murder and selling drugs, robbing, and having sex. What does this say about his character? If we take it at face value, we would assume he is a psychotic drug dealing serial killer. With some context, the picture becomes clearer. In interviews Mr. Savage seems to be a competent person, seemingly normal, aside from the face tattoos.

Obviously not some maniac. But then what do we make of the content of the songs? I insist we look at the context of his life to understand what could cause a man to think these topics are something to brag about. If all he knows is life from the “hood” where he grew up, what else do you expect him to speak about? We can assume he has been completely immersed in the troubling urban culture of Atlanta. His environment is obviously a large inspiration to his lyrics.

Rather than asking what is wrong with him for speaking about these topics in such a casual way, we should frame it in the question of the conditions antecedent to his rapping career. Why is it that his environment was/is so volatile, so traumatizing that it becomes the only familiar perspective? In fact, I view hip-hop in total as an ongoing critique of the society it is produced in.

How Hip-hop Connects the World

In a slightly different direction than my initial post, I have decided to focus on what makes hip-hop so relatable and accessible across different cultures around the world. Different regions and cultures have varying applications and methods of appreciation for the art form referred to as hip-hop.

            What I find interesting is the cluster of similar characteristics that hip-hop carries globally. As explained by Dr. Halifu Osumare from UC Davis, there are a few levels of accessibility that hip-hop provides for people who may perceive themselves as outcasts in some way. She refers to these points of relatability as “connective marginalities;” including class, historical oppression, culture, and youth rebellion. Just from a glance, it becomes clear how these are clear components of hip-hop whether it is old or new, familiar or foreign.

            Osumare continues to drive this point home by comparing our beloved American gangsta rap with gangsta rap from Brazil. This provides a perspective to observe the marginalities proposed above in a different culture’s interpretation of an American art form.

            From what I can gather about Racionais MC’s is that they are a Brazilian incarnation of N.W.A with a slightly less abrasive approach to raising consciousness. With N.W.A there was often a message, but that message was sometimes layered under so much description of experience that it may be perceived as glorifying a lifestyle. On the other hand, Racionais MC’s seem to be more focused on enlightening the public, where N.W.A may have been more focused on shock value.

            Though there are differences between N.W.A and Racionais MC’s, there are also clear similarities in the context of the connective marginalities that Osumare suggests are at the core of hip-hop, globally. Racionais MC’s represent those in a marginal socio-economic class and a historical experience of oppression simply by hailing from the favelas around Sao Paulo. This can be compared to the N.W.A.’s representation of Compton, CA. Compton had not been represented by an influential voice until N.W.A demanded that the world listen.

            The other marginalities are easier to explain without examples. Culture permeates through global hip-hop the same way it does for skateboarding or rock music. Ultimately, there are variations to fashion trends and such trivial details, however, there is consistently an aroma of counter-culture. No hip-hop around the world is created with the idea of conforming to status quo (of course individuals will conform to what they believe is cool, we are speaking in terms of the essence of hip-hop), to be hip-hop is to be original. In the end, youth tend to feel marginalized and underappreciated by larger society, and they often are. This sense of counter-culture paired with youth rebellion makes hip-hop a great tool for teens across the world to get under adults’ skin.

            What do you like about hip-hop? What don’t you relate to in hip-hop? What are the connections of other music genres in the global arena? Leave a comment below and let me know what you think!

What is a G.O.AT?

In the context of Hip-Hop, there is a popular term that is thrown around anytime some new budding MC gains notoriety in the culture. There are references to various artists being the G.O.A.T, or Greatest Of All Time. But what really makes an artist great? What characteristics constitute an artist's legacy to be considered at the premium level over a span of time? This is a topic I will cover more in depth over the span of this semester, however, I would briefly like to explore this concept right now.

      If you are not completely familiar with the competitive nature of Hip-Hop, it essentially developed as a form of poetic dueling when you think about it. As it grew over time, instead of "battling" in person, the contest became more ambiguous and personal. If you were to listen to this genre, following the timeline, you would notice the trend of rappers claiming to be the best, greatest, richest, and so forth.

      My concern is over the potential logistics about this never ending competition. Is it possible to create a rubric for the purpose of critiquing a potential G.O.A.T candidate. I assert that it is indeed possible. If we can contend athletes as the G.O.A.T in their sport based on arbitrary statistics. why can't we create arbitrary statistics to keep track of the poets of rap?

    Here are a few categories I propose as areas to judge a G.O.A.T candidate:
1. Lyrical Capability- Does the artist display complex, meaningful, or otherwise provoking lyrical capability?
2. Influence- Does the artist have an inarguable influence on the development and maintenance of Hip-Hop culture?
3. Mass Appeal- Does the artist make music that appeals to masses rather than niche fan bases?
4. Album Sales- The hard facts. How many albums actually sold in stores?
5. Innovation- Does the artist display the ability to be original, innovative, or otherwise progressive in the culture of Hip-Hop?
6. Musical Talent- Does the artist play instruments or compose music at an above average level?
7. Work Ethic- Does the artist work exceptionally high in their art, business, or other forms of advancement of Hip-Hop culture?

   Leave a comment below and let me know what you think. Who do you think is the G.O.A.T? Is it possible to define? Is there a category missing from my list?