Hiphop!

Over the past two lectures, I feel that I have learned more about Hip-hip and it's culture.In today's class, I have learned that hip hop is not just a genre of music but embodies 3 aspects: Graffiti, Dance and Music,Dress and Speech. I feel that hip hop has a deep meaning and through these 3 aspects, the message that hip hop was trying to bring across was conveyed to the audience.

Although hip hop started off as an outlet for artist to express their views on social political issues, it has now evolved into something more mainstream. In the guest lecture on Monday, Billy Drease Williams mentioned about a comment that Ashley Judd has made about the hip-hop culture. Although many people were unhappy with her comment, I find that what the issue that she has raised is indeed a pressing issue. Most hip hop artistes do use many vulgar language and raps about violence and sexual stereotypes. Even some of their music videos objectify women and reinforce sexual stereotypes. I am glad to know that there are still artists out there like Billy Drease Williams who raps about current issues and their own beliefs. But due to the many other hip hop songs that we are exposed to, our perception of hip hip has changed and we ourselves gain stereotype about the hip hop culture.

I believe that not only the hip hop culture has changed their lyrics as time goes by, Many popular music now has the same problem. At which point of time did lyrics in music start to change and become music that portrays violence and stereotypes in the lyrics? Many popular songs talks about partying and clubbing. Is that because it is the main culture of the society now? Or does it act as a form of escape music for people?