Hip Hop Represents America Blog 9

When discussing American music in a foreign country, I would discuss hip-hop and how it has evolved over time. Since hip-hop is one of the most listened to musics in the United States, it represents what America likes, particularly the younger generation. In my lecture, I will discuss the evolution of hip-hop and the rappers that are recognized as the best and most innovative.

Sampling is the most well-known attribute of hip-hop music. While many are opposed to this technique, believing it is unoriginal, hip-hoppers will disagree with this statement. Sampling is more taking from another piece of music, and adding different instruments and drums that change the feeling, as well as the whole vibe of the track. Sampling was first used in the disco days and everyone that was not into disco vibed with hip-hop because it was the anti-disco of the time. Sampling is still used today, but has become way more creative due to advances in technology. Today, drum machines used to sample music can slow down tempos, and raise pitches, which demonstrate the evolution of hip-hop music.

Noteworthy Hip-Hop Legends-

First, I would talk about how it began and how it was first recognized. A Jamaican named DJ Kool Herc came to the US and began cutting up disco tracks and putting drum and bass over them. After years of DJing, the first rap song was heard on the radio. The song was entitled "Rapper's Delight" by the Sugarhill gang. While primitive, it revolutionized hip-hop and attracted many listeners.

Another group of note is Run-DMC. Run-DMC was the first group to combine rap and rock into their music. The group consisted of two rappers and one DJ. They were big in the 1980s and still have much influence on artists today. The song that best fits what they were known for is the collaboration with Aerosmith, entitled "Walk this Way." At the time Run-DMC was big, rap and rock were complete opposites, and this song broke the barrier between the two.

In the late 1980s and early 1990s, Gangster rap was invented. Dr. Dre, Ice Cube, DJ Yella, MC Ren, and Eazy-E teamed up to create a group called NWA (Ni**as With Attitude). The group's main target was the police. This can be seen in their famous song called "Fuck The Police." Their music is considered very controversial and is condemned by many for its brutal lyrics. However, NWA should be recognized because they began a sub-genre of rap that is still around today. They expressed the actuality of poverty in the black ghettos and explain how they speak how they do because they feel whites do not care about them. Dr. Dre, creator of the group, is the most respected hip-hop musicians today.

The last rapper I will discuss is Tupac Shakur. 2pac, son of a member of the Black Panther party, grew up in the worst of areas and witnessed the beatings of many African-Americans throughout his life. He began his musical career by discussing political issues prevalent in society at the time, and made his first CD in 1989, which was very political and controversial. With the start of Tupac's career, he was constantly going to court for what he was discussing in his music. He continued to make music however, as well as act in movies. After going to jail for a rape charge, he was released and teamed up with Snoop Dogg and Dr. Dre at Death Row records and dropped the first double-rap album entitled All Eyes On Me. He was considered the best rapper of his time, and even ten years after his death, he is still considered the best rapper ever. He recorded so much music before he was killed because he knew his death was coming, which is why Cds of Tupac's work continue to be published. Not only is he the most respected rapper, but he has sold the most rap albums of anyone. That's pretty impressive being that he has been dead for over ten years.

While not everyone in America likes hip-hop music, it continues to top the Billboard charts and is one of the best selling musics in the United States. It has changed so much over time and continues to evolve. While hip-hop is still big today, many feel that since Tupac's demise, rap has not been the same and is garbage compared to what it used to be. But even so, hip-hop continues to be listened to across America, which is why I chose to discuss it today.