HIP – HOP BACKGROUNDHip – hop is a sub cultural movement which formed during the early 1970’s. It was formed mostly by the African – Americans that resided in the Bronx, New York City. By the late 1980’s it became more well known outside this community, and in 2010 it became the most listened to genre in the world. It is has impacted and made a huge development internationally within 40 years.

The ‘birthplace’ of hip hop is said to be at 1520 Sedgwick Avenue, where DJ Kool Herc, where he would take existing records and mix samples from them with shouts of his own to the crowd. For this, he is credited as the ‘Father of Hip-Hop’. Also, the Ghetto Brothers are said to be the origin of the hip hop culture as they would plug amps for their speakers and instruments into lamp posts on 163 rd

Street and Prospect Avenue. They would use music to break down the racial barriers as during that time, racism was very high, which is why majority of hip hop songs talk about their upbringing and how life wasn't easy for the artist – N.W.A and the Notorious B.I.G are two both great and successful group/artist that show this.

Though most people would associated hip hop entirely with music, it is separated four distinct, characterized elements. All of this together add up to represent the different manifestations of the famous culture:

- Rap Music (is spoken/chanted rhyming lyrics. Rapping contents include: flow, rhythm, rhyme and delivery with the influence of hip hop that combineIt all). It is distinct form spoken word poetry, as it is performed to a beat)- Djing (the art of manipulating sound, usually by the method called‘scratching’, which is done by moving a vinyl record back and forth)- B – Boying (more known as ‘breakdancing’, it is a style of street dancing,it was originated from the youths of African Americans during the mid 1970’s,and has spread overtime to all over the word. The four kind of movementsinclude: top rock, down rock, power moves, and freezes).- Graffiti Art (writing or drawings on public walls, usually done by spray paint.Within hip hop culture it is used to express messages or ‘gang marks’

Influential and Major Artist TodayDRAKE (active 2006-) is a Canadian recording artist, record producer, song writer and actor. The release of his EP ‘Gone So Far” which was released in 2009 made a huge success to the start of his career, with winning several awards and having his albums reaching no.1 in the charts. His songs are famously known to be more emotional and related to love, which has attracted a huge span of listeners as his lyrics relate to not only his past, but to his fans. He is one of the most impacted artist towards hip hop and has dominated quickly within years.

Kendrick Lamar (active 2003-)is an American Hip-Hop artist from Compton, California. At the age of 8 he witnessed his two idols Tupac and Dr. Dre shoot the music video for their hit single ‘California Love’ – to which later proved to be a significant moment in his life. In 2003 at only 16 he released a mix tape called ‘Youngest Head Nigga in Charge); from this he was recognised locally and then became bigger when caught attention from TDE, a California based record label. His songs talk about his upbringing and speaks out honesty to his listener, continuously influencing the culture of Hip-Hop.

J. Cole (active 2007-) is a German-born American Hip Hop artist, record producer and songwriter from Fayetteville, North California. In 2007 he released his mix tape ‘The come up’, where he caught the attention of American rapper Jay Z. In 2009, Cole was signed to Jay Z’s record label Roc Nation. J. Cole is said to be one of the leading and hugely successful hip hop artist of this generation, with his latest album ‘2014 Forest Hill Drive’ debuting at No.1 – making all his 3 albums no.1 in a row. This album also reached platinum status with no features, a huge, respectable award in the music industry.

Kanye West (1996-) is an American record artist , song writer and founder of GOOD Music record label. Before perusing his solo career as a rapper, he would produce hit singles for popular music artists such as Alicia Keys and Jay Z in the early 2000’s. Kanye West has become one of most dynamic artist for hip hop, especially with his clothing line that has inspired many people to dress similar to him; impacting the fashion culture for hip as a result. Having sold over 21 million albums and 100 million downloads, Kanye West is one of the best selling artist of all time

Nicki Minaj (2007 -) is an American rapper and songwriter born in Trinidad. From releasing mixtapes between 2007 – 2009 she had gained public attention, before signing with Young Money entertainment in 2009. Nicki Minaj’s rap is distinctive for her fast flow and a hint of ‘British Cockney’ accent. Her songs are usually about money, explicitly, fame and love, which has attracted a huge fan base. With winning several charts and her singles/albums reaching in the top charts, she is considered to be the most influential female rapper of all time.

Record LabelsAn American record label founded by Rick Rubin and Russell Simons in 1983, which mainly focuses on Hip-Hop/Urban music. Famous current artists signed to this record label include Big Sean, Jhene Aiko, August Alsina and Kanye West.

A record label founded by Dame, Jay Z, and Biggs in 1995. Over the years it has come across problems with splitting and personal issues, especially with Jay Z. However, these artists would constantly be rejected or turned down by other record labels, and so chose to found Roc A Fella Records. Artist signed to this include Jay Z himself and Kanye West

An American record label founded way back in 1887, but is owned by Sony Music Entertainment. Artist signed to this include J. Cole, Juicy J and Beyonce, along with several other popular artist of different genre’s such as Adele.

An American record label founded by Lil Wayne – an American hip hop recording artist. It is perhaps the most popular record label as famous artist are signed to this label, especially Nicki Minaj, Drake and Tyga. Young Money has released a total of 10 U.S No.1 albums so far, such as Drake’s ‘If you’re reading this it’s too late’, ‘Pink Friday by Nicki minaj and ‘What A Time To Be Alive’ by Drake and Future.

REPRESENTATION CONTRAVERSYPerhaps the most common issue some of the public have with Hip – Hop is with the ‘image’ it gives, as many music videos and lyrics nowadays can be explicit and inappropriate. It also sparks controversy towards the law and with the police, mostly in America, as the start of hip hop becoming bigger involved many of the artist with a hard upbringing with racism and the police.Famous group N.W.A have dedicated some of their songs towards this, telling their fans to be

rebellious against the police – though back then, and now, it is reasonable as black people were treated unfair and their songs were their way of letting their voice speak out. Some people believe it’s the song, along with the portrayed image artist give, that have influenced the younger generation to become a lot more violent and have different mindsets to a more hustle-based life.

Females are also seen as an objects for sexual intentions, which of course creates many arguments and goes against many opinions and beliefs for women, as back then they were not treated as fairly, had limited power and were seen more as ‘maids’ or ‘items’ belonging to men. So, when dressed explicitly, seducing a man (the artist) or a group of women surrounding a man in music videos,it may give contradicting representations to how women are portrayed within the hip hop culture, though some may argue it’s a woman’s way of showing and being proud of their body and how they show how much they love their partner. Another issue are ‘gangs’, as the history of hip hop and upbringings have influenced the youth to be in gangs, involving themselves with money and drugs. Though to the public this is seen as something very wrong, it’s perhaps their way of life and how they make money as life for people are all different, their background and history may relate to some of the hip hop songs and so is what influences them .

FASHION IN HIP-HOP Over the years, fashion in hip hop have made a huge impact to how the younger generation dress. Clothing is important as it gives off how you want to be seen, it’s almost a way of representing yourself to other eyes. Though judging what one wears is what many go against with, but it is something that naturally occurs – which is why you will see artists dress simple, not very colourful and would wear branded, usually Nike, Adidas and New Era. They want to show their personalities, though over time their dress sense changes. Nicki Minaj is a great example as before she would dress very colourful and crazy, but now has tamed it down and wears more plain yet sophisticated colours since she would constantly be criticised for the image she would portray.

Jewelry is also a statement within the hip-hop culture, mostly involving gold chains and rings. These are expensive and luxurious items, which is why some artist would wear them to show their money – as the more money you have the more ‘powerful’ you would appear. Another statement that still implies today are snapbacks, you will see many teenagers and young adults wear snapbacks all year round as it is a signature accessory to wear. Hoodies and baggy clothing, along with jeans are also commonly worn. A big influence towards fashion in hip hop is with both Kanye West’s fashion sense and his clothing line. They are plain and baggy clothing bus has created a craze, espeically with his release of collection of Yeezy’s.