Hip Hop: Origin, Evolution and Current State

Running head: HIP HOP
Hip Hop
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HIP HOP 2
Hip Hop
Hip hop which is also referred rap is characterized by word that are presented in a
rather quick/rapid way (Bradley, 2017). In addition to this, the words follow a rhyming
pattern. These are the two most important characteristics that distinguish hip hop from other
genres of music. It is mainly viewed as music of the African American culture. This is mainly
because the origin of the music could be traced back to African Americans. Today however,
the music has been adopted by many more cultures and customized to fit the culture/ethnic
group in question. Despite this, the two characteristics mentioned above have been
maintained by all hip-hop musicians. Examples of hip-hop musicians are Drake, Nicki Minaj,
Jay Z and 50 Cent.
To an observer, hip-hop music seems to involve a young black person (s) who tends
to possess one or more of the following characteristics: rebellion against the
government/authorities, break dance, some graffiti walls and beat box (this refers to making
sounds like those made by the drum but using the mouth). It is true that some of the pop
musicians may exhibit the characteristics mentioned above. However, there is a deeper and
another side of hip-hop music that is more meaningful and that intends to put across
important messages.
Most people who love hip hop subculture and who could be viewed as being part of
the music, are of the school of thought that the music represents the many struggles faced by
black youth living in United States. The youths mainly represented here are those that live in
the urban areas. In addition to airing the struggles, the music also represents the slow but sure
achievements that the youth continually make (Potter, 2017). The early music mainly focused
on issues such as drugs, crime and challenges faced in the city. Modern hip hop however has
evolved to include other issues such as love, happiness and success (Pough, 2015).