Rap Music and Pop Culture

Paper Summary:

Rap Music has a great effect on our pop culture and race today. In fact, since the music of Elvis, various forms of music have pushed the limits of tolerance and decency in pop culture. According to some critics, rap has done this to an extent that cannot be disregarded in terms of social standards. This paper reviews the rap music genre, while also taking into consideration the impact it has on pop culture. The paper asserts that, while it is true that some rap artists have broken rules and norms not only in their music, but also in their lifestyles, it is also true that other rap musicians attempt to use their art for social uplift in pop culture.

From the Paper:

"During the 1920s, urban street jive was a form of speech developed in Chicago ("Getting"). According to some historians, this is the tradition at the root of rap music as it exists today. In its current form, rap music emerged in New York City, courtesy of a Jamaican immigrant, Clive Campbell, or DJ Kool Herc, as he is also known. During the 1970's, Campbell developed this art form by mixing music from two records on two separate turntables. The beat created in this manner was accompanied by Campbell speaking to match the rhythm of the music. The first hit in this genre was created by the Sugarhill Gang in 1979, and entitled "Rappers Delight.""

Sample of Sources Used:

• "Brutality." Merriam-Webster Online. 22 Sept. 2006 <http://www.m-w.com/dictionary/brutality>.
• "Getting a Bad Rap?(offensive lyrics in rap music)." Current Events. 2 Feb. 2001. 26 Sep. 2006 <http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0EPF/is_17_100/ai_70769651>.
• Ehrlich, Dimitri. "Blazing the other way - interview with members of the rap music group A Tribe Called Quest" August, 1998. 20 Sept. 2006 <http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m1285/is_n8_v28/ai_21007964>.
• Fields, Suzanne . " "/p/articles/mi_m1571/is_19_17/ai_75021652/pg_1"". Insight on the News. 21 May, 2001. 21 Sept. 2006 <http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m1571/is_19_17/ai_75021652>.
• Nielsen//Net Ratings. "More Than One in Five Surfers Download Music". 8 May, 2003. 21 Sept. 2006 <http://www.nielsennetratings.com/pr/pr_030508.pdf#search=%22more%20than%20one%20in%20five%20surfers%20download%20music%22>.

More papers on Rap Music and Pop Culture:

• Argumentative Essay # 128750 : "The Dangers of Rap Music"
• Research Paper # 60858 : "Hip Hop Culture and Identity"
• Descriptive Essay # 117963 : "Pop Music"

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