The Hip-Hop Movement

Paper Summary:

This paper explains that a pop music explosion, such as hip-hop, (1) creates a cultural upheaval of class and race, (2) distinguishes a youth subculture, (3) changes the way people think and act, (4) influences a broad shift in sexual mores, political beliefs and economic aspirations and (5) establishes a pervasive sense of chaos. The author points out that gangsta rap is a form of raw, urban social commentary written by and intended for poor minority youths; however, its appeal has broadened widely. The paper relates that the hip-hop movement of this generation has produced a myriad of fads and styles such as showy gold jewelry, baggy pants, designer name t-shirts, furs and expensive running shoes with which hip-hoppers blur the class lines by wearing clothes, like Ralph Lauren and Kaygol, typically sported by rich people.

From the Paper:

"In the late 1980s and 1990s rap music became a medium used to express dissent and attack the government and law enforcement agencies, longtime persecutors of the black community. Rappers like Public Enemy, NWA, and Eric B. used their music to spread a message about social, political and economic issues. Turmoil ensued in 1992 when ex-NWA rapper, Ice Cube, released Body Count featuring "Cop Killer"."

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