This week in class we discussed hip hop and rap. I really enjoyed this topic since rap is one of my favorite genres of music. For homework I chose to watch the film “Blacking up Hip Hop’s remix of race and identity. While watching this film I realized a few things that I have never thought of before. The film speaks out about the culture of Hip Hop and Rap which many people do not realize the background of. Today Hip Hop and Rap artists are from all different backgrounds and races however it was not always that way.
The film speaks out about how the culture of the two genres was begun by african americans which causes much controversy in how african people viewed white rappers. The film captures examples of how white people at the time were accused of “acting black” We talked about Iggy Azalea and 21 Savage and how lying about where you are from or acting like someone or something that you aren’t can have people view you as inauthentic. In the film Vanilla Ice was also mentioned and it was illustrated that he was “ruining culture” Since Vanilla Ice was a white male many people were bashing on him and his music. In my opinion I think that it is important to remember the culture of everything however it makes it so much better when you share culture with others. The culture of Rap and Hip-Hop may have started from the black population however it should be shared and appreciated by all cultures and races.
We also discussed how Rap songs now are degrading towards women which I agree on, however I do not think you have to relate to the lyrics and message of the song in order to like it. Like Professor Santos said you can be a wealthier person and like a song about someone who struggled with poverty. While analyzing Rap and Hip-Hop as genres and looking more into the culture I learned a lot and it made me think more about the music I listen to and what makes me enjoy the genre and the music as a whole.
Emma DaCosta
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