The Intersection of Afrobeats and Hip Hop [STREET SOLDIERS]

Summary

In this episode of 'Street Soldiers,' Lisa Evers explores the growing influence of African culture in hip-hop, particularly through the rise of Afrobeats. The show discusses the cultural exchange between African artists and hip-hop artists, the universal appeal of Afrobeats, and its impact on the global music scene. Guests include Dr. Chris Emdin, Touma Ba, and DJ Wawa, who share insights on the fusion of genres, the historical connection between African rhythms and hip-hop, and the significance of this cultural convergence.

Takeaways

• 🎵 The influence of African music, particularly Afrobeats, is growing in the hip-hop scene, with artists like French Montana and Sway Lee achieving significant success.
• 🌐 As hip-hop culture becomes more international, collaborations between hip-hop and African artists are on the rise, expanding the genre's reach and audience.
• 📈 The video for 'Unforgettable' by French Montana and Sway Lee, filmed in Uganda, has been viewed over 1 billion times on YouTube, indicating the global appeal of such collaborations.
• 🔊 DJ Whoo Kid from Hot 97 broke the Afrobeats song 'Johanna', highlighting the universal appeal of the Afrobeats sound.
• 🏆 Nigerian artist Burna Boy achieved Billboard Top 10 chart success, demonstrating the potential for African artists to make a significant impact on the global music scene.
• 🎶 The rhythmic connection between hip-hop and African music is deep-rooted, with both genres sharing a common heritage in the use of rhythm as a form of expression and escape.
• 🤝 Collaborations between hip-hop and African artists are a strategy to expand audiences without alienating core fans, as explained by Touma Bosso, YouTube's director of urban music.
• 🌍 The fusion of multiple genres in Afrobeats is contributing to its staying power in the music industry, as it appeals to a wide range of listeners.
• 👨‍🏫 Dr. Chris Emdin emphasizes the historical connection between African culture and hip-hop, tracing the origins back to West Africa and the use of music and rhythm as a response to oppression.
• 📈 The growing number of African immigrants in schools like those in New York City is leading to a cultural shift, where African heritage is celebrated and valued.

Q & A

What is the main topic of discussion in the Street Soldiers episode with Lisa Evers?

The main topic of discussion is the growing influence of African culture in hip-hop music, particularly the rise of Afrobeats and its impact on the global hip-hop scene.

How has the success of the music video 'Unforgettable' by French Montana and Swae Lee contributed to the African influence in hip-hop?

The music video for 'Unforgettable' was filmed in Uganda and has been viewed over 1 billion times on YouTube, which has paved the way for more collaborations between hip-hop artists and African artists.

What does DJ Whoo Kid attribute the African influence in hip-hop to?

DJ Whoo Kid attributes the African influence in hip-hop to technology, which has provided the means to distribute music globally and enabled artists from different regions to collaborate more easily.

How does Dr. Chris Emdin explain the historical connection between African culture and hip-hop?

Dr. Chris Emdin explains that hip-hop has its roots in African culture, tracing back to West Africa's talking drums and storytelling traditions, which were ways to overcome oppression through music, rhythm, and dance.

What is the significance of the growing number of collaborations between hip-hop and African artists according to Touma Bossa?

Touma Bossa, YouTube's director of urban music, sees the collaborations as a way for artists to expand their audience without alienating core fans, describing it as a relationship that exchanges sounds and audiences.

What does DJ Wawa reveal about the reception of Afrobeat music in clubs?

DJ Wawa shares that Afrobeat music receives a great response in clubs, noting that it has become one of the biggest genres in music currently, with fans showing immense appreciation and support.

How does Dr. Chris Emdin view the shift in hip-hop from a Eurocentric to an Afro-centric approach?

Dr. Chris Emdin views the shift as a move from a narrative of rugged individualism to one of collaboration and community, reflecting a diasporic convergence and a newfound connection with African heritage.

What does Touma Bossa suggest about the future of Afrobeats in relation to hip-hop?

Touma Bossa suggests that Afrobeats is here to stay and will continue to complement hip-hop, as it is not just a trend but an authentic genre that is part of the same cultural family.

How does DJ Wawa describe the initial reaction to playing Afrobeat music on the radio?

DJ Wawa describes the initial reaction as positive, with the music resonating well with the audience and becoming a hit, even though he wasn't sure if he was allowed to play it at first.

What does Dr. Chris Emdin suggest about the impact of Afrobeats on African immigrants in America?

Dr. Chris Emdin suggests that the popularity of Afrobeats gives African immigrants a sense of value, worth, and privilege that they may not have experienced before, as it brings them to the center of cultural attention.