Introduction 

Hip-hop is more than just a genre. It’s a culture-defining genre that transcends music. It’s a genre that shaped modern society and influenced millions around the world, spreading its tentacles to all corners of the globe. It has cultivated the minds of millions and solidified legacies that built its foundation as the number one music genre in the world, taking over the charts and billboards. Hip-Hop originates from New York in the streets of the Bronx in the United States, as an outlet for expression by young people from marginalized communities who felt left out and deprived of a voice. Hip-Hop has five pillars, which include Rapping (emceeing), DJing, Dancing (B-Boying), Graffiti and Beatboxing.

Hip-Hop as a Voice for Social Awareness and Education

Hip-Hop has become the identity of the young generation for the last fifty years, creating an impression on young people in all corners of life. Hip-Hop still maintains its dominance despite being around for half a century, which is a testament to its influence and appeal to both the youth and older members of society. Hip-Hop became a musical outlet for cultivating social consciousness and creating political awareness.  Hip-Hop became an instrument to push knowledge, to teach and inform young people of many important social issues and ills. Rappers became teachers and educators, often preaching sermons with sharp lyrical precision, which drew the youth towards a more substance-based style of Hip-Hop. Rappers used their pens not only to express themselves or showcase their skills and talents but also as a means to enlighten the youth and to safeguard them from the social ills that hinder black communities.

The Rise of Gangsta Rap and the Controversy Surrounding Hip-Hop

However, with the rise of NWA (N*ggas With Attitude) and Gangster Rap, Hip-Hop became a catalyst for drugs and violence, promoting an aspect of black culture that was often frowned upon due to its rawness and explicit lyrical content. Hip-Hop soon became public enemy number one and was subjected to public scrutiny and criticism from political leaders and governments. It was banned across radio stations and received little airplay.

From Cultural Movement to Global Musical Powerhouse

The genre persevered and grew, and by the early 2000s, during the height of the bling-bling era, it became the most lucrative music genre in the world with the emergence of artists like 50 Cent, Eminem, Ludacris, Nelly, DMX, Ja Rule, and Lil Wayne towards the end of the decade. Legends like Tupac, B.I.G, Nas, Jay Z, Snoop Dogg, Dr Dre, and LL Cool J are regarded as some of the best in the genre and left their mark on the genre that can never be erased. Their music still maintains relevance after 30 to 40 years and gets radio play more often than new music coming out.

Conclusion

Half a century after its inception, it has become a global culture influencing other aspects of life, including fashion, slang, and art. The hip-hop community is a global collective that adheres to a shared identity, beliefs, and values.  Tupac Shakur (2Pac), a social conscience, political Gangster Rapper who is often compared to Malcolm X and Martin Luther King for his impact and influence on young people due to his social commentary and controversy during his short-lived career, which ended when he passed away at just 25, is one of the best-selling artists of the genre, shipping over 75 million records.

Social Media: https://www.facebook.com/athienkosi.mapukata.3