As it showed in Part One, The Message, continued to flow like a great conversation between Hip Hop's finest. This episode of the special touched on the movements of Hip Hop, from 2 Live Crew to Cash Money Records. As the special delved into each rap collective that defined Hip Hop, a light bulb turned on. While there have undeniably been movements in recent Hip Hop, our generation doesn't have the synergy swooning behind it that the movements of yesteryear feature. Millenials seem to be following the pace. But Hip Hop has always been about rearranging American culture, either directly or indirectly.
I think it would be hard pressed for present artists to create a cultural influence large enough to divide the country like the East/West Coast artists did in the nineties. This is not to champion the violence that ensued, it is a commentary on the affect that music had. Artists just aren't loved the way Big and Tupac were. Gen Y loves hard, but not for long. Truthfully speaking, we are still holding on to the tracks of the generation before us. Our generation's movements span from Crunk music to the reemergence of West Coast rap. And while you will find fans for sure, you won't find dedicated lifelong followers willing to risk it all. The emergence of Chicago artist, like Chief Keef and Young Durk, has shown that Hip Hop can still alter culture. But, overall, Millenial followings pale to Hip Hop's earlier movement, not in money but in spirit.
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Check out our tweets from last night! BET took a turn from its usual stereotypical programming to bring a refreshing recap of Hip Hop’s origin. The four-part special, called The Message, was all about where Hip Hop began, how it spread across the nation and the original movement that defined Hip Hop culture. The special was a break from the noise of Hip Hop’s present, that let the hard hitting bass of Hip Hop’s origin resound. As the special kicked off, it was clear that for once we would be able to see and hear the story of Hip Hop being told by the people it was originally intended to speak to. Every major influence of Hip Hop still living today graced the screen. It was a moment in storytelling that shocked me, for lack of better words. More in depth, than other tellings of Hip Hop, The Message showed brought BET out of a huge slump in my eyes. I’ll be honest, Black Entertainment Television hasn’t spoken to me in years, Yesterday’s airing reminded me that BET is still the network that was the first depiction of Black life in all of its forms, beneath its poorly demonstrative sitcoms and over-played Tyler Perry movies. BET did a great job. But, as we traveled from Sugarhill to N.W.A., I couldn’t help but feel a sense of loss. Watching the way that Hip Hop etched its way into American culture, I honestly grew jealous of the tenacity of former generations. Our generation rarely uses Hip Hop to discuss the underwritten violence that still eats away at America. The latest conscious use of rap through Macklemore was not nearly as cutthroat as the discourse created by Public Enemy. Beyond the motives behind our music, we can’t even make something as simple as a good day sound epic like Ice Cube did in the 80’s. I’m not saying anything new. Folks have been screaming Hip Hop is dead since the beginning of Krunk music. But I do think that this break, this special, will remind us young Millennials of why Hip Hop still exists. Hopefully, by taking a look at all of the visionaries that picked up the mic to say something worth hearing, we can stop funneling anything peddled as Hip Hop into our ears. Okay, I know, I know! I sound like I want a revolution to spark because of one TV special. And maybe I do. While, I won’t go running the streets with a picket sign; I think I revolt against the mainstream dilution of Hip Hop every time I cut off my radio and turn on my “Daddy Kane” Pandora station. Yeah, you heard me right! There’s nothing like a two line hook and a story teller over a simple beat. I look forward to next week's part of this special. But, while we wait, share your thoughts, opinion and this post! And get some ole school rap in your ears! |
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ATS MagAgainst the Stream Magazine is an urban platform. We edify our readers by finding noble, pure, and true talent and giving it a stage to flourish. While we love bragging about the folks around us, we also tackle urban issues by giving real world solutions. Archives
September 2015
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