by Trevor Thompson


This week I have been educated about the race and identity and authenticity of hip hop. If I were asked the question prior to this class, was hip hop a black movement? I would have replied yes. Having the opportunity to visit or be exposed to the Bronx various cultures, most people will only have the impression that a majority of hip hop artist are black because that is who is portrayed in the media. However, I have come to the conclusion that hip hop developed out of a culture who were oppressed. These people were both Black and Latino. When people are oppressed, they try to find an outlet, develop some type of elixir to ease the pain; thus came hip hop. Hip hop allowed people of many cultures a way to express themselves and to make a living. Hip Hop provided freedom and opportunity to develop ones identity. Growing up in poverty, one might not be able to see themselves as a physician or attorney, but you could image himself/herself being a hip hop entertainer because he/she had the opportunity to see other people’s dream come to fruition in thier community.
I have learned that various cultures contributed to the evolution of hip hop. Hip hop is not black music, but the music of the impoverished and in some cases, the revolutionaries. I also was curious about the forgotten hip hop artist of other cultures whose music did not become main stream but maybe had opened doors for other artists. I know these artists tried to make an identity for themselves as being the first in their race and culture to DJ, Rap and B boy. However, for some reason, their voices were silenced and names forgotten by the masses.
Additionally this week, I have learned that authenticity or realness is essential for street credibility in the hip hop culture. It could destroy an aspiring artist career. However, it was fascinating to also learn that there are various perceptions of keeping it real. An artist may not have money, or the material things in life, but what they do have is their reputation and their name. They will battle lyrically, and physically, to make sure that their name is kept in tack. At the end of the day it is about making sure you get your respect.