I Believe in Hip-Hop by Lake Sulc

Growing up, I never had an attraction to hip-hop. It wasn't until I heard "The Other side" by Macklemore that I began my endless journey into the world of hip-hop. Up until the age of 13, I never listened to hip-hop. In fact, I actually didn't even like it much, but once I began researching and digging for "real music" I realized the deeper meaning of the genre hip-hop. Today Ill examine the history of hip-hop and two positive effects hip-hop promotes critical thinking, and it gives the opportunity to be a role model! I believe in hip-hop

Hip-hop history begins in the early 1970s in New York City. This means that today's parents and grandparents grew up on hip-hop. Hip hop changed like any other art form, and this changing art connects hip hop to older roots and gives a more of original artistic history. This is positive for today's youth because they can turn to older hip-hop to see what issues previous years had to deal with and think about what has change, as well as their own role in change. The lyrics in hip-hop music are as different as those in pop, country, blues and rock. Like the Guns 'n Roses song "I Used to Love Her but I Killed Her" or the video for the country song "A Little Too Late" where the singer has a woman prisoner in his basement. The media has allowed some more disrespectful and violent lyrics or scenes in music videos, but the pictures and words are popular in this culture at large. Hip hop music that uses lyrics about violence or disrespectful words is just a opportunity for the people to examine how they feel and ask questions such as, why does it sell? why do people like the lyrics, and if you agree with the lyrics?

Hip-hop artists are also role models to children from a variety of backgrounds. A many hip-hop artists did not come from good backgrounds but show that they can achieve their goals. There are successful hip-hop artists who are positive, creative lyricists. Just because the music the media promotes isn't positive does not mean hip-hop in its self isn't positive.

Today, I examined the history and positive effects of hip-hop. To me hip-hop is an art. It is a prime example of using a skill to rise above the hardships of life. These artists are the definition of success through struggle. That is why I believe in hip-hop.

Info from www.msnbc.msn.com and www.hiphopsociety.com