Rap and Hip Hop: Crash Course Black American History #47

Summary

Hip hop and rap originated in the streets of New York City in the late 1970s, emerging as a powerful cultural response to economic inequality and political unrest. Rooted in four pillars—DJing, rapping, graffiti, and breakdancing—the genre evolved into a form of self-expression and social commentary. Artists like Public Enemy, N.W.A., and Tupac used hip hop to address issues like racism, police brutality, and class inequality, while female emcees revolutionized the genre with Black feminist perspectives. By the 1990s, hip hop became a global phenomenon, influencing music, fashion, and activism, continuing to challenge social norms and fight injustice.

Takeaways

• 😀 Rap and hip hop originated in the late 1970s on the streets of Harlem and the South Bronx as a response to economic inequality and the Black Arts Movement.
• 😀 The genre's early focus was on self-expression, tackling themes like race, class, gender, and political issues within the Black community.
• 😀 By the 1990s, hip hop had become a mainstream force, offering upward mobility for many artists and promoting social and political analysis.
• 😀 The four foundational pillars of hip hop include DJing, rapping, graffiti painting, and breakdancing.
• 😀 DJing involved remixing beats and creating music using turntables, while rapping was rooted in African American gospel traditions, West African storytelling, and Jamaican remixing.
• 😀 Graffiti, often linked to social decay, served as a form of artistic rebellion, challenging the notion that art only belongs in galleries.
• 😀 Breakdancing incorporated style and acrobatic skill, adding a physical dimension to the hip hop culture.
• 😀 Iconic hip hop groups like Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five, and Public Enemy used their music to challenge social issues and push political messages.
• 😀 The rivalry between East Coast and West Coast rap, epitomized by artists like Biggie Smalls and Tupac Shakur, also highlighted different regional styles and the impact of record labels.
• 😀 Women in hip hop, like Queen Latifah and Missy Elliott, reshaped the genre by addressing gender politics, challenging misogyny, and offering new perspectives on Black womanhood.

Q & A

What were the primary factors that contributed to the emergence of rap and hip hop in the late 1970s?

Rap and hip hop emerged as a direct response to two main factors: 1) the economic and political inequality faced by Black communities after the Civil Rights victories of the 1960s, and 2) the influence of the Black Arts Movement, which sought to re-imagine Blackness through various forms of artistic expression.

How did hip hop artists use their platform in the 1990s to address social and political issues?

Hip hop artists embedded social and political analysis in their lyrics, addressing issues such as state surveillance, drug addiction, crime, unemployment, and racism. They used their music as a critique of American society and to challenge the status quo.

What are the four main pillars of hip hop culture?

The four main pillars of hip hop culture are: 1) DeeJaying (creating music and beats with turntables), 2) Rapping (performing rhythmic vocal rhymes over beats), 3) Graffiti (urban art that challenges traditional notions of beauty), and 4) Breakdancing (a dance style that includes acrobatics and attitude).

What role did groups like Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five play in the development of hip hop?

Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five were pioneers in the genre, contributing to the evolution of hip hop through their lyrical skill and social commentary. They set the foundation for future artists with their innovative approach to music and social engagement.

How did the East Coast vs West Coast rivalry influence the hip hop scene in the 1990s?

The East Coast vs West Coast rivalry, embodied by artists like The Notorious B.I.G. (East Coast) and Tupac Shakur (West Coast), was fueled by competition between record labels, media coverage, and personal conflicts between the artists. This rivalry significantly shaped the direction of hip hop during this period, culminating in the tragic murders of both artists.

What was the significance of Public Enemy’s 'Fight the Power' in hip hop history?

Public Enemy's 'Fight the Power' was a politically charged anthem that called for resistance against white supremacy and racial injustice. It became a symbol of Black empowerment and was prominently featured in Spike Lee’s film 'Do the Right Thing,' further solidifying its cultural impact.

How did hip hop artists respond to criticism about explicit lyrics, especially regarding the use of the N-word?

Hip hop artists responded to criticism by attempting to reclaim the N-word as an act of rebellion, changing the 'er' to 'a' to repurpose the term. However, this argument was controversial, particularly among older Black communities who had experienced the word as a racial slur.

What role did Black women play in the development of hip hop in the 1990s?

Black women in hip hop, such as MC Lyte, Queen Latifah, and Missy Elliott, challenged the male-dominated genre by offering fresh perspectives on sexual, racial, and class politics. They used their music to refute misogyny and bring forward Black feminist messages, transforming how women were represented in the genre.

What were the differences in the representations of Black womanhood in the works of female rappers like Queen Latifah and Lil' Kim?

Queen Latifah's music, such as 'U.N.I.T.Y.,' focused on combating sexism and promoting unity, while Lil' Kim and Foxy Brown embraced a more sexualized image but with a sense of control and dominance. Both approaches revolutionized the portrayal of Black women in hip hop, giving them agency over their representation.

How did hip hop evolve into a global phenomenon by the early 21st century?

By the 2000s, hip hop expanded beyond its New York City roots, gaining a global following. It adapted to various cultures, influencing international music scenes and becoming a major force in global popular culture, culminating in milestones like hip hop artists headlining the Super Bowl Half-Time Show in 2022.