How Did Hip-Hop Start Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

How Did Hip-Hop Start - Research Paper Example Contrary to popular belief, hip hop music was not originally an American invention. Although one can of course claim that due to the fact that it of all within the United States, it somehow holds the title of being American, the fact of the matter is that DJ Kool Herc was originally Jamaican and had only come to the United States three years prior to exhibiting this unique style of music within the birthday party he presided over. Before delving into the actual nuts and bolts of how hip-hop was defined within DJ Kool Herc’s individual style, it is necessary to discuss some of the primal influences that he experienced within Jamaica. Firstly, it can and should be understood by the reader that Jamaica represented a unique environment in which former African slaves far outnumbered Caucasians. As a function of the way in which British trade, sugar plantations, run manufacturing, and slave trading were affected for much of Jamaica’s history, this demographic differential was realized. In such a way, as compared to the United States Jamaica had a more homogenous culture that shared in distinct societal, musical, religious, and other levels of self identification and oneness. In such a way, DJ Kool Herc’s early influence was with regards to the fact that he was raised in the capital of Jamaica, Kingston, and regularly accompanied his father’s band in many musical performances (Brunson 7). One particular aspect of DJ Kool Herc’s style that was developed and evolved within Jamaica was with regards to how he emulated the toasting style that many Jamaican DJs utilize as a means of talking over four toasting the records he spun. This in and of itself was a primal influence with regards to the way in... It is the further hope of the researcher of this essay, that by engaging with the information within this essay, the reader will calm to a more full and complete understanding of the way in which and pop music was born and why it has developed in the unique way in which it has. As with many forms of art and expression, hip-hop was born during the early 1970s. Beyond merely giving birth to this defining genre of uniquely American music, this particular decade was fertile ground for the development and expression of new art forms, music, means of understanding, philosophy, and a range of other expression and thought related activities. Due to the way in which society was beginning to cast off the balance that it previously defined it and actively seeking to create new realities and means of expression to fit the needs and trends of the current generation, hip-hop was yet another in a long line of new wave expressionism that ultimately caught on and has prevailed for over 40 years now. Just as with rock ‘n roll before it and jazz before rock ‘n roll, hip-hop has its roots in the evolution in combination of many other types of music. It is also hoped by the author that after reading the preceding discussion and analysis of hip-hop and its birth, one will be able to calm to the realization in conclusion that hip-hop not only was an evolution from existing forms of music but was like any other development something that links the artistic talents and expressions of a number of different individuals in order to fully manifest itself.