The Truth tale of Hip Hop
The article aims to take its stance of the truth tale of hip hop since media feed us with a single eye propaganda of this undeniable cultural movement. On a high level, hip hop is portrayed by media as being perpetual, causing alarming social issues such as killings, robbery, hate speech, misogyny etc. yet neglecting the truth that hip hop reflects and exposes the working of the state, corruption, racism, inequality and many more.
On one of his interview, the slayed legendary rapper, Biggie said ‘’ if it wasn’t for hip hop, I would probably be in your house robbing’’. Hip hop is unquestionable one of the escapist, more like a psychological realm where one finds himself under a glorious shadow. Expression and storytelling in music finds a great home in the hip hop genre. Hip-Hop grew out of lower income areas, giving a form of poetic expression and release to young people. The legendary Nas is widely praised for his contribution towards the genre, and he attributes his storytelling off the street of New York and Queen’s everyday life. In a sense, hip hop is more messianic, since it has saved many young men’s lives, off the jungle, druggin’ dealin’ and robbin’.
However, this views tend to be shadowed especially in a media realm, portrayed as a popular form comprises of derogatory lyrics about women and videos typically showing women half-naked with the intentions of obtaining more listeners and viewers. Although neglecting the beauty that this art form has bestowed in the life’s of many. Hip hop’s mandate is to watchdog the community, and exposes and expresses truth, even though truth may hurt. ‘’Truth shall set you free’’ this young men’s preoccupy to express his frustrating of being neglected in the kingdom of big apples.
Rap is one of the elements of hip hop’s means of channeling stories of pain, anger, happiness, and hope into a creative form. It’s a platform where we could offer information, but it’s also an escapist dungeon. 2 pac, Rakim, Run DMC, KRS One, Biggie, Nas, the list is endless, all made you feel what is like to be a young black man and everyday life struggles. Go and listen to Biggie’s ” everyday struggle” and ”suicidal thoughts” and tell me what you think. Hip hop is a home for the homeless, home for the voiceless, and a home for the underrepresented. Media should see this form as a way of representing the minority and presenting their tales.
The Godfather of hip hop, African Bambataa, describe fifth element of hip-hop as knowledge, meaning awareness, and conscious of the world around you. I am proud to say hip hop has educated me, groomed me, and opened my eyes. Now I can attest that i see life through crystal lenses. Hip hop taught me not to settle for less, and how to dream, yet is portrayed negatively. 2 Pac once said ” dont follow the fake ones, follow the real one”. Hip hop is real!
In a nutshell, under the wings of hip hop is where people of all races finds shelters, where black men’s power bestowed, money, women, cars etc. though it unquestionable that hip hop saved us! Took my N*ggas from the street to mansion in Beverly Hills, and opened our eyes to see dreams and visions. I will always do it for hip hop, not for money, honour, but for the love of art. With the words of LL Cool J, allow me to say ” Dear Hip Hop”.
