God's Bits of Wood

The Hip Hop Generation

A heated discussion arose last Monday regarding the hip hop generation. It stirred up a lot of unanswered questions. A few of my own are, what the term hip hop generation defines, what are the misconceptions of this generation, and what does the future of this generation hold?

When you take a look at society from one generation to the next each era has there own significance. It's like a fad almost, something that you do for one period of time may fade out and then the next fad comes into play. The hip hop generation seems to describe a culture stemming from the evolution of rap. The music industry as a whole has changed the world in many ways, but the evolvement of rap has created a mainstream stir. There are many aspects of rap and many creative minds that make up the industry. It too, has definitely changed over time.

The generation of hip hop is not only being defined as an evolution of the rap industry, but the culture that follows, has shaped the style and slang of African-American culture. Every generation of people bring transition. We take teachings from one generation to the next that assists in shaping the culture of that people. The Civil Rights Movement led to the Black Power Movement. During the era of the Civil Rights Movement Black people and others oppressed, learned to speak out and demand their rights as a US citizen. The Black Power Movement brought a sense of empowerment, and militant behavior in the enforcement of Black peoples' civil rights. They were letting the government know that they were not afraid. They were knowledgeable about their rights and would enforce them by any means necessary. The hip hop generation is just another form of black power, speaking out in a different manner. When people think of NWA (Niggas Wit Attitudes) as a group they think of all the negative images portrayed by their lyrics. But on the other hand, this was a group, being thought of as to have started "gangsta rap," which had a lot to say. They were one of the first rap groups to preach about standing up against police discrimination and brutality, with songs like "F*ck the Police."

The hip hop generation is an industry of entrepreneurs, with political views, and focused on community development. They are investors and property owners, as well. This industry has led the way to other opportunities.