Hip-Hop is a socially active form of music, simply defined it is rhythmical story telling to a beat. Known to create numerous controversies both small and large due to there explicit lyrics and exploitation of woman. Hip-Hop is a form of art that is raw real and exclusive. It is identified as a culture created to reflect the lives of the minorities, and used as form to escape life’s difficulties and creates and atmosphere that allows us to forget our hardships and rejoice. America has spoken, it has chosen a form of music that relates to an explicit version of our society. Just as our elders did with an original form of musical rebellion Rock & Roll. Hip-Hop does not hold a direct form of rebellion it does however hold a direct link to a culture strongly influenced by a conditioned mainstream. Locally we lack Hip-Hop culture activities, live performances and most importantly support is slim to none. Which may be why we are missing diversity , and or social inclusiveness. Our Community does not promote Hip-Hop and has assisted in establishing a nearly nonexistent culture.
There are several different styles of Hip-Hop. All genres consist of four very essential elements the Emcee, DJ, Art, and Dancing. It has become an epidemic that combines ethnicity, art, politics, fashion, technology and urban life. On a culture check list we fall short and reflect no action to improve the ethnicity levels within our commune. Many local artists are left without financial and constructive support both from the community and local cooperation’s . They are forced to perform under insufficient settings, and for minimal pay. The local market has created a war zone for local Hip-Hop artists who are forced to compete for performances, studio time, and publicity. Networking has proven to be very effective in encouraging a positive Hip-Hop industry. With no financial support from local businesses or sponsors for these artist they are forced to do there own foot work. Which has nonetheless been effective for local artists such as George Chacon known as Guilty One. He works with several local artists on a professional and musical level which in all honesty is one and the same. Through working with other artists Guilty has been able to spread his music through out the west coast as well as influence various artist to our local Hip-Hop community.
Although there are a wide varieties of styles in Hip-Hop there are also levels. People evolve into Hip-Hop we grow with intellect and are predisposed through inspiration. A person can be easily misdirected and or negatively influenced by music. Commercialized music and the Entertainment industry can cause a conflicted definition of real music. Many forms of Hip-Hop promote a “Nightlife” or “Gangster” lifestyle which congress argues is an entertainment form that is promoting an understanding and perpetrating a present situation that will remain the future, because it really does have that kind of influence. It is time that Hip-Hop artists and entertainers as a whole influence music that encourages the good in people and that encourages people to want to do good. William Woods known as Tree Woodz a local artist who relocated from Illinois has accomplished that. With his revolutionary music he thrives to inspire the people through his culturally educated perceptions. His lyrics are powerful and relate to common situations without glorifying them. In a inspirational song “We Can Win” Featuring Lacy Redhead he states “ people pick up a book eliminate ignorance, and before you pick up a gun come up with a plan and believe in your cause”. Essentially this is the type of music the world needs. However actions reflect character and the market reflects a different story. Emcees who provide similar music are categorized as underground and shoved into a closet. Obtaining music from these artist becomes a task in itself and our only options in music are industry censored rubbish.
Cleary Hip-Hop has aggressively influenced society it has become a release for struggling minorities all over the world. Our local community would like to play a role in the urban lifestyle. Hip-Hop has become an expression of the relationship between urban community and their environment. fundamentally it is the art of the streets and it is time we bring our community inside and away from the streets. Our society has evolved into and should be able to respect all forms of art, the good the bad and at its best and worst. Stop pushing our community away from urban culture. We are allowing negative influences to determine our entire outlook on Hip-Hop. The community should demand and support music that contains positive outlooks and direction. It is time that we influence an art form we created Open the doors to your to misdirected minds and take the time to embrace Hip-Hop and accept it before it is completely demonized, let Hip-Hop come home.
