Mainstream rap and hip-hop portrays a distinct style and theme, which, to me, seems to be mostly centered on commercialism. The stereotype that exists for hip-hop exists because the mainstream hip-hop does fit into the mold that some of us talked about during the first discussion. Artists promote lifestyles that are unattainable for the majority, probably all, of their listeners. This focus on commercialism, always having the newest, best, and brightest editions of clothing, electronics, or cars, speaks to the general focus of our society as a whole. I think this is easily seen through the increasing popularity of Black Friday, which commercializes a holiday ideally dedicated to giving thanks for what we have. Popular hip-hop does nothing but
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Consumers support this type of music, and the entertainment industry capitalizes on whatever endeavor is the most profitable. Unfortunately, this combination of factors means that, largely, mainstream hip-hop music is a meaningless boast-fest. To many in the music industry, and certainly society at large, becoming successful on a mainstream scale is synonymous with “making it.” So, even artists whose music has a deeper purpose sometimes choose to compromise in order to become well-known or make a profit. Again, as many of us said in the first discussion, our impressions of hip-hop are largely biased: racially or based upon gender. People only exposed to mainstream hip-hop adopt this idea that hip-hop is all about Black Americans struggling in low socioeconomic situations. And, in part, that is how hip-hop was born. But its original purpose was to united the black community and bring injustices to light. Now, because mainstream hip-hop is so full of exaggerated stories or focus on drugs and violence, it conveys an inaccurate picture of the black community to its listeners. Then this attitude is perpetuated in society. The same can be said for gender inequality. Some mainstream hip-hop songs are starkly sexist and paint women as objects to be won or as solely sexual conquests. There certainly is danger in regarding mainstream hip-hop as the only form of hip-hop and then generalizing an entire
Consumers support this type of music, and the entertainment industry capitalizes on whatever endeavor is the most profitable. Unfortunately, this combination of factors means that, largely, mainstream hip-hop music is a meaningless boast-fest. To many in the music industry, and certainly society at large, becoming successful on a mainstream scale is synonymous with “making it.” So, even artists whose music has a deeper purpose sometimes choose to compromise in order to become well-known or make a profit. Again, as many of us said in the first discussion, our impressions of hip-hop are largely biased: racially or based upon gender. People only exposed to mainstream hip-hop adopt this idea that hip-hop is all about Black Americans struggling in low socioeconomic situations. And, in part, that is how hip-hop was born. But its original purpose was to united the black community and bring injustices to light. Now, because mainstream hip-hop is so full of exaggerated stories or focus on drugs and violence, it conveys an inaccurate picture of the black community to its listeners. Then this attitude is perpetuated in society. The same can be said for gender inequality. Some mainstream hip-hop songs are starkly sexist and paint women as objects to be won or as solely sexual conquests. There certainly is danger in regarding mainstream hip-hop as the only form of hip-hop and then generalizing an entire