"Making a change?!" - Between Grassroots and Commercialisation in Contemporary American Rap Music

Hausarbeit (Hauptseminar) , 2007 , 18 Seiten , Note: 1,3

Amerikanistik - Kultur und Landeskunde

The Hip Hop culture between grassroots and commercialzation.
Can rap music bring about social and political change for African Americans or is it merely entertainment?

Inhaltsverzeichnis

• I. Introduction
• II. Hip Hop/Rap
  • II. 1. A Definition/ Early Developments
  • II. 2. The Development of Modern Rap
  • II. 3. The Language of Rap Music
• III. The Commercialization of Hip Hop
  • III. 1. The Rise of the Music Industry
  • III. 2. The Impact of the Music Industry on the Hip Hop Culture
• IV. The Future of Hip Hop
• V. Conclusion (Fazit)
• VI. Bibliography (Literaturverzeichnis)

Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte

This work aims to explore the evolution of American rap music from its grassroots origins to its current state of commercialization. It examines the key elements of hip hop culture, including DJing, rapping, breakdancing, and graffiti, and analyzes how these elements have been shaped by the music industry. The work also investigates the impact of commercialization on the core ideas and social messages of hip hop, and discusses the ongoing debate about the authenticity and relevance of the movement.

• The origins and early development of hip hop culture
• The evolution of rap music and its subgenres
• The role of language and style in rap music
• The impact of commercialization on hip hop culture
• The ongoing debate about the authenticity and relevance of hip hop

Zusammenfassung der Kapitel

The first chapter provides an introduction to the topic of hip hop culture, outlining its origins, key elements, and its rise to global prominence. It explores the question of whether hip hop has lost its original social and cultural significance due to commercialization. The second chapter delves into the early development of rap music, focusing on the pioneering figures and their contributions to the movement. It examines the different styles and themes that emerged in the early years of rap, including the social commentary of "The Message" and the dance-oriented nature of "Rapper's Delight." The third chapter explores the development of modern rap music, highlighting the emergence of new artists and subgenres, such as gangsta rap and message rap. It examines the impact of commercialization on the music industry and the changing landscape of hip hop culture. The fourth chapter focuses on the language of rap music, analyzing its unique features, including slang, rhyme schemes, and storytelling techniques. It explores the role of language in shaping the identity and message of rap music. The fifth chapter examines the commercialization of hip hop culture, exploring the rise of the music industry and its impact on the movement. It discusses the debate about the authenticity and relevance of hip hop in the face of commercial pressures. The sixth chapter concludes the work by reflecting on the future of hip hop culture and its potential for social change. It examines the challenges and opportunities facing the movement in the 21st century.

Schlüsselwörter

The keywords and focus themes of the text include hip hop, rap music, commercialization, grassroots movement, social commentary, language, style, authenticity, relevance, and the music industry. The text explores the evolution of American rap music from its origins as a cultural and social movement to its current state of commercialization, examining the impact of the music industry on the core ideas and social messages of hip hop. It also discusses the ongoing debate about the authenticity and relevance of the movement in the face of commercial pressures.

• Hochschule: Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg
• Veranstaltung: The Rise of the Entertainment Industry
• Note: 1,3
• Autor: Karl Kovacs (Autor:in)
• Erscheinungsjahr: 2007
• Seiten: 18
• Katalognummer: V114921
• ISBN (eBook): 9783640158959
• ISBN (Buch): 9783640183210
• Sprache: Englisch
• Schlagworte: Making, Between, Grassroots, Commercialisation, Contemporary, American, Music, Rise, Entertainment, Industry, Hip Hop, Rap, Public Enemy