“Rap is something you do/ Hip Hop is something you live."-KRS ONE, Hip Hop VS. Rap
You hear it all the time, “Hip Hop is more than just music, It's A Culture!” Of course this is a true statement, without a doubt. But how, Sway? Tell me exactly how & why Hip Hop is a culture? You might even be asking yourself, “Yo, what is a culture anyway?” Well, ya boy has the remedy. Showing how and why Hip Hop is a culture is not only simple, IT IS MY PLEASURE! That's what The Hip Hop Foundation is all about. So let's take the time to find out the truth about what makes Hip Hop an actual culture. And remember, do your own research. Don't just take my word on it. Lets jump right into it, shall we?
According to research. A Culture, in its broadest sense, is a complex tapestry of behaviors, beliefs, values, and symbols that are shared by a group of people and passed down from one generation to the next. It encompasses the customs, arts, social institutions, and achievements of a particular nation, people, or social group. Culture shapes our identities, influences our worldviews, and provides a sense of belonging. A culture is a set of shared values, beliefs, customs, and practices that are transmitted from generation to generation. It is a way of life that is unique to a particular group of people. Culture is defined by a number of factors. Check out some of the key points of a culture and you be the judge. At its core, culture includes-
1. Language: The medium through which thoughts and feelings are communicated.
2. Arts and Literature: Expressions of creativity that convey the collective experiences and values of a community.
3. Social Norms and Laws: Rules and expectations that govern behavior.
4. Religion and Beliefs: Shared systems of faith and spirituality.
5. Rituals and Ceremonies: Practices that mark significant events and transitions.
6. Material Culture: Physical objects, resources, and spaces that people use to define their culture.
These are the components of a true culture based on the available research. Now let's check out Hip Hop Culture in comparison to the actual definition of a culture and see what we get. Hip Hop possesses its own distinct language, arts, social norms, and rituals that collectively define its unique identity. Peep the “actual factual!”
Language and Communication: The language of Hip Hop is its lifeblood. Slang and lyrical dexterity, seen in rap music, serve as powerful tools for storytelling and social commentary. The poetic nature of rap lyrics often reflects the struggles, aspirations, and realities of the community.
Arts and Literature: Hip Hop is rich in artistic expression, encompassing music, dance, visual arts, and fashion. The five main elements of Hip Hop—MCing (emceeing, rapping), DJing, graffiti art, beatboxing and breakin—each contribute to a vibrant cultural landscape. These elements are akin to traditional forms of artistic expression found in other cultures, such as folk music, dance, and visual arts in indigenous communities.
Social Norms and Laws: Hip Hop has also developed its own set of norms and values. Respect, authenticity, and community are central tenets. The genre has often challenged societal norms and has become a voice for marginalized communities, much like how the civil rights movement cultivated its own cultural ethos in response to social injustice.
Religion and Beliefs: While Hip Hop does not prescribe a specific religious practice, it often incorporates spiritual and philosophical reflections. Lyrics frequently delve into existential questions and the search for meaning, paralleling how religious and philosophical discourses function in other cultures. Hip hop culture is based on a number of core values, such as creativity, self-expression, community, and social justice. Hip hop artists and fans often use their platform to speak out about important social and political issues.
Rituals and Ceremonies: Hip Hop culture is marked by its own rituals and ceremonies, from, DJ battles and breakin competitions to rap battles and cyphers—an impromptu gathering where Emcees take turns showcasing their lyrical skills—for those who don't know. These practices foster a sense of community and continuity, similar to how traditional ceremonies in other cultures mark significant events and milestones.
Material Culture: The material culture of Hip Hop is evident in its fashion, music production equipment, and urban spaces. Iconic clothing styles, turntables, and graffiti murals are physical manifestations of the culture, comparable to traditional attire, instruments, and crafts in other societies.
To understand Hip Hop as a culture, it is useful to compare it with established cultures. For example, consider the culture of jazz music, which also emerged from African American communities and evolved into a global phenomenon. Both cultures share a foundation in musical innovation, social commentary, and community-building. Jazz and Hip Hop have each developed distinct languages (musical and verbal), rituals (jam sessions and cyphers), and material artifacts (instruments and turntables). Similarly, the punk rock culture of the 1970s shares commonalities with Hip Hop in its rebellious spirit and DIY ethic. Both cultures emerged as countercultural movements, challenging mainstream norms and creating alternative spaces for expression.
"I rap 'bout what I know, what I go through
What I been through, not just for no dough"- Dead Prez, It's Bigger Than Hip-Hop
Hip Hop is undeniably a culture, with all the attributes that define cultural systems globally. It is a living, evolving entity that reflects the complexities of its community. Through its unique language, artistic forms, social norms, rituals, and material expressions, Hip Hop continues to shape and be shaped by the people who participate in it. As with any culture, it offers a sense of identity and belonging, providing a powerful lens through which to view the world. Hip Hop stands as a testament to the enduring power of culture to transform, unify, and inspire. By recognizing and appreciating Hip Hop as a culture, we honor the rich legacy and ongoing contributions of this vibrant revolution to the global cultural mosaic.
Bam! Now you know what makes Hip Hop a culture and why. So please, by all means spread the word. Don't forget to subscribe to our website and leave a comment about this blog article
LONG LIVE THE CULTURE! LONG LIVE HIP HOP!
Article written by:
@Zakaariyah Hardin, Facebook.com / @Itstherealthe, Instagram.com
