Assignment 1-3-6

Since the emergence of the hip-hop culture, their presence has dominated pop culture. Hip-hop’s musical appeal, flashy lifestyle, clothing attire, and social influence have built an impelling empire in today’s society. Even though I’m not an all out hip-hop fan, it was influenced the other genres of music I like, like gospel, pop, jazz, and rhythm and blues. Hip-hop culture has been the driver behind presidential election, social movements, blockbuster sensations, and media reforms.

            Though hip-hop has inspired positive change, it has also stirred up negative stereotypes and myths. The content in some of hip-hop’s greatest song encourage a thug lifestyle, quick rich schemes, drug paraphernalia, female degradation, and flashy means of living. These lyrical messages create theories behind the hip-hop culture and fashion ideas of being a hip-hop thug has engulf pop culture to believe that it is okay to follow a gangster lifestyle. Hip-hop artist become crowned as heroes for being gangsters and “showing love” to their “hoods”, but they really can’t be considered heroes at all.

            The most interesting finding in my analysis of the hip-hop culture was the gay rights transformative movement in hip-hop. A culture that’s believed to hate, despise, and ban gays from their environment is now becoming inviting to the gay community. Some of the same artist that talked about, disowned, and blasphemed gays are now supporting their gay friends and family publicly.

            I now look at hip-hop more than just music but a lifestyle, a culture. I see now how hip-hop moguls pave the way for the youth and the future. Hip-hop has had influence on more than just the African American communities but every ethnicity around the world. Its not just a “black thing” its anybody thing. With hip-hop’s heavy influence it can change pop culture and the world.