Trinity College <\/p>\n
Digital Essay: The Evolution of Hip-Hop into the Modern Era
\n(Essay #2) <\/p>\n
Matt Scott
\nFYSM 212: Introduction to Hip-Hop
\nProfessor Markle
\nDue: 12\/15\/19 <\/p>\n
Looking back at the history of hip-hop, and the rich culture surrounding the art form, it\u2019s clear that the roots of the genre have been stripped down to almost nothing over the years. I believe hip-hop is an art form, a mix of breaking, DJing, and MCing all coming together under one roof with emphasis on the sound and rhythm of the music, created in black communities as an outlet. In its early days, hip-hop lyrics weren\u2019t preaching any particular message, but the movement and its impact on communities sent a powerful message. The movement was about bringing together communities, stopping violence, and inspiring a generation of youth – and its impact on black culture was positive and powerful. Today we see the art form being used to promote violence, the disrespect of women, drug abuse, and other negative messages that are at odds with hip-hop’s origins. It is now about making money, selling records, and gaining popularity at all costs. The popularity of hip-hop opened the door for many talented black artists and created new opportunities for a community of people who have been mistreated at every turn throughout history. I think the new era of hip-hop has had a negative impact on the art form itself, and it puts a bad label on the community. Without its core principles, hip-hop loses what made it special. When all the lyrics are just hollow and meaningless words, it leaves you with something that\u2019s not hip-hop at all, but just a way to make money. In this essay I\u2019m going to be looking at five hit songs from top artists from each decade, starting with Sugar Hill Gang\u2019s \u201cRappers Delight\u201d and ending with Migos\u2019s \u201cBad and Boujee\u201d. The purpose of this essay is to show the evolution of hip-hop from its roots in the Bronx through the present day by exploring the lyrics and message behind each song. <\/p>\n
Starting off in 1979 with Sugar Hill Gang\u2019s \u201cRappers Delight,\u201d we saw the first ever hip-hop record produced kick start a movement that would change the entire landscape of music. Here\u2019s a look into the official music video of one of the most iconic songs in hip-hop history.
\n\n\n