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Messages in Hip-Hop: the Social Context and Content Evolution Of Abstract ID#: 2420 Category: Humanities and Arts Undergraduate Messages in Hip-Hop: the Social Context and Content Evolution of One of Music's Most Dynamic Genres Kyle Rossini Opportunity • People have been arguing over hip hop's trajectory as a genre, and criticizing it for losing its focus as a Approach platform for social change, instead becoming a staple on pop music stations and streaming sites. Often, "the Good Old Days" are spoken of, when political/social activism and hip hop lyricism were In what ways have social consciousness and lyricism evolved in hip hop? one and the same • History of lyricism and content of hip hop music The art of “rapping” started in the 1970’s in the Bronx, New York • Regional differences/influencers • 1970’s – 80’s • Marginalized communities used spoken words and poetry to protest • East Coast • Public Enemy institutional discrimination against minorities • “Mafioso” rap • It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold us Back • • Raekwon, Kool G Rap, AZ • Fear of a Black Planet Began to be used in house parties with addition of DJ turntables and mixers • Rakim • Detailing inner city life • West Coast • Boogie Down Productions • Nas • “Gangsta” rap • Afrika Bambaataa and the Zulu Nation • Illmatic • Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg • • 1990’s • Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five 2Pac • Son of Black Panther • Ice Cube • “The Message” depicts harsh realities of life resulting from • “It Was a Good Day” members • Big L injustice and discrimination • Political activist and poet • A Tribe Called Quest • Political references as well as an entertainer • Mos Def • Elections of Barack Obama and Donald Trump • Chicago • 2000’s • Talib Kweli, Jay Z, Rick Ross • Common, Kanye West, Lupe Fiasco • Kanye West • Eminem Donald Trump diss • Combine social commentary along with soulful • “Jesus Walks” • Social causes and more “nostalgic” instrumentals • Killer Mike • Police Brutality • Southern • Aesop Rock • ”Cop Shooter” by Ice T • Atlanta • Lupe Fiasco • Gritty, unique sounds • 2010’s • “F**k tha Police” by N.W.A. • Outcasts from other • Kendrick Lamar • “Sound of da Police” by KRS-One regions • To Pimp A Butterfly • Trayvon Martin • New Orleans • Joey Bada$$ • Frank Ocean, Wyclef Jean, Jadakiss, Ace Hood, Young Jeezy • Houston • J Cole • Mental Health • “Brackets” • Party and drug culture • Vince Staples • DMX, Notorious BIG, Geto Boys, Kid Cudi Impact Data or Results • The internet and streaming services have lowered the barrier • Featured Artists of entry for musicians • Becoming increasingly more prominent • Technological advancements have brought • “Blend of genres” upon the rise of the “independent artist” • Fundamental purpose of hip hop lyricism can get • Streaming numbers skyrocketing lost • Becoming dominant form of • Length/frequency of albums consumption • Popularity of genre • Album sales down • 2017 – Hip hop passed Rock for most popular • “Singles world” music genre • Artists becoming famous not for their music • With mainstream attention comes a pressure to • appeal to more widespread generic audiences Social media presence • Simple messages with catchy hooks • “Meme music” • Not focusing on pressing issues • Socially conscious lyricists exist still facing society • Oversaturation of music • Genre became profitable – materialism and “player” • Too much for one person to physically mindset became a trend and something to strive for consume • Niche and less commercial = less exposure • Acclaimed/mainstream consciousness • Logic • Kendrick • Jay Z • Nispey Hussle • Future of hip hop • Rise of “Soundcloud generation” • Lo-Fi • ”Emo”/Cloud Rap • Mental health Resources: https://blog.thecurrent.org/2014/02/40-years-of-album-sales-data-in-one-handy-chart/ https://pitchfork.com/features/lists-and-guides/are-rap-albums-really-getting-longer/ https://www.hypebot.com/hypebot/2018/12/independent-artists-streaming-were-big-winners-in- https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/songs-with-featured-artists-have-a-better-shot-at-being-a-hit-study-says-789603/ 2018-mark-mulligan.html https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/chart-beat/8085975/us-music-consumption-up-2017-rb-hip-hop-most-popular-genre https://www.capitalxtra.com/features/lists/evolution-rap-lyrics-1988-2013/nike-adidas/.
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