What Is the Message Behind Hip-Hop?

  As you probably already know, hip-hop music was born in the ghetto and is characterized by rhythmically spoken text and strong beats. But despite having become the most popular music genre in the United States, hip-hop continues to stir controversy. While some hail it as an art form that brings social issues like racism and systemic poverty into the minds and hearts of its listeners, others critique it as something that glorifies violence, drug abuse, and the mistreatment of women. The Origins of Hip-Hop Hip Hop fashion style. Source: Unsplash Of course, it is impossible to throw all hip-hop music into the same pot. And yet, a look at its roots will help us understand why hip-hop, even in its seemingly superficial forms, truly is an art form of resistance. While there are some disagreements about where exactly hip-hop started, it is safe to say that it is a cultural movement that originated in the ghettos of 1970s New York. The 1970s were a particularly tough time, as the USA faced a financial crisis and many workers lost their incomes. However, according to Jonathan Mahler, the term fiscal crisis didn’t approach the raw reality, spiritual crisis was more like it....