13: Capitalism and Hip Hop
- Page ID
- 395575
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(Live Nation Entertainment Executive Leadership and Board of Directors)
This module's focus is on how capitalism impacts hip hop culture. Capitalism, defined as "an economic and political system in which a country's trade and industry are controlled by private owners for profit, rather than by the state." As you'll see in the video titled "How Capitalism Ruins Hip Hop." Specifically, the argument here is that hip hop has become "watered down" to appeal to mainstream society for financial gain. In the process, many would say that hip hop has "lost its soul" and "sold out" to corporate interests. Therefore, individuals that aren't part of the culture are the main beneficiaries of its popularity.
This module will:
- Discuss how capitalism and hip hop intersect
- Discuss the impact capitalism has on hip hop culture and its future
Upon completion of this module, students will be able to:
- Identify the actors responsible for the commercialization of hip hop culture
- Identify the impact commercialization has had on hip hop culture
- 13.1: Capitalism and Hip Hop - Readings and Media
- This page examines the relationship between capitalism and hip hop, emphasizing racial disparities in the music industry. It highlights the predominance of African American artists alongside the predominantly white leadership in major corporations, creating tension between authentic artistic expression and corporate profitability.
- 13.2: Capitalism and Hip Hop - Classroom Activity
- This page presents a classroom activity focusing on the impact of commercialization on hip hop culture. It highlights themes such as artist exploitation and misdirection. Students engage in discussions and analyze two videos related to these topics, evaluating their accuracy against their understanding of hip hop. The activity encourages critical thinking about how external influences shape cultural messages and their broader implications.
- 13.3: Capitalism and Hip Hop - Assignment
- This page presents an assignment centered on the documentary "The Culture Industry and the Death of Hip Hop," which analyzes the influence of corporate interests on hip hop culture. Students must write a 500-word paper exploring the relationship between corporate America and hip hop, considering how corporate pressures might undermine the genre's authenticity. The paper should be formatted in 12-point Times New Roman font, double-spaced, and follow a specified grading rubric.

