Introduction
In this essay I want to explore the impact that rappers’ lyrics, views, and life styles have on subsequent generations, and how people that listen to their music are affected in their everyday lives by these rappers messages in rap music and its associated media. This essay aims to examine a variety of artistic forms such as lyrics, music videos and associated art work. Additionally, it will reflect on the social, cultural and historical background of rap music.
Historical Background and Slave Songs
AFRICAN SECTION The music examined in this essay was developed in the urban areas of the United States in the last century, largely amongst working class African American men; however, it began much earlier. The earliest recordings of ‘black’ music can be traced back to West Africa and the Groits people who would tell stories through the use of rhyme over the beat of a drum (PBS, 2014). According to Paul Oliver in his book Savannah Syncopators, "Though the riots had to know many traditional songs without error, they must also have the ability to extemporize on current events, chance incidents and the …show more content…
Those who were illiterate, or whose lives consisted of significant daily struggles, were more inclined to listen, understand and relate to these lyrics. One of the most significant examples of influential rap music since the late 1980s is the rapper, Tupac Shakur. TUPAC’S BACKGROUND – HIS PARENTS WERE IN THE BLACK PANTHERS ETC To understand a rapper and the things they talk about I think first of all you should know about them and their upbringing and what life was like for them prior fame. Tupac Amaru Shakur is a really good example of this, as he was seen as one of the most violent and vulgar rappers but also the most loving, admired, who was willing to change and wanted to change the world, to which he tried to do through the message he provoked in a lot of his songs.
In this essay I want to explore the impact that rappers’ lyrics, views, and life styles have on subsequent generations, and how people that listen to their music are affected in their everyday lives by these rappers messages in rap music and its associated media. This essay aims to examine a variety of artistic forms such as lyrics, music videos and associated art work. Additionally, it will reflect on the social, cultural and historical background of rap music.
Historical Background and Slave Songs
AFRICAN SECTION The music examined in this essay was developed in the urban areas of the United States in the last century, largely amongst working class African American men; however, it began much earlier. The earliest recordings of ‘black’ music can be traced back to West Africa and the Groits people who would tell stories through the use of rhyme over the beat of a drum (PBS, 2014). According to Paul Oliver in his book Savannah Syncopators, "Though the riots had to know many traditional songs without error, they must also have the ability to extemporize on current events, chance incidents and the …show more content…
Those who were illiterate, or whose lives consisted of significant daily struggles, were more inclined to listen, understand and relate to these lyrics. One of the most significant examples of influential rap music since the late 1980s is the rapper, Tupac Shakur. TUPAC’S BACKGROUND – HIS PARENTS WERE IN THE BLACK PANTHERS ETC To understand a rapper and the things they talk about I think first of all you should know about them and their upbringing and what life was like for them prior fame. Tupac Amaru Shakur is a really good example of this, as he was seen as one of the most violent and vulgar rappers but also the most loving, admired, who was willing to change and wanted to change the world, to which he tried to do through the message he provoked in a lot of his songs.