Hip- Hop culture

My next section of blog entries will be focusing on the subcultures revolving around sports. Before I move away from dancing subcultures though I would like to take some time to reflect upon the hip-hop culture where these dance movements sprang from and give a little history behind the movement. The term hip-hop refers to a cultural movement starting in the 1970s, developed predominantly by African Americans in urban communities. The start of the hip-hop movement is attributed to DJ Kool Herc.
Popular forms that have evolved from the hip hop movement include:
~Breakdancing – See breakdancing post
~Beatboxing – The vocal art of reproducing various sounds using one's voice, and mouth. It can involve singing, turntable scratching, the simulation of musical instruments, and sound effects.
~Grafitti art - see my grafitti bolg post for more information
~Street fashion – fashion that has been changed from mainstream styles to encompass the unique movement of hip hop culture. Popular styles of the past include doorknocker earrings, gold necklaces, big rings, addidas brand shoes, baseball hats, baggy pants, and bright colors.
~ Street Language - A unique variation of everyday language meant to fit hip hop culture. Example: Phat
Early hip hop has often been credited with helping to reduce inner-city gang violence by replacing physical violence with hip hop battles, called “beefs”. In a beef two members will battle through dance, whoever wins the beef also wins the fight. Although this step away from physical violence may be compromised due to the recent emergence of commercial and gangsta rap. In this newer form of rap the emphasis on non-violence has been greatly removed, with many rappers boasting about drugs, weapons, and crimes they have committed.
Artists considered to be alternative/underground hip hop artists are going back to the original elements of the culture which emphasizes verbal skill, unity, or activism instead of messages of violence, material wealth, and misogyny. Insiders in this subculture will be aware of all the elements that surround the culture and participate in one or more of these cultural elements.