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30 comments:
Hip Hop and Politics have managed to balance themselves on a thin line. As I reflect back to when N.W.A was coming at full pursuit, I think about how the group used such language as, N#%$@ or B*%#^. Politicians were among many to quickly blame hip hop groups for every downfall in the community. Many plugged the groups with the young folks’ behavior. Many politicians argued that the groups were not a source for word-of-mouth, but just plain garbage and it depreciated the community.
American society is structured as a capitalist democracy that holds personal property both tangible and intangible and freedom of expression in very high regard. 25 years ago America was one of the few places where you could say “F the police” own the artistic use of that language thereby being able to profit off of said language and it not be illegal. You couldn’t do that in the Soviet Union, China, Cuba, or other countries that did not respect freedom of expression. You couldn’t make large sums money off of that language if you were not able to claim ownership of that language as you can in America.
Politics and political intervention or in the case of Regan government non intervention was partly responsible for creating the urban social conditions and environments that gave urban entrepreneurs something to rhyme about. Regan and his social conservatism slashed funding to urban education programs, and after school programs. Regan took ‘Big Government’ out of the hood. Bush Sr. followed with a ‘war on drugs’ and mandatory minimums that continued to devastate urban communities. Clinton cut welfare programs and encouraged the demolition of urban housing projects that were cesspools or crime with promises of rebuilding that rarely or never came to fruit. He also championed NAFTA which caused a lot of industrial jobs to leave and created high unemployment in communities that depended on these jobs. Politics created the environment for hip hop to flourish; it also devastated whole communities in the process.
Early on in hip hop especially in the early 90’s with the rise of gangsta rap, politicians like john McCain and Joe Lieberman called for bans of hip hop making hip hop a scapegoat for the problems in urban communities. It is my belief that these calls for hip hop bans made the music even more popular with the youth of American, the MTV generation. Politicians never wanted to blame their own political programs as responsible for devastation in the urban community so hip hop was an easy target.
I feel that politics have alot to do with how messages are relayed in hip hop. If hip hop is what's happening in the streets, it is certainly affected by politics. However, the role is interchangeable. Most recently in Luda's song "Politics" a reaction was made in the community in which the record was played that caused Obama to address hip hop personally.
Politics has played a tremendous role in the development of hip-hop culture, just as hip-hop has played a role in many political decisions. The reason that politics has played such a huge role is because lyricists make their songs based on what is going on around them at the time, and the struggles that they face to overcome oppression. Almost always, the government brings on this oppression. Therefore, the hip-hop culture develops because their environment is constantly changing, and therefore so does their music. Then, it comes back full-circle because artists begin to speak out against what the government is doing, it is often aggressive and angry. As a result, the government blames the problems that the community is facing on the music that it is filled with. Some specific examples of why hip-hop culture changes based on the government, include when funding for education in certain neighborhoods are cut, job layoffs, lack of punishment for police brutality, etc.. The African-American community begins to feel helpless and angry, and their music reflects this. Like “w dub” said, politicians like George Bush Sr., Reagan, and McCain are certainly some of the dominant figures that we could discuss when we talk about influencing the hip-hop culture.
I believe that politics has played a major role in hip hop especially in todays society because there is so much going on in todays economy that raps artists can not help but recognize it and talk about it. Personally there arent enuff rappers talking about politics and what we can do to make this generation and society better. I thnk that older rappers used to be concerned with changing generations versus these artist today who r only concerned about their well-being and getting paid. I do not know what needs to b done for this hip hop culture to wake up and realize that this world is changing and things do not seem to be getting better and know that they need to be the main ones trying to improve this society and economy because people look up to them the most because this is the music that we listen to on a daily basis.
I believe that politics have always had an impact on the development of Hip Hop culture but the role in which politics have played has changed from one of a distant/negative type of relationship in the 1980s and 1990s to a closer connected relationship of today which has caused some politicians to embrace and use the Hip Hop culture to help themselves get elected.
Politics has influenced the development of hip hop for years by influencing its artists. They see how our economy is and voice their opinions in their music. Dating back to reggae, Bob Marley would talk about your rights and what you got to do to make it in this world. Also, artists such as Nas express how he feels and his beliefs with poilitician influenced opinions and thoughts. What is going on in the world is a very controversial issue and hip hop artists have a loud voice that is heard from people that may not keep up on the news so they see a side of the topic from and idolized perspective.
Hip Hop is largely influenced by the politics of our society. When politicians of the era refused to address the injustices being committed against minorities, the disadvantaged were left with no voice. In an effort to make sure that the concerns of the people were heard, Hip Hop was born. In its early stages it was a radical movement equivalent to the social movements of Dr. King, Malcolm X, The Black Panthers, and Fredrick Douglass. The music empowered a people that had fought for hundreds of years for equality. Politicians were threatened by the new artistic expression because it moved a diverse group of people and they feared the loss of power. Government fear and minorities desire to be liberated has fueled the constant feud between both parties about the appropriateness and relevance of the culture in today's society. The struggle will continue until one party gives into the demands of the other.
Politics is directly responsible for the birth of Hip Hop. It was politics and Jim Crow laws that had minorities trapper under oppression. Laws that the United states Government put in to the races segregated. The building of project housing and separation of poverty and wealth created Hip Hop. It created that voice that spoke out. Over time they've just gone hand in hand. It's like what politics does, hip hop counter acts with it. From the Nixon and Reagan(nomincs) to The Bush Administration, Hip Hop has been there in it all. They are directly Related!
Historically, politics have always provided hip-hop a subject on which to speak. Ranging from discussions on specific policies or actions by our government or as a way to highlight a growing concern within the community, hip-hop culture has always had something to say about politics. A perfect example of this is Diddy's involvement in the Vote or Die campaign that stressed the importance of getting out the young vote.
In addition, the development of hip-hop in the late 1980's and early 1990's can be attributed to the rise of "socially conscience" MC's such as NWA and Public Enemy. While not completely political, like Dead Prez, NWA and PE brought issues and the anger of the black community to the forefront of hip-hop culture.
Unfortunately, this reverberated throughout the nation and brought us the mid-1990's and Thug Culture.
Hip hop has definitely played a significant role in politics historically. Hip hop has served as the primary voice of African Americans in politics. Hip hop is having a role in politics even in today's society. Most hip hop artists are trying to get the younger generation to register to vote. An example is when Diddy made the Vote or Die shirts. You can now see random people on the street wearing the Vote or Die shirt. Hip hop definitely played a role in me registering to vote.
Hip Hop and Politics have become more and more related.Since the presedential election of 2004 various artists were encouraging everyone to go out and vote.The "vote or die" campaign by Diddy and on 106 and park they are always reminding people that they should go out and vote. With the recent election artists like Lil wayne and Ludacris have made songs that are pertaining to the election. Right now I feel like hip hop is having a postive impact on politics because it is getting young people to go out and vote. Years ago rappers were talking about how the police were doing them injustice, now its all about going out to vote. Hip Hop's involvement with politics has progressed alot.
Hip Hop is known as the music that spoke to the world with the voices of those from the ghettos around the world. So the role that politics played was the structure of the public policies. Policies made by the government allowed things to happen the way they did in turn allowing the formation of the ghettos right under their eyes. Like the burning of the buildigs by the slum lords in the Bronx where they profited more by making claims to insurance policies than taking money from tenets. They even made large sums of money burning abandoned buildings. Though I don't know how the strict the laws were back then, I know now there would major investigation on burnt up buildings. The horrible conditions of the South Bronx and the lack of confidence from local officals leading up to the President left the area to continue in its downfall. We did not talk about it in class the the government gave subsides to white families to move out of the area and into suburbs in turn moving jobs and other economical resources for the area. This was an act to oppress the black and brown community and out of oppression comes music: a cry to world to make notice and hopefully gain help and change in to political system.
If we reverse the question what role has Hip Hop culture played on politics we can go back to Jamaica and the reggae music that the politicans used to get people on there side and show that there was unity between the two leading parties. It was an attempt to stop the turf wars in the slums and an effort to unite using the reggae music becasue they knew it spoke to the people the community put at the bottom, the people that really mattered in order for the officals to make it into the Presidential office.
They both greatly influence each other some more negatively than others.
Politics has influenced hip hop by providing MC's with something to speak on and providing a way to relate to other people, whether it was good or bad. From Public Enemy's fight the power to Lil Waynes georgia bush, political decisions has inspired these artists to speak out on something they felt passionate about. Also enabling them to connect more with there people and to display a more serious image.
I think that politics play a huge role in the development of hip hop, hip hop was a way of expression and a way for african american to say what was on their minds between the government cutting our jobs and creating projects we had alot to say and speak about and the way we decided to do so was through music/rap/hip hop. We had a lot to discuss and get off our chest if we were treated fairly we wouldnt have need to speak out and have an outlet to say what we needed to say so in essence if it wasnt for politics i dnt know if hip hop would be the same!!
In chapter 9, around 1982 when Reagan was in office, the black unemployment rate had risen to 22 %. By 1983, 36% of the population lived below the poverty level. Djs and rappers began to make tracks for people to dance and listen to in order to get away from the everyday struggles of life. Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five created the song called “The Message” set to a downbeat tune giving attention to the lyrics of the song. In Chapter 11 of “Can’t Stop Won’t Stop” J chang talks about how by the mid 1980’s black people were seen as the Underclass doomed to always be in poverty and jobless. The Nation of Islam’s Minister, Louis Farrakhan, said that black people in in order to rise up from oppression must separate ourselves and we must become aware of the design for black destruction . Farrakhan sought to spread awareness in order for black people to unite. White Liberals did not like this idea because it meant a black consciousness to emerge from oppression.
Hip Hop and politics are closely related and have been so over the years. When Hip Hop was being political and talking about problems that they faced in their community regarding oppression, politicians labeled it as radical. I also agree with w dub, in that hip hop was the blame for problems in the urban community, and not the politicians who created programs solely to tear down the community. They also blamed artists for things that the youth were doing in saying that the lyrics influenced them to do it, as if people don't have minds of their own. I feel as if we see less of Hip Hop being labeled as radical nowadays because most artists aren't talking about those types of issues, and if they are they aren't doing it consistently. The artists that are talking politics and the problems associated with it in the african american community are considered "hip-hop activists", and sadly are not on the top of the list of people to be heard.
Politics have definitely had a role in the hip hop culture. MCs primarily speak on what’s going on in their world, what they see, and how they live. Politics have always determined the socio-economic status of African Americans and other minorities giving the hip hop culture a need to express themselves artistically and non-violently. Politics will always influence the direction of the hip hop culture and visa versa as the vision of equality has yet to be attained. Until that fateful day hip-hop will remain an outlet and source of unity for black Americans prospering through the injustices of our time.
Politics play and important part in our Hip-Hop Culture. When I think about this I think about songs like "Self-Destruction" a song that was performed by KRS One, D-Nice and the Boogie Down Production for the Stop the Violence Moment "Fight The Power by Public Enemy","Black President by Young Jeezy and Nas" "Sly Fox by Nas" "Why by JadaKiss" and there is alot more. I think about this years Respect My Vote campaign for this years 2008 election and the "Vote or Die" campaign. I think about Jena 6, Sean Bell; the list goes on and on. The balance between Hip-Hop and Politics is so confusing because more politicians don't even know what the fuck they are talking about. Bill O'Riley, Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton pisses me off with the bullshit they be saying. But they say this shit because they have the voice to say it. We need educated Hip-Hop masterminds like Rakim, KRS-One, Nas, David Banner, Ice Cube, Russel Simmons, Master P, Mos Def and more to step up and be the voice of Hip-Hop.
I feel that politics has managed to keep Hip Hop alive in some sort of a sense. When you actually listen to hip hop from today to back when hip hop was first coming about, it was all influenced by politics. From political drive in reggae in which the Hip Hop root is based from to Public Enemy racy lyrics of Fight the power. Politics has managed to spark a rage in the MC's who uses Hip Hop as an outlet to speak out about our politics and social problems. And without politics and problems, what would Hip Hop have to talk about, money, clothes, cars and hoes? We all know thats not Hip Hop.
Hip Hop and politics has created a much of a balance amongst each other. In a way it they both co-exist with each other. Politics blame a lot of things on the Hip Hop culture and Hip Hop blames a lot on politics. Politics needs hip hop to exist to keep making money and making problems. Hip Hop needs politics to exist to keep having things to write about so they can make money. Because where there is politics there is Hip Hop and where there is Hip Hop there is politics. Take Hurrican Katrina in New Orleans for example. The areas where feel needed the most help, he feel as if they were ignored. And these areas probably would be considered areas with a strong hip hop culture and background. And saving this area was the political thing aspect of the US. So that now becomes HIP HOP and Politics, right. So because the areas went ignored, Kayne West, who is considered HIP HOP, states: "George Bush (Political) don't like black people"! So now you have Hip Hop attacking Politics. Or is Polictics attacking Hip Hop? Because Hip Hop is nowing using their out let to stress their issues and concerns, which then brings attention to politics. Thus keeping fuel to boths fire!
These are very exciting reads, however, some sound like emotional rhetoric, others sound more like analytical commentary based on the readings. Always thread the readings into your comments that maybe personal philosophies, it will provide you with a more well rounded argument.
Politics created the Hip Hop culture. If it wasn't for the neglect on urban communities by the government, hip hop wouldn't even have been created. Hip hop started in the streets and continues in the streets. It was created as something for young people to do in their spare time. Why? Because there were no afterschool programs which had been cut from the budgets from presidents like Ronald Reagan. Hip hop became an outlet to release political frustration in a non-violent way. Afrika Bambaata, a pioneer of hip hop, embraced hip hop as a means to ease tensions between rival gangs.
Now it is a huge money making industry that holds a lot of influence and power in the urban community. Politicians want to blame hip hop for the social inequities when really they just want to take the focus off of themselves and justify why urban communities don't deserve as much government funding as an affluent white community. Despite what is heard on the radio and the media in general, much of hip hop is a political movement. A lot of rap artists are making political statements with their songs, however, that isn't what sells therefore not a lot of people are up on it. A lot of people want to believe that TRUE hip hop is dead because people aren't making political statements anymore and that just isn't the case.
I have always known that politics have been an intricate part of hip-hop culture. Hip-hop is all about awareness, or at least it was...politics are often very controversial, so why not talk about it. Furthermore, in governmental politics, minorities are often under-represented so hip-hop serves as a way to get those under-represented voices heard. I was very surprised to read that in Jamaica, governmental politics were actually dependent on reggae artists. I would assume this is because in Jamaica, there really was no minority. Really and truly the under-privileged and under-represented were the majority. So in a capitalist mindset hip-hop in this country served a a sort of competitive sport to put one political group ahead of another. Very interesting....I'd like to think what America would be like if hip-hop became so powerful that the same thing occurred here....
I think that hip-hop has always been political. Hip-Hop can be used to fight the oppression brought on by the government and its policies. Since its birth hip-hop has always showed resistance and struggles against the government. Today as it was in the past it has been a political voice for the youth. Its always been a tug-a-war between hip-hop and politics...one is always blaming the other for the faults going on in society.
As we discussed Tuesday in class, during the whole reggae movement in Jamaica, politics and hip-hop were very much intertwined with each other. When Bob Marley fist came on the scene he was not only influential in the hip-hop music but he also had an impact on the politics of Jamaica. Here in America I think hip/hop and politics are closely linked as well. When hip-hop was born, the government often blamed its lyrics, groups, etc. for the rebelliousness of the youth of America.
Politics has played a major role in the development of hip hop culture. Politics was the main driving force behind the creation of hip hop. The oppression and unfair laws in place created hip hop as a means for oppressed people to express their opinions and have their voice heard. Politics has determined what the topic of most hip hop songs. Whatever is going on in the political world historically has been the focus of music at the time. Hip hop has been the voice and opinions of people in response to what is going on in politics.
The 80's is considered the Golden age of Hip Hop and Ronald Wilson Reagan was the president for that entire time. You can look at it two ways, first is the effects on the working, middle, poor classes. His policiies made middle class and poorer communities vurnerable to many social threats, mainly crack among other things. The street kings of the 80's are emulated by many rappers today. Also, him and his military was bring that shit in to fund other endevours like the ones on cental america. So he paved the way for popular street culture. But he also served as target for the socially conscious rappers. Public enemy, ice cube, krs one and other popular artist treated dude in some of they lyrics. Thats what made the 80's great for hip hop, it showed two sides of hip hop. The flashy street side and the socially conscious side.
We are coming out of the worst political times ever, stemming from the policies implemented and led by the Clinton and Bush years in office. While the corruption of politics and its detrimental affects are still being played out in our communities. Hip-Hop has turned its back on its original form and foundation, which was about giving a voice to the disenfranchised and speaking out on issues that were intentionally or unintentionally swept under the rug about topics concerning the inner city from the masses.
I can remember how politics shaped Hip-Hop during the Reagan & Bush years, which brought out Grandmaster Flash & The Furious 5’s song “The Message.” This historical Hip-Hop song definitely confronted political actions that were destroying inner cities across the United States. There was always an element of Hip-Hop that attacked corrupt politics and even sometimes politicians. This particular element in Hip-Hop is what made it so powerful! White politicians and business men saw first hand how this inner-city music could cost them a position in office or money coming from inner-city consumers if a Hip-Hop song was directing the disenfranchised to not vote for or boycott this particular person or company. This is why politicians tried to get rid of Hip-Hop. Every time politicians tried to demoralize this creative, vibrant, inner-city music called HIP-HOP, in which they simply could not understand…it literally made the Hip-Hop fan base grow! So they got smarter and realized that they can’t stop Hip-Hop, but they figured that they can change the messages that it once dispensed to the disenfranchised throughout the inner cities across the United States. Unfortunately, the message I think it gives now is heavily surrounding topics of “BLACK DEATH” (kill, kill, kill, murda, murda, murda…and capitalism)!!!! Peace
From :slavery, to the emancipation proclamation, segregation, Jim crow, to the civil rights moment, black power struggles, the war on drugs, Iran-contra affair, to the current presidential election, politics has always had its place in hip hop. As we have seen and discussed in class politics are among some of most influential factors in the hip hop scene because they have cultivated and helped birth the roots of the culture. Had it not been to the oppression, poverty and even scandal the cauldron of mixes and grooves would have never manifested the culture we now know of as hip hop. Through all the political suffering that blacks endured in the 60s, 70s and 80s, the yearning for leadership is what helped thrust hip hop to the next level. After the political assassinations of our most influential leaders: king and brother Malcolm, the rage that brewed in the black community was like none other. The hurt, the longing, black folks wanting and seeking guidance and need for direction is the reason why rappers today have so much influence on our people and our youth. That’s why Pookie and nem don’t believe the hype unless it comes from Lil Wayne. As Chang puts it, “Ready or not, leadership was being thrust on the hip-hop generation. The problem of how the new young Black elite would direct its rage and where it would take the race in the new century would be entirely their own” (Chang, 270).
Historically, policits have always hean its hand involved int he actions of the African-American. Ultimately, the government uses their tactics to create tension amongst the minority community as a means of preventing us from being the threat that we could be if we were to unite rather than continue to allow tragedy to prevail within our communities. Ultimately, the role of politivs within our communities is to oppress us and censor us by any means necessary.
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