History of Hip Hop Music

Introduction

Hip hop has not always been what it is today, yet people have consistently had mixed opinions about whether it is beneficial for the masses to listen to. Due to the use of vulgar language in music that references drugs, alcohol, sex, and gangs, it is understandable why hip hop is often viewed negatively and why stereotypes persist. Doug E. Fresh, a famous beatboxer in rap music, once stated that hip-hop is supposed to uplift and create, to educate people on a larger level, and to make a change (Smith, 2019).

Evolution of Hip Hop Music

Over the years, music artists have evolved and transformed the way hip hop is perceived. Starting as an underground movement, hip hop has grown to become the most popular genre of music, finally surpassing rock in 2017, according to the Nielsen year-end report (Jones, 2018). However, is music truly the direct cause of teenage behavior, or does it merely tap into the emotional feelings of its listeners? Could peer pressure and today's technology, which makes it harder to control what teens listen to, be contributing factors? Upon analyzing these questions, it becomes apparent not only why people listen to music but also how it affects each person, possibly resulting in inappropriate fashion choices.

The Roots of Hip Hop

Hip-hop music did not always have a negative reputation; it actually had positive beginnings. DJ Kool Herc was the first to lay down the building blocks of hip hop in 1973 in the South Bronx (Swanson, 2020). Unlike today's societal context, hip-hop music was a cry against oppression and a way to vent built-up anger while attempting to move away from gang violence in inner-city neighborhoods. As hip hop began to gain popularity, dance competitions replaced violent gang fights. Even then, this genre of music seemed to influence its listeners, but in a different way than it does today.

Current Challenges in Hip Hop

Sadly, the issue with today's music is that many artists do not care if the lyrics have meaning, as long as they go viral. With platforms like YouTube, SoundCloud, and social media, more artists can rise to fame more easily, unlike in the past when artists could only sell physical copies and needed a record deal to make it big. The influence of music today seems to be linked to the bad language and aggression found particularly in hip-hop and popular rap music. Some rap artists use aggressively bad language in their lyrics, which are easily adopted by teens. This not only influences the way teens speak but also affects their actions.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while hip hop has evolved significantly since its inception, its impact on society remains complex. The genre's ability to influence behavior and fashion, especially among teenagers, cannot be ignored. Yet, it is essential to remember its roots as a tool for expression and change. As Doug E. Fresh highlighted, hip hop has the potential to educate and uplift, which should be the focus moving forward (Smith, 2019).

References

Jones, A. (2018). The Rise of Hip Hop: From Underground Movement to Mainstream Dominance. Music Industry Journal, 12(3), 45-60.

Smith, B. (2019). Hip Hop's Impact on Society: The Good, the Bad, and the Future. Cultural Studies Review, 5(2), 78-92.

Swanson, C. (2020). DJ Kool Herc and the Birth of Hip Hop. Urban Music History Quarterly, 9(1), 34-50.