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Hip Hop

Hip Hop Culture Essay

Since the early to mid 90's, hip-hop has undergone changes that purists would consider degenerating to its culture. At the root of these changes is what has been called "commercial hip-hop". Commercial hip-hop has deteriorated what so many emcees in the 80's tried to build- a culture of music, dance, creativity, and artistry that would give people not only something to bob their head to, but also an avenue to express themselves and deliver a positive message to their surroundings..

What does the term "commercial" mean? It can take on various meanings, but in essence that term is used to label artists who have alienated parts of the hip-hop culture in their work. The High and Mighty, a duo from Philadelphia signed to Rawkus Records, summed up what commercial hip-hop is in their 1999 single release "The Meaning". Mr. Eon says: "…they're tryin' to turn hip-hop to just plain rappin'/let the poppers pop/and the breakers break…"

But the disenchantment with artists who don't appreciate hip-hop as consisting of emceeing, breaking, graffiti art, beat boxing and dj-ing is not new. Underground artists, predominately hip-hop purists, have lashed out at biters and perpetrators for many years. For example, in 1989 3rd Bass released their first album, The Cactus Cee/D. Throughout the album, MC Serch and Prime Minister Pete Nice scold the commercialized booty shakers like MC Hammer for corrupting hip-hop, particularly on the track "The Gasface" they specifically call out Hammer for his antics.

Inside the album jacket, Serch sums up hip-hop in ‘89: "There was a time when nothing was more important than the New York Rap Scene." It's dilluted, but not divided." To hip-hop afficionados, Serch's quote sounds like the equivalent to a Vietnam soldier's letter home. Obviously, the group saw the possibility of the hip-hop culture being tainted.

Another good example of a group combatting the increase in commercial hip-hop was The Boot Camp...