This article showed an interesting perspective on the world of hip-hop. I didn't really find it as much informative, in regards to hip-hop history, as I did factual, in regards to hip-hop statistics.For example, in class we learned that the origins of a "scratch" and "break-beat" in a record were attributed to the likes of Kool Herc and Grandmaster Flash, however the article mentioned that "The DJs "learned" to move the record back and forth under the needle to create a "scratch", or to drop the needle on the record where the beat was the hottest, playing "the break" over and over..." therefore I wasn't really feeling the history aspect of the article, because it was a bit confusing.
Another example of the statistics provided by the article was noted when it discussed the popularity of hip-hop around the world, in comparison to other forms of music. I knew hip-hop was considered on a grand scale in comparison to other forms of entertainment, particularly music, but I didn't know that it was favored more when compared to more "native" forms of music. For example, the article mentioned that in Brazil "rap is a rival to samba in popularity".
Another point that I thought was worth discussing in regards to this article is when the article included the perspective of hip-hop from Henry, the young white "model American teenager" from Dayton, Ohio. Even though Henry admits to being caught up in the hip-hop world, much to his parents despise, he admits that he knows "it's just a fantasy". I thought this was an interesting point to make because so many people tend to point the finger at hip-hop for its' negativity and violence and the influences that it provides for America's young Adults, but if the "model American teenager" can distinguish the fantasy of hip-hop from reality, why is there still blame?Even though I know this is just one individual who realizes that what he hears and sees may not all be factual, it seems that there are still an overwhelming number of those who disagree.
One last point I wanted to make about this article was a quote that I took from the article that was said by Assane N'Diaye a 19 year old Senegalese fisherman, "rap doesn't belong to American culture...it belongs here. It has always existed here, because of our pain and our hardships and our suffering". I thought this quote was so powerful because it really spoke to me about the popularity of hip-hop, and I realized that hip-hop is so popular all around the globe because people from all around the globe can to relate to it, not just because of the catchy beats and captivating hooks, but because of the universal situation.
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2 comments:
pretty good information and you provide concrete evidences to back up your evidence. I really like the part where you state that many people still think that hip hop is associated with vandalism and criminal activities, when hip hop shouldnt be seem like that but as a way of communicating through art
I also enjoyed the parts about the "model American teenager." It is interesting to think that so much negativity can be pointed at Hip Hop, but ultimately it is all about perspective. Sometimes reality and fantasy can ride on such a thin line that its hard to tell which is which. I guess it really just depends on how a persons perceives things.
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