Kurtis Blow

In “Decoded”, Jay-Z discusses his life in hip-hop. He connects his career to past artists and events in history. Jay-Z has become one of the most influential people in hip-hop. He has been a prominent figure for decades in music. Jay-Z’s influence on other artists has changed hip-hop’s history itself. The stories of his past, which he shares in “Decoded”, are a part of history because they all shaped his career and made hip-hop what it is today. In “Decoded”, Jay-Z shares a few moments…

“In rap music, even though the element of poetry is strong, so is the element of the drum, and the implication of dance. Without the beat, its commercial value would certainly be more tenuous” Archie Shepp. For many years people have argued about whether or not rap is poetry and, the differences between the two. The most prominent question in this debate is, is rap poetry or its own form of literature. Both rap and poetry have been around for a very long time and have appealed to the senses of a…

One of the many truths of life that exist in relation to human interaction and functionality of the aggregate of people within communities is that change is necessary. Change is is vital part of the inevitable progression that occurs within society across the world. From the United States of America to Japan, forms of social reform: a movement by the “people” whom seek to transform, the political and social ideologies of the current ruling body or majority people, in regards to those who have…

Music in the 1900s was very popular/influential and produced many talented artists. The genres of music known at the time was hip hop, rap, jazz, classical, and rock and roll. Music at this time broke boundaries and brought people together who bonded over a single genre of music. Great musicians erupted during this time. Music did not belong to a single race/gender of people, but a multitude of people. A lot of artists pursuing music erupted during this time period and contributed to their genre…

Music is such a powerful force of nature, so powerful that is can give birth to a culture. I would like to focus on Rap culture, its essence, power, and influence. I have been blessed to be born when Rap was in its infancy, as I grew I got to watch Rap grow as well. From hanging out on the streets being doubted to getting recognized at the Grammy’s to having its own award show, but along the way record companies managed to steer Rap of its intended course and purpose from the voice of the…

“Now let’s get it all in perspective”. This lyric from “Made You Look” by Nas, one of the greatest rappers of all-time, perfectly defines what I have learned about hip-hop this semester. This course has provided me with a new meaning as to what hip-hop really was like, how the whole movement got started, and what the lifestyle really consisted of. Through listening to song recordings, going through in-depth lyrical analyses, thoroughly reading book chapters, and attending and listening to Dr.…

Rappers today all have, or should have, their own unique style. If not their own unique style, they should come with their own sound, look, and background. For example, five names which I selected tend stand out among others in the Hip-hop community. These names being: Drake, Future, Kendrick Lamar, J.Cole, and Eminem. Drake, a Canadian rapper-singer, is currently one of the highest selling artists today. His style and pop-rap sound has found a way to produce hit after hit. Future is a southern…