Hip hop music and its cultural significance

Hip-Hop Music

Throughout history, popular music has changed constantly. Every time a new category of popular music is introduced to a new generation, there is always controversy. Elvis Presley, The Beatles, Madonna and even country and westerns Loretta Lynn broke barriers that everyone was real upset about at one time. They are now highly respectable. In time, the controversial music becomes accepted and new artists push through more limitations. Because of the dance craze, Hip-Hop and Rap music have became very popular. They both produce a very strong beat that is very easy to dance to. Hip-Hop or Rap music is accented with a heavy drumbeat, a handed down version of African rhythms, but the lyrics are composed of slang spoken by younger generations.

Many people thought that Hip-Hop music was not going to last, but it is showing no signs of diminishing. As a matter of fact, many new artists are breaking record charts by selling millions of records. Although Hip-Hop and Rap music appeals to a younger generation, people of all ages enjoy Hip-Hop and Rap music. Hip-Hop music is very energizing and motivating to listen to.

Some people complain about the lyrics that are used in popular Rap music, but most people enjoy Hip-Hop music because of the accented drumbeat and bass. However, it is true that not all Rap or Hip-Hop music is suitable for children or people who are easily offended, to listen to. This type of music is really popular with club dancers, professional jazz and hip-hop dancers, and choreographers.

The accented drumbeats of Hip-Hop do inspire creativity. This is why Hip-Hop music has progressed over time. Professional cheerleaders and dancers (especially basketball cheerleaders), style of dancing and choreography has drastically changed because of Hip-Hop music. The entire technical dance moves such as double turns and switch leaps have been replaced with sharp, precise moves, which is more entertaining to the audience. The rapid counts of music does not allow time for big dances unless done at a very rapid count. This new, energy enhancing style of dancing during the halftime shows encourages more enthusiasm and involvement from the sports fans at the games.

One very seldom hears about the positive effects of Rap or Hip-Hop music. The reason for this is that the media, newspapers and websites like to report the negative side of Rap or Hip-Hop music. For example, they love to broadcast popular artists who get arrested. The media also seems to grasp every opportunity they can to promote rap artists who deals drugs. When a school shooting happens, it is the music they want to blame. All music have positive and negative influences, which is better explained in a psychological report.

For the handful of kids who did participate in school shootings, there are many more kids who listen to popular music that did not shoot up the schools. While I agree, that Hip-Hop and Rap music will give off a hi-energy feeling or emotion, the music is not responsible for anyones behavior. All music is very popular, because of the powerful inspiring emotions it can create. Many people will listen to very calm and mellow music before going to sleep. In dance studios, the proper music is chosen to fit the type of dance that is being taught. People who workout, run or rollerblade will take their music with them because of the motivation it provides while working out. Even educators are now using Hip-Hop and Rap music in the classroom with positive results. Kids are finding this a fun way to learn and they associate learning with Rap music, instead drudgery or boredom. While music does inspire emotions, it cannot be blamed for violent behavior.

Rap and Hip-hop music was not the only type of music that people attempted to ban from the radio stations. The same people who are complaining about the popular music now, can remember when many religious leaders, not to long ago, considered his or her favorite music satanic or evil.

Religious leaders saw an opportunity that they may possibly be glorified by downgrading something that was real popular. If the music were as negative as they try to make it sound, no one would waste anytime trying to destroy the existence of popular music.

Rap and Hip-Hop music is not a fly-by night type of music. Since we have moved into a time of fast progressions, this music is not staying at one level. Every artist wants to be original and unique. This style of music is forever changing and growing, bringing us new variations. Old Rap songs are constantly improved and updated. It is a very young culture that continuously surprises us.