HIP
HOP
Too many people are unclear as to what hip hop culture
really is and tend to use the term frivolously. There are many misconception
and stereotypes about this particular culture. For example, people tend to
associate hip hop with gangsters, drugs, money, and oppressing women. The reality is, Hip Hop is an art form where
street poets can express what they think with music in the background. Most do
not realize that there are a few elements to actually define the term Hip Hop.
The four elements in hip hop is, MC (rapping), breakdancing(b-boying), DJ, and
graffiti.
MC
(rapping)
In hip hop, MC/emcee is defined as masters of ceremonies
or in another term, microphone controller or a rapper. A rapper who is either
the host of an event; someone with enough flow and skill to be considered a
master of the art of rap. An MC focuses on skill, lyrical ability, and subject
matter. Rapping can be delivered over a beat or without accompaniment. MCs stay
on beat by stressing syllables in time to the four beats of the musical
backdrop. An emcee will raps to inspire people with
well-written, crisply-delivered, clear and concise lyrics. Most people would
rather 'rap' or rhyme words in a catchy manner, but few take the time to
actually emcee.
DJ
The hip-hop
DJ has to endure the process of obtaining a vast knowledge of music and rhythm
(the force), be able to synchronize the grooves and beats, and continually
search for new sounds to maintain his status in the culture. The hip-hop DJ has
become just that, a rumor. Nevertheless, the DJ will always play a major role
in hip-hop culture despite its ever-changing nature. As a DJ, a person has to feel the
rhythms and identify them as being a natural part of their existence. Either
the force is with you or it isn't. Feeling rhythm is a skill that cannot be
taught. This was a sign of a true beat hunter!
Breakers (breakdancing)
These
dance battles gradually evolved into a highly stylized form of mock combat called “Uprock”. In an uprock battle, a
dancer would lose if he actually touched his opponent. A B-Boy named Rubberband
is credited with developing uprock. Breakin’ was originally known s “Rocking”.
“Old style” breakin’ and B-Boy’n consisted only of floor work (“Floor Rock” or
“Down Rock”) and “top rock” (dancing on two feet, like the moonwalk). Acrobatic
moves such as the headspin had yet to emerge. Floor rock involved complicated
leg moves. Athletic young men found it was good way to win dance contests.
B-Boy’n was especially popular in the South Bronx, where rival gangs would
bttle over turf, or just to gain each others’ respect.
Graffiti
The
graffiti associated with hip hop most likely got started sometime in the
mid-to-late 1960s. Graffiti also known as writing, tagging and aerosol art is a
message or drawing created, most often illegally, on a public surface. Some
scholars compare it ancient art forms like hieroglyphics and cave painting. In
fact, one scientist takes the argument a step further. In “The Nure of
Paleolithic Art,” paleobiologist Dale Guthrie contends that admist the finer
works of paleoloithic cave art, you will find graffiti and lots of it.
Basically graffiti is all about arts that deliver a message or what they feel
and so on in this particular hip hop culture. It is like pictures worth than a
thousand words.
That’s
it, im done, peace one love!
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