African American Art: Influence of Hip Hop in the Community

We all remember those passion-filled moments when music simply changed the way we did things. If we didn't talk, act and dress with a certain gleam or swagger; we altered primarily our way of living, way of being and way of thinking. Without a doubt, music of all shades has influential characteristics. It keeps us motivated, entertained, uplifted and grants us the joy of its existence. So despite whether we blast the lyrics from a jam created by Ludacris, repeat a skit from Kanye West's album, or study homework to the rhythm of Jill Scott, we all can agree that music indeed influences all.

For some music listeners under the age of sixteen or seventeen however, they often face the pressures of parents who show concern for the music they listen to. Thus, artists are often criticized for expressing and manifesting influential behavior that encourages primarily younger crowds to misbehave and misrepresent themselves. In other words, teaching younger generations to be something they are not or should not be.

Influences of Hip Hop/Rap Music

Hip Hop is one of the most controversial categories of music existing today. When many older folks here the word "Rap" or the word "Hip-Hop" they begin to immediately dismiss it. Largely because they are used to rap being the same way it was from the 1980s and 1990s; offensive, dangerous and misguiding. But not every artist speaks or feels the same way. Now and days there are certain styles of hip hop music that influence one particular group of persons. And also another style of hip hop or rap music that influences another group of persons.

The influence of Hip-Hop is tremendous! At one point in the decade of the 1990s era, two particular rappers had two sides of the United States hating each other. Perhaps because many of those participants were misinformed about the influence of music. Many Artists have gone on record to tell their fans to 'not do what I do.' In other words, don't follow the same steps as the music.

But younger and less informed crowds still continue to do the same. After 27 years of successful music producing throughout the hip-hop industry, many listeners still haven't gotten the clearer the picture that the people they admire are artists. An artist is a person who is a performer, a character or a creator of something unique. Rap artists are paid millions of dollars to express themselves on top of flashy percussions and rhythm.

It is a talent and a skill that can take close to a lifetime to perfect. Rappers are paid because of their extraordinary ability to deliver the message. In many cases rappers are paid to express their beliefs amongst the categories of: Violence, racism, poverty and love. The ability of these artists able to express themselves in such details within a
term called, "16 bars," is an admiration in African-American culture.

It's amazing that music can have that type of influential ability. Even more amazing when you dissect a particular song and strip it down to it's lyrical form:

Gift me da jist of my gifts..
Fluctuating rhythms and pages at the width of my wrist.
Knowing they exist..
Magic from knowing the words come easy..
Believe me..

I am used to witnessing a passing of the torch
Just when my name is brought up in discussion.
Think of a rhyme scheme out of my wildest dreams
Reaching out to inner city youths of temptation & corruption.

At any time,
through any race,
through any rhyme to people all over the place.
You can pickup & read the scriptures laid before you..
And if thou seek 'the dream' to explain the rhythm
then da glossary is listed for you.

This was actually a segment constructed by the author, but for many who are unfamiliar with how a general group of lyrics are constituted, this is a perfect example. Although it doesn't appear as threatening or profound to an average reader considering its lack of clarity, their still remains a hidden message that has yet to be addressed. In other songs or lyrics however, the lyrics may vary or even appear much more profane or vulgar then the other:

N*gg*z can feel me when I enter the building,
Do what I gotta do,
Vacate women & children.
Face the facts jack,
As a matter of fact,
It's good to carry the chrome & black.
"Klik-Klak"
Shells pop and they go down like that.

Do what the world don't want,
Yell at n*gg*z in UPPER CASE font.
I aint no b*tch, I don't stunt,
I don't front,
When I display at the waist
I make everybody in the room jump.

We'll cut it there, as I am certain this fourteen-line sonnet has illustrated enough of the writer's intentions. Once again, these are just small segments created by the author as an example to display how different verses and lyrics are conducted when considering the category of Rap/Hip Hop. Not all lyrics and artists have the same intentions when they plug in a microphone and go to work. Given if these lyrics were ever produced with a smooth tune in the background supporting its stature, the probability that it could influence a particular person in the wrong means is astonishing.

See how easy that was?

It took no more than five or six minutes to put together that small piece. Although it may not have been something a Snoop or Dr. Dre would have produced, it just goes to show how easy it is to be misguided by lyrics when one is misinformed. Those, perhaps of older age or more wisdom, generally understand what music is for and don't allow it to interfere with their way of being, religion or personal values.

But even that degree, there is still music that can influence on a much more positive note. Jill Scott, for example, is a neo-soul and r&b artists of high acclaim because of her vocal skills, and the form in which she delivers her music. Older folks of the gentler music appreciators may flock more to her music because of its smoothness and lesser volume of explicitness.

For those who may take to a different liking other than the smoothness and R&B versions of music doesn't presume that they are misinformed. Thus, there's no conflict with listening to any particular flavor of music. The point is to not allow it to influence you beyond the margin of what living a good and gracious life is. The idea is for you to appreciate music for what it is, a form of artistic nature and expression.