Hip-Hop is political again. Here's why.

Summary

This transcript explores the political evolution of hip-hop, starting in the mid-90s when artists like Ice Cube, Lauryn Hill, and Tupac used their music to address social and political issues. It traces the shift in focus as gangster and crunk rap gained popularity, leaving political rap to the underground. The script highlights the resurgence of politically conscious hip-hop in 2015 with Kendrick Lamar's *To Pimp a Butterfly* and Killer Mike's activism. It also connects the rise of political awareness, especially in light of movements like #BlackLivesMatter, to the changing landscape of hip-hop and its role in discussing race and injustice.

Takeaways

• 😀 Hip-hop in the mid-90s had a political theme, with artists like Ice Cube using music and film to tell the story of the ghetto.
• 😀 Lauryn Hill's music, such as 'Everything is Everything,' advocated for gender equality.
• 😀 Rappers like Tupac, Nas, and Biggie Smalls used their music to uplift and educate young people from marginalized communities.
• 😀 In the late 90s, political conscious hip-hop began to fade from mainstream pop culture, with crunk and gangster rap gaining popularity.
• 😀 Underground artists like Mos Def remained committed to conscious rap during this shift in the genre.
• 😀 In 2015, Kendrick Lamar brought political themes back to mainstream hip-hop with his album 'To Pimp a Butterfly,' which tackled the role of black artists in commercial music.
• 😀 President Obama publicly endorsed Kendrick Lamar's song 'How Much A Dollar Cost,' highlighting its political and social message.
• 😀 Killer Mike gained recognition for his anarchy-themed music with Run The Jewels and endorsed Bernie Sanders for president in 2015.
• 😀 'Straight Outta Compton' (2015) became a box-office hit, telling the story of N.W.A.'s resistance to police brutality in the 1980s.
• 😀 Hip-hop's sociopolitical themes have historical roots in protest music, with early artists like Public Enemy pushing similar messages of resistance.
• 😀 The rise in awareness of police brutality, especially against unarmed black people, has shifted public opinion and sparked the resurgence of political hip-hop.

Q & A

What political themes were prevalent in 90s hip hop?

In the mid-90s, hip hop had strong political themes, with artists like Ice Cube using music to tell stories about life in the ghetto. Rappers like Lauryn Hill also focused on social issues, such as gender equality, while Tupac, Nas, and Biggie Smalls provided music that educated and uplifted young people, particularly from impoverished backgrounds.

How did hip hop evolve politically by the turn of the decade?

By the late 90s and early 2000s, politically conscious hip-hop, which had previously gained traction, became more underground. Artists like Mos Def continued to produce conscious rap, but the mainstream began to embrace genres like crunk and gangster rap, which focused more on partying and rowdy behavior rather than political messages.

What marked the return of politically charged hip hop in 2015?

In 2015, politically charged hip hop made a significant return, with Kendrick Lamar leading the charge through his album *To Pimp a Butterfly*. The album focused on the role of black artists in commercial music and addressed issues such as race and social justice.

How did Kendrick Lamar's album *To Pimp a Butterfly* contribute to political hip hop?

Kendrick Lamar’s *To Pimp a Butterfly* sparked a resurgence of political hip hop, with the album’s title itself commenting on the commercialization of black artistry. A song from the album, 'How Much A Dollar Cost,' was even highlighted by President Obama, and the lyrics challenged the value of money versus the moral choice of helping someone in need.

Why is the song 'How Much A Dollar Cost' significant?

'How Much A Dollar Cost' is significant because it addresses the theme of morality and the value of helping others. The song tells the story of Lamar encountering a homeless man who turns out to be God, highlighting the consequences of disregarding those in need.

What role did Killer Mike play in the political hip hop movement?

Killer Mike became an influential figure in the political hip hop scene through his partnership with El-P in the group Run The Jewels, which carried anarchy-themed messages. He also supported Bernie Sanders during the 2016 presidential election, further solidifying his role in politically charged rap.

What impact did the movie *Straight Outta Compton* have in 2015?

*Straight Outta Compton*, a biographical film about N.W.A., topped the box office for several weeks. The film highlighted N.W.A.'s criticism of police brutality and the group's role in shaping political rap, continuing the legacy of politically conscious hip hop.

What historical influence did hip hop have on protest music?

Hip hop was heavily influenced by earlier protest music, drawing from movements that came before it. Like protest music of the past, hip hop artists used their platform to address issues of social justice, racial inequality, and the struggles of marginalized communities.

How has public opinion on racism in the U.S. changed over time?

Public opinion on racism in the U.S. has fluctuated over the years. In 1995, a significant portion of the public considered racism a major issue, but by 2009, when Obama took office, that number had dropped. However, since 2013, the perception of racism as a 'big problem' has increased again, with public awareness growing, especially in the wake of police brutality cases and the rise of movements like Black Lives Matter.

How does the success of political hip hop reflect changes in society?

The success of political hip hop reflects the increased societal awareness of racial inequality and police brutality, especially after high-profile incidents involving unarmed black people. As public awareness of these issues has grown, so too has the influence of political hip hop, with artists using their music to spark conversation and action on social justice.