I believe that Race, Identity, and Authenticity are all fundamentals in the creation of hip hop. The article by Hess states, " Hip Hop music is a Black form, given the involvement of African Americans in it's creation, and because its concepts of authenticity are so tied to the roots of its culture" (Hess 375). No matter what profound contributions White individuals make to hip hop, the established groundwork of this genre will always be a defining principle. I am not saying that the hip hop culture will not be accepting of White artists, but I do believe they will be expected to in a sense "step lightly".
Identity of an artist is important in their ability to relate to their audience, while expressing their talents. The ability to know who you are, and what you have to offer brings a sense of authenticity to one's music. The issue that plagued Vanilla Ice was all about the false identity that he portrayed to the audience, once his credibility was tarnished his ability to identify with the audience was destroyed. Knowing who you are empowers your ability to relate to others.
Authenticity is imperative to establishing your identity, and your realm of influence. If your story is not truth, then you void any possibility of credibility in a genre based on the origins of hip hop. Who you are and where you have been in life are monumental truths that impact the validity of your reputation and lyrics. By altering or mislabeling who you are you dissolve any truth to your art.-by Rachel Wacker
Race has had and continues to play a significant role in hip hop. Consider for a moment an example of fashion. Although I can't stand the sagging pants trend, the attention received by the media and "officials" can clearly be seen as motivated by race when one considers the timing of the attention. White skaters and bikers actually could be observed "sagging" to a certain degree well before the trend caught on with young black boys. The trend is disgusting no matter who does it, but why the intense reaction now? Consider an example of political speech. When the Dixie Chics voiced an opinion that was controversial, they were targeted by the media personally, meaning the attention was directed precisely towards them, not Country Music as a whole. Yet, when Kanye, Jay-Z, Common, and David Banner speak out the whole of hip hop was considered to share their opinions. Though it may be true, it was an instant conclusion. When ever a rapper is arrested it in construed as being a wholesale representation of an entire community in the media. This is clearly racially motivated.
Christians argue that the greatest trick the devil ever pulled was convincing the world he doesn't exist, I say that the Klan and racists are degrees more clever, because you know they exist but deny why.
Identity is often a function of race. Studies demonstrate that cross-cultural (meaning race) identifications are far less accurate than those among the same race. We know our families, which extends to our community. How many reading this post can distinguish among different Hispanic races, Asian races, or African races??? Oh yes, African races (yes the S is intentional) all black people didn't come from one neighborhood. African Americans are from the most genetically diverse place on the planet. There is greater genetic diversity among neighboring tribes in Africa than is observed between people from outside of Africa put together. Interesting.
Authenticity? We know truth when we here, but will we listen. Do we want fantasy or reality? Animation is more popular than documentary. Real recognize real!-By Donal Davis
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