Contents |
Urban music is identical with the terms rap or hip hop. These types of music usually originate in urban areas. Rap music is an aspect of a larger culture which includes rap, baggy clothing, break-dancing, graffiti, language and a general lifestyle (Decibel, J. 2005). Hip hop is the way of portraying skills, creativeness, teaching righteousness and provide listeners with knowledge of self (Decibel, J. 2005). Rapping, DJing, break-dancing and graffiti are four elements of hip hop. Furthermore, as with any subcultures, youths who listen to alternative music would develop their own styles of outfit, dance, and other means of expression.
Urban music [1], which includes rap and elements of hip hop, are cultural movements which began amongst African Americans in New York City in the early 1970s (Decibel, J. 2005). The first rap tune was “Rapper’s Delight�?, by the Sugarhill Gang [2]in the late 1970s (Decibel, J. 2005). Since then, rap has evolved from a fad to a street party. Rap music made its way into the hearts of people in the early 1980s (Decibel, J. 2005). Another aspect in urban music is the hip hop. The godfather of hip hop is Kool DJ Herc (Davey, D. 2005). Hip hop was started in the Bronx with him. In the early 1970s, Kool Herc incorporated Jamaican style of dj which involves reciting improvised rhymes over designate versions of his reggae records (Davey, D. 2005).
Hip hop has been successful in inspiring and mobilizing a certain amount of activism and social consciousness. However, it also faces a number of distinct challenges while attempting to bring about real social change in the future (Mei Li, 2003). In addition, there are youth groups who perform skits regarding the Massachusetts in their high school debates. This shows that there are a number of students in high schools who are attracted to Massachusetts which links to rap and hip hop. Furthermore, young people driving on the streets would turn on their radio to either hip hop or rap music. This is partially to gain attention from people who are walking on the streets and also to indicate that the people in the car are cool and young.
Researchers from Hewlett-Packard are developing a DJ track-mixing and scratching device (Hip Hop Music, 2005). They believe that it is significant to music, especially for music instruments, and it will be able to attract young people’s attention as well. Hip hop music could be the type of music that would interest teenagers the most in the future. This is due to the fact that most rappers and hip hopers are trying to influence the social environment, especially the young generation. Finally, rap and hip hop groups will further develop their craft and advance their carriers with other strategies. It will be more clearly recognized that rap and hip hop groups appeal to young audiences.
Youth Culture and New Technologies
Online Music - Independent Media
Joanne Chin Li Ling 23:21, 25 Oct 2005 (EST)
