HUMN 341 Assignment 1-3 Journal Article Analysis Posting (Hip-Hop and Pop Culture)

The article about the young black writer S. Craig Watkins written by Jo Ann Morgan-Coastal Carolina University was insightful and very moving. The article broke down key events and points from S. Craig Watkins’s Hip Hop Matters book. According to Morgan (2006), S. Craig Watkins wrote “despite the huge success that rap music had in the first six month of 1998, plenty more will be said during that second half of 1998.” This was a clear indication that rap music was headed upward at a fast pace. According to Morgan (2006), “Watkins’s book exposes the new look of the American pop culture, as well as the economic and political factors that help boost a diverse amount of graffiti, break dancing, and fashion (i.e., Sean John clothing, Roca Wear clothing, Ecko, and etc..). Morgan (2006) goes on to mention that Watkins’s seemed to be infatuated with the Disc Jockeys (Dj’s), Master of Ceremonies (MC’s AKA Rapper), and the producers of rap music. Morgan (2006) also elaborates on how Watkins provocatively analyzes controversial rappers Chuck D. of the Public Enemy and Ice Cube from the well known “cop hatters” group called Niggaz With Attitudes (N.W.A.). Now hip-hop during this era was essential for young African Americans who looked for refuge in music.

More and more Rap artists began to opt for the mainstream style of rap because of the political ramifications associated with the music industry. Hip-Hop music as a whole has now started to head in the direction of becoming more mainstream. Rebellious tones and tactics being used in hip-hop seemed to be on the brink of extinction. Not so fast. Although major changes in rap music was on the rise, the negative messages towards the US government and Police Departments all over America for “treating minorities dirty” were steadily being produced by major record companies all over the United States. The treasonous language expressed in many of the rap records in the late 80’s and early 90’s still continued to have an impact on society long after this type of music seemed to not to be desired. According to Morgan (2006), Watkins’s explains, “hip-hop’s influence on America expanded tremendously during this generation due to the exploitation of “gangsta rap.” Music companies realized that “gangsta rap” was a big seller, so they did everything in their power to keep it on the forefront all throughout the 90’s. Now this was great for the local vendors as focusing on becoming more mainstream was now the new thing, especially when hip-hop’s music artists and record companies noticed a steady incline in sales. Again, this was an example of a new era in American culture.

This article also focused on the popularity of hip-hop, and how deeply rooted it can get. According to Morgan (2006), the battle for the heart of hip hop is surely an amazing message between the young, black, poor, old, rich, and white Americans. It’s evident that hip-hop music has placed its stamp on America. Years and years of “minority rappers” have expressed their differences with the American politics. The American dream is still something farfetched for many monitories, yet they maintain positivity through hip-hop lyrics.


References:

Morgan J. (2006). The Journal of American Culture. Hip Hop Matters: Politics, Pop Culture, and the Struggle for the Soul of a Movement. Volume 29, Number 3. Pp 378-379. Retrieved on June 15, 2009, from http://journals.ohiolink.edu/ejc/pdf.cgi/Morgan_Jo-Ann.pdf?issn=15427331&issue=v29i0003&article=378_hhmppcambscw