Want to learn more about rap music?

I researched the origins of rap music and discovered some new information. I found that rap's influence is wider than I'd imagined. This report is the first essay I ever wrote that used outside sources. I learned how to successfully create in-text citations and a Works Cited page.

Rap

Rap has been one of the most controversial genres of music since it originated. It has evolved from a small neighborhood invention to one of the most influential genres of music in the world. Unlike other genres of music, that have been around for a long time, rap is relatively new and has been a huge part of American culture in recent years. It is well known for its unique style and ability to relate to multiple age groups and cultures in an inclusive way. Rap can connect with people on a deep level unlike any other genre of music. Rap is constantly changing with time and has reached a peak in popularity in our modern day.

Rap started off as a small creative form of music fusion. People would take different types of music and would break down individual parts to get specific sounds. This style of picking apart music and fusing it with other music was called sampling (Dye). Rap originated in the late 1970s in New York City. At this point and time, it wasn’t seen as much, just a hobby and a sort of street related activity. There isn’t a specific person who invented rap but by this point there where a lot of people picking up on rap and adding different characteristics to it. By the 1980s rap had reached its peak in popularity. People from all shapes and sizes were coming together and creating music. Rap began to grow and made its name by the 1980s. The 1980s is often referred to the golden age of rap (Dye).

Rap has become a staple of different cultures around the United states. It has become a Powerful form of art and expression. For some, it is seen as a negative form of expression. For example, in an article written about the influence of rap on youth, Brianna Tong states “Lyrics of rap songs typically feature an abundance of slang and profanity”. The norm of rap is to express both positive and negative feelings. A lot of current rap artists grew up in very challenging situations and made their way out of their difficult childhoods. They found their comfort in music and that is why people connect with rap. 

Artists like J. Cole and Tupac are great examples of this. J Cole is known to be a great lyrical artist that has the ability to connect with so many people on an emotional level. On his 2014 Forest Hills drive album, J Cole addresses his childhood, popularity, and what happiness is to him by stating “Its beauty in the struggle, ugliness in the success... I grew up in the city and though sometimes we had less/ compared to some of my brothers down the block man, we, were blessed.”  J Cole is famous for connecting with his audience and being aware of society and events around him and implements that into his music.

Throughout the years we have seen rap grow on music charts all over the country. It has become a therapeutic genre of music that people have grown to love. In the article written about how rap influences youth Brianna Tong states, “Artist use their life experiences to channel their memories and emotions into their productions... Because hip hop is set In reality, it allows listeners to relate to events in the song.” Tong suggests that people resonate with rap because they want to feel accepted and understood. Society is set up in a none inclusive way. Its popularity based, and rap is slowly challenging the norm.  It is creating a relationship between artists and listeners.

Rap is inspiring and has affected millions of people across the Unites States. “There is a song by Tupac called ‘Dear Mama’ and that one always gets to me” states senior Jason Gonzales from an interview conducted by Brianna Tong. “It's him rapping about his mom saying about how she was a single mother and she did all these amazing this for her family” (Tong). Rap has a unique quality to connect with people from different ages, cultures, and backgrounds. 

Works Cited

Dye, David. “The Birth of Rap: A Look Back.” NPR, NPR, 22 Feb. 2007, www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=7550286. Oct 15, 2018.

George, Nelson. “How Hip-Hop Transformed New York.” The New York Times, The New York Times, 16 Apr. 2018, www.nytimes.com/2018/04/16/t-magazine/hip-hop-music-1980s.html. Oct 16, 2018.

Huynh-Tong, Brianna. “Home.” Thematadorsghs.us, 28 Sept. 2017, thematadorsghs.us/index.php/2017/09/28/influence-of-rap-on-todays-youth/. Oct 15, 2018

Pelton, Tristan m. “Rap/Hip Hop.” Rap/Hip Hop | The Black Past: Remembered and Reclaimed, blackpast.org/aah/rap-hip-hop. Oct 14, 2018.