Hip hop started during the generation after the black rights movements. It consisted of mainly African-Americans, and other "minority" groups in urban cities. Hip hop was created in the 1970s, in New York. Brooklyn, the Bronx, and Harlem were the main three areas where hip hop culture planted its roots. At the same time on the west coast in Los Angeles, people were exploring funk, and created a different side of hip hop.
There are four pillars of hip-hop.
DJ - or disc jockey. This person was the one who spun and played the records at the clubs. They would have one record playing, while on the other track the same one would be on. When the break or bridge of the song played, the DJ would play the bridge back-to-back, creating a repeating rhythm and beat.
Emcee - or the rappers. Instead of singing songs, they would speak lyrics to the songs. They would articulate their words and add syncopation to the rhythm of the words. This was a phenomenon!
Art - also known as the graffiti. Artists would use spray paint and other materials to express themselves on large canvases, which were usually walls, bridges, and other architectural aspects of the cities. Bright colours, large and funky art would be the art aspect of hip hop.
Dance - breakdancing, b-boy or b-girl. They would dance to the beat that the DJ was playing. Usually involved high tricks, flips, and floorwork. As for me, the dance aspect of hip hop is what sticks.
Over the decades, hip hop has evolved into something people can recognize. Hip hop has become a part of pop culture. Now a days hip hop is shown in music, dance, art, and fashion.
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| Me embracing hip hop. Graffiti is behind me as I breakdance with my high-top sneakers, which is another branch to hip hop culture: fashion. |
I love hip hop. I love the vibe it has. I love the look, the sound, the feel. I think it's interesting how basically, something that was just the norm back in the day, has become a major part of today's culture, and history. I enjoy the freedom it has. Hip hop to me is not just a class I take on Tuesdays, it is a major part of me. Most people know me as the little Asian girl who likes to dress ghetto and listen to rap music. Funny as it seems, but it is true! I don't do it just to "be different" or "be cool", I do it because I enjoy it and it's a part of who I am.
Here is a video of a popular hip hop dance crew, the Jabbawockeez, performing on the hit hip hop show, America's Best Dance Crew: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pa0TCf1pEWo
I respect hip hop. Not every one does.
This probably really sucks, but whatever. Keep it real.
ciao
