MODERN MUSIC Notable figures in Hip-Hop history Seif Amer 8th December 2018 Abstract This article summarizes the impacts and accomplishments of four ofthe most influencial artists in the history of hip-hop music. Starting with N.W.A and how they took gangster rap to the mainstream level. Followed by Eminem, who made his way to the top with his own style of fast paced, aggressive rap. Tupac Shakur, and his influence on the youth and the next generation of rappers. Lastly, Kanye West, and his innovation the sound of hip-hop with his integration of other genres and relatable substance. Contents Contents i List of Figures ii 1 N.W.A. 1 2 EMINEM 1 3 TUPAC SHAKUR 2 4 KANYE WEST 2 T ....................................... 4 J ....................................... 4 E ....................................... 4 i List of Figures ii 1 N.W.A. Hip-Hop as a genre as been criticized heavily over the last two to three decades since its rise in the early 90’s. It is often described as a genre of inappropriate, violent, provocative music that while it may be appealing sonically, has a violent, uncensored style that is considered by many to be a bad influence or disturbing to youth. (Edmondson, 2008) The earliest rendition of this style that quickly comes to mind for most would be N.W.A, featuring stars such as Ice Cube, Eazy E, and Dr. Dre, who remain big names in the industry to this day. N.W.A. stirred plenty if controversy with so much as their group name (Ni***z Wit Attitudes) as they rose to fame with the release of their 1988 debut album Straight Outta Compton. The album featured the iconic opening track Straight Outta Compton, followed by the highly controversial F**k Tha Police. With the group essentially claiming a rivalry against the criminal justice system, the group had universally labelled themselves as a dangerous group of gangsters, claiming multiple criminal offenses on essentially every track. The group was often in trouble withthe law, however that didn’t stop them from influencing a wave of new artists such as Tupac Shakur and The Notorious B.I.G. 2 EMINEM The success of Detroit rapper Eminem in the early 2000’s was seen asahuge statement during a period of time where hip-hop was considered to be so heavily dominated by african american culture that caucasian youth saw no room for themselves in the industry. How Eminem broke the mold was by creating a sub-genre of his own. This angry, psychotic persona that Eminem created in his music along with his ability to rap at a rapid pace drew the attention of many big names in the industry, including the former N.W.A. producer, Dr. Dre. Dre would sign Eminem to his record label, providing him with the platform that he needed to become the ten-time grammy award winner he would eventually be. However, Eminem’s claim to fame did not come without its fair share of controversy in the media. The substance of Eminem’s lyrics were incredibly vulgar and inappropriate, including mentions of hard drug use, murder, rape, kidnapping and more, making Eminem arguably the most hated artist of his entire generation. However, Eminem still managed to produce 3 diamond albums (10,000,000 copies sold) and became 1 4. KANYE WEST only the second musician ever to have produced 3 diamond singles. Despite Eminem’s decline from superstardom, his influence remains significant to this day, as many current artists have cited Eminem as a major influencer to their music including Kendrick Lamar, Logic, and Joyner Lucas. 3 TUPAC SHAKUR The brutal substance of Hip-hop lyrics from artists such as N.W.A., 50Cent, and The Notorious B.I.G. stem largely from their dark upbringings being raised and shaped by poor neighbourhoods in cities such as Compton, CA, and New York City, NY. (Jeffries, 2014) Having grown up in the East Harlem projects of Manhattan, Tupac Shakur was no exception. However, Tupac viewed Hip-hop as a platform in which he could influence the youth of not only his hometown, but across the nation. Shakur tackled significant issues surrounding troubled youth in an attempt to influence better choices and inspire them. Tupac believed that everyone was capable of working hard and making their way to a better lifestyle. He spoke about his disappointment in realizing many kids in the projects believed they were meant to stay, and took it upon himself to be the motivator for millions. Tupac’s 4th studio album, All Eyez On Me was released February 13th, 1996 and charted 1 on the Billboard top 200. On September 7th, 1996, Tupac involved in a drive-by shooting where he was shot 4 times and rushed to the hospital. On September 13th, he was pronounced dead. Tupac Shakur remains a big name and an influence in the industry to this day. On July 23, 2014, All Eyez On Me was certified diamond by the RIAA (Recording Industry Association of America). 4 KANYE WEST Over the last decade, the Hip-Hop genre has been marked with several drastic changes in styles, many of which can be directly credited to Kanye West.(Thibeault, 2010) The Chicago rapper and producer changed the genre with his diverse discography, including incorporations of soul, electro, rock, and pop music into his music. His influence to Hip-Hop can be heard throughout the genre, with artists such as Travis Scott, Logic, Drake, and Lil Wayne who have credited Kanye throughout their careers for his innovation. West’s third studio album, Graduation, sold 957,000 copies in the first week of 2 its release and won a grammy award for best rap album of 2008. His follow up project, 808s and Heartbreak featured Kanye singing and rapping, primarily about women, loss, and heartache. West received backlash for the softer, more sensitive substance of the album. However, Hip-Hop ended up following in that direction despite criticism from even his peers. Superstar rappers such as Drake, Lil Wayne, J Cole, and Kendrick Lamar have pulled from the same style and substance that Kanye West was once hated for. 3 4. KANYE WEST 1 Thibeault, M. D. (2010). Hip-Hop, Digital Media, and the Changing Faceof Music Education. General Music Today, 24(1), 46–49. https://doi.org/10.1177/1048371310379097 2 Jeffries, M. P. (2014). Hip‐hop urbanism old and new. International Journal of Urban and Regional Research, 38(2), 706-715. doi:10.1111/1468-2427.12106 3 Edmondson, V. C. (2008). A preliminary review of competitive reactions in the hip-hop music industry: Black american entrepreneurs in a new industry. Management Research News, 31(9), 637-649. doi:10.1108/01409170810898536 4.