Graffiti

One reason I like hip-hop so much is because of its versatility and how adaptable it is. There are many different aspects of hip-hop, which accommodate so many of your senses. The vocal part of hip-hop is the rapping or emceeing, the visual aspect of hip-hop is graffiti, and then there's the music itself, consorted with dancing, being the physical aspect. I've always wish I could graffiti, with spray paint it’s so cool. I believe it is human nature to enjoy beautiful things, I wouldn't mind walking down the street and seeing other people's works of art on the sides of every building. 

I think graffiti is really fascinating and beautiful, it turns the world from boring to colorful and vibrant. According to Wikipedia graffiti is writing or drawings scribbled, scratched, or sprayed illicitly on a wall or other surface in a public place (Wikipedia). However people generally disregard graffiti because of how it is portrayed in the media and talked down upon by people who don't fully understand its roots or meanings.

Vandalism is considered a crime and since most graffiti are on places where the owners did not give them consent to be graffiti is considered vandalism, which is punishable by law. This can discourage many 'offenders' from displaying their talent or being able to express themselves visually to others.  Another reason graffiti is looked down upon is because gangs use graffiti to, make their name be known, or threaten other gangs. This causes people to associate graffiti with gang violence, and look at it with disdain. To some people graffiti is considered vandalism, but it is art, a form of self-expression.

Young under privileged teens and young adults who don't really have a voice from where they grew up use graffiti to tell the world about themselves. The whole world is their canvas, as opposed to being limited to creating a small piece of art. They use entire buildings to voice their opinions on political subject matters, or create a mural to uplift the community.

"Graffiti." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, 28 Jan. 2013. Web. 30 Jan. 2013.

Why I prefer underground rappers

Many rappers fall victim to commercialization. They put out one good song and gain some publicity, and then once they make enough money they lose focus. They don't work as hard to make hits trying to gain more fans and fame. Eventually all their songs begin to sound the same and they don't put any real effort into making good music. That is what most mainstream artists are, in my opinion. Just putting out songs with no real substance or meaning, just to make money from the song or album they put out.

I feel as though if you want to be a really good artist you would be more selfless and put out songs your fans can relate to. Once mainstream artists make enough money they stop hustling to get recognition and lose all the fans that got them famous in the first place. Too much success can change an artist, the more famous the artist the more people will expect from them. They are pressured to make songs that are going to apply to the status quo.

Although underground rappers probably strive for fame and fortune as well as mainstream artists, the ones with good intentions don't sell out to the music industry. They continue to work hard for what they want, instead of changing their entire image to gain more fans. Rappers who have fallen victim to commercialization are often seen as sell outs to true hip-hop lovers. A commercial rapper is someone who  Not only do they sell themselves, they change their entire style and the substance of their music. This is probably because once they become rich and famous they don't put in as much effort to gain the recognition they once sought. One rapper that is an example of this that is currently famous is Wiz Khalifa. You can really notice the difference in his music, from when he first started out in the rap game, to when he became a celebrity. 

I prefer to listen to underground artists because they give off a more real, raw vibe. Their songs actually tell a story because the artist is really passionate about their music; they see it as a form of expression and focus on getting their message across. I'm not completely ruling out mainstream artists, there are plenty of musicians who have worked hard for what they have, but most mainstream music lacks the unrestrained music I crave.

One underground artist I'm particularly interested in is Blu:

He just gives off a really refreshing, mellow vibe. I also like his lyrics and his flow, just the way he puts his songs together, it's amazing. His style is really jazzy and unique, something many other rappers can't pull off.

Real Hip Hop

             For my blog I have decided to write about hip-hop, the part of the hip-hop culture that usually goes unrecognized. I feel as though most mainstream rap songs tarnish the name of good revolutionary rap. A lot of people hear one rap song and automatically rule out hip-hop as being violent and degrading. They don't really get the sense of what hip hop really means, how and why it began, and what it did for our society. 

Someone once told me that the hip in hip hop stands for the knowledge it brings, and hop is the movement, the revolution itself. Many famous artists that get all the recognition do not actually live by this meaning. Which is the reason why so many people rule it out, it just adds to the prejudice that all hip-hop music is bad or irrelevant.

I've picked this as my research topic because I love music, I'm really passionate about what I listen to. Not just the lyrics either, the instrumentals as well. However, I do not have a full understanding of this topic which is the reason why I want to research hip-hop and expand my knowledge of it.  Maybe I'll learn about something I had no idea existed, I just want to be completely open minded about this subject.  

There are also many other aspects of hip-hop such as clothing, hair styles, dances, graffiti, etc. I want to go into every detail and I’ll occasionally posts songs by my favorite artists/producers. And other experiences I have with hip-hop, my favorite things to do are watch people freestyle or battle each other, and beat boxing fascinates me as well.