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6.7: Why is Hip-Hop Important?

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    294319
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    Hip-hop, like any art form, is controversial. In its myriad forms of graffiti art, rap, dance, music, and fashion, hip-hop has glorified street violence, drug dealing and illicit use of drugs. Hip-hop has also been known in recent years by male and female artists alike to use disrespectful phrases relating to women, prostitution, gang related theft or vengeance. Hip-hop can be profane and offensive to many. Yet hip-hop also serves an important role for society – not just American culture, but cultures all over the world: Hip-hop is impactful in that it is a safe form of expression and unifies people. Hip-hop dance has served for generations as a positive outlet for youth. Rap music often touts respect for mothers and family, sometimes infused with a religious message that has the capacity to expose problems of poverty, racism and injustice. In some cases, hip-hop purports anti-war sentiments and pro-peace messaging.

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    Figure 6.9. Themes of peace, tolerance, and anti-corruption, this hip-hop group Black Daps called for political stability through foreign investment and development in Niger in 2009

    (US Government, Department of State, Embassy to Niger, Niamey (January 2009). 2009 Hip Hop Caravan: Hip Hop group Black Daps performs at concert in Niamey on themes of peace, tolerance, and anti-corruption, which are crucial to ensure stability, promote development and secure foreign investment for Niger." U.S. Embassy-sponsored 2009 Hip Hop Caravan, from the Website of the United States Embassy, Niamey. https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Hip_hop_black_daps_niamey_2009.jpg)


    This page titled 6.7: Why is Hip-Hop Important? is shared under a CC BY 4.0 license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by Debra Worth.

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