Hip-Hop Plaguing America's Culture

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Hip-hop has been a controversial topic for many years, beginning in the 1980’s. The main issue has been whether hip-hop is truly empowering America’s culture or if it is destroying it. On the one hand, proponents of hip-hop claim that the music and the culture is a reflection of the streets, illustrates what people are going through in the ‘hood, brings people together, and can be an effective tool in politics. Artists describing gang wars, the drug scene and other illegal ventures in urban settings are seen by the hip-hop community as just speaking out on what is going on. On the other hand, others argue that hip-hop is plaguing America’s culture, providing a negative outlet for today’s youth. The subculture of hip-hop has long been known…show more content…
But at its core, it is a philosophy based on the idea that self-expression is an integral part of the pursuit of peace, love and unity... It’s the aspiring politician who genuinely reflects the people she represents, the progressive educators who give voiceless youth a platform to express their deepest thoughts and the grassroots activists who launch campaigns against a corrupt music industry. For millions of people here and abroad, this is Hip Hop, the way it was meant to be…and it is NOT destroying Black…show more content…
The spirit of violence and crime funneled its way into hip-hop music, with one of the earliest examples being a rise of a rap group from Compton, California named N.W.A (N***** With Attitudez). One of their well-known radio hits is “F*** Tha Police”, in which Ice Cubes offers these two lines: “Beat a police out of shape, And when I’m finished, bring the yellow tape”. The song is a response to police officers racially profiling blacks and presents a violent way to confront the men in uniform. It also conditions listeners to view crime, violence, and disrespect for authority as acceptable behavior. This rebellious spirit has trickled its way into modern day hip-hop
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