For the last decade and a half or so, hip hop has been receiving criticism from the media due to what can only be described as lurid lyrics. This includes songs that speak on homophobia, glorify reckless and violent acts, and contain sexual and explicit lyrics. However, critics have overlooked some of the most important pieces of hip hop in favor of defining an entire musical genre based on the subject matter and face value of a few artists. While there are artists and songs that promote hate and intolerance, there are far more that discuss important social and personal issues, and promote intelligence and evolving for the better. Upon a deeper analysis of the music and its artists, we can see that hip hop music is worth more than what people give it credit for.
Hip hop began in the mid-1970s in New York as a cultural movement that consisted of rap, breaking, graffiti, and fashion. Hip hop music (or rap music) is usually defined as lyrical. There is also an obvious division between what is considered popular rap music and music that calls attention to important issues using impressive language.
Rap music often tells tales of perseverance. When asked how they got started, most old-school hip-hop artists will say that they were simply looking for something to do. In the series premiere of "NY Ink" called "Blood Is Thicker Than Ink," Method Man, of the Wu-Tang Clan, said he and his friends got involved in music as a way to have fun without getting into trouble. Rappers that are credited with "founding" hip hop are from poorer neighborhoods and had to work on their craft and performance skills in order to gain status and better themselves. Childish Gambino, a rapper, comedian, actor, screenwriter, producer, and musician from Atlanta, is the oldest of six children. In his music, he often talks about being bullied, sleeping head to toe, and stealing clothes from the lost and found in order to look cool. In an industry that is so big, with so many people wanting to be a part of it, artists have to persevere in order to thrive. Rapper and producer J. Cole was raised in Fayetteville, North Carolina, by a single mother who had a problem with drug abuse, but he went on to obtain a bachelor's degree and is now one of the highest-grossing rap artists in the industry.
In light of artists' life stories, self-encouragement is a prominent element in their music. Most rap songs are full of the repeated "I'm the best" mantra. When working in a business with lots of other competition, it’s important to constantly make sure that you are being the best that you can be. Hip hop music encourages competition, and all participants fight to be the best.
In most cases, hip hop is poetry put to music. Poetry, more specifically performance poetry, often highlights social issues, proposes solutions, and encourages people to get involved. J. Cole's "See World" talks about a toddler named Shaniya who was raped and murdered, and calls for justice. Bo.B’s "Dr. Aden" talks about the Bayer Scandal of the 1980s, simultaneously educating listeners about an important piece of history and voicing the artist's own opinion. There are slews of songs that highlight issues and events that have taken place in their respective communities in order to call attention to them.
Rap lyrics are also full of alliteration, metaphors, and similes that artists often call wordplay or wit. Eminem’s "25 to Life" is a four-minute extended metaphor about his relationship with hip hop. Rappers are often amazing with figurative language and would probably get an A in any English class.
Artists in the alternative genre also seem to use art as a large form of inspiration. We can see elements of rap music in the music of alternative artists such as Twenty-One Pilots and Panic! At the Disco. Whether it is the flow of lyrics, the dramatic use of bass, or even implementing rapping into their songs, the influence of hip-hop is obvious.
When you take the time to not only find good rap artists but to listen to their music and message, you’ll understand that the entire genre is not appalling. Rather, it’s filled with educated people that are fighting not only to educate their audiences but to remain on top.
