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From Jazz To Hip Hop

From Jazz to Hip Hop

New genres of music often start off with an underground following. As the music evolves it eventually loses its subversive feel. It is no longer revolutionary nor a creative art form, thus it becomes a product of popular culture found amongst the demographics of MTV. One popular style of music that grew by countering American culture is jazz. Today jazz is often compared to hip-hop; both art forms have grown from an underground following to counter American culture. Furthermore, jazz has heavily influenced many of hip-hops' elements found within the music. The cultural similarities and musical elements influenced by jazz have had a strong impact on hip-hop.
Those who consider themselves true members of the hip hop community understand that there is an entire culture that embodies the music. This culture consists of language, art, fashion, dancing and various other urban rudiments. According to R.. Reese, "The raw beginnings of contemporary [hip hop] music can be traced to the Bronx in the mid 1970s". The urban black youth were using the art form to send messages of political disproval and tell stories of violence, and anything that had to do with daily life on the streets. Such motifs can relate back to many songs that incorporates vocals in a composition.
Jazz musicians would commonly incorporate stories of every day life growing up in Harlem. In a number done by Duke Ellington with singer Ella Fitzgerald called "Take The A Train," the lyrics give a candid story of life growing up in the streets. Specifically in this song they are talking about getting home to Sugar Hill in Harlem. Although the lyrics are not the song is very playful using a trumpet to mimic a train with Fitzgerald singing, "scat." She sings, "You must take the "A" train To go to Sugar Hill way up in Harlem If you miss the "A" train You'll find you missed the quickest way to Harlem." There is not too much weight in this song; however, it gives a glimpse into the...