Is Violence Derived From Hip-Hop?

It was never about the money, the fame, bragging or the glorification of violence. Hip-hop was a culture, a way to escape the acts of violence in the suburbs of New York. Instead it was supposed to encourage people to be more creative. The four elements of hip-hop (emceeing, deejaying, break-dancing and graffitiying) were ways for people to put their talents to use by means of utilising their creativity. Emceeing, commonly known as rapping, was used for people (or emcees) to rhyme on the mic over a beat comprised by a DJ (can be done without beat). Break-dancing on the street, showing of your moves and skills and having contests (even emcee battles were contest where people would take turns to cipher against each other) would dissuade people from physical violence and rather encourage them to express themselves in another, more positive manner by participating in such activities.

With the increasing popularity of gangsta-rap through the late 80’s and early 90’s through prominent groups and artists like N.W.A., Compton’s Most Wanted, Ice-T and Public Enemy, the image of guns and gang violence had been hyped up and influenced people to become a ‘menace to society’. Even, politically, if it meant standing up for your rights or what you believe in, the media regarded it as being out of line and therefore against society and the norm.
Rap fans who looked up to their favourite artists and were perhaps influenced by such gang-related and violent lyrics in songs and possibly transferred that mentality into real life (which was going on in the first place – just the way the ghetto is: repping your side of the city and the colours you wear) and committing crimes which would be deemed as anti-hip-hop; which defeats the object in the first place.

Like most other things over time, hip-hop has evolved and has attracted different audiences ranging from children without a clue what an AK really is, to adults who are actually aware of what the message in a song portrays. Gangster rap is about gangs, violence and how it relates to the struggle that people went through whilst growing up in a ghetto where they were trapped in the ‘system’; not going out to kill innocent people. This genre is like a true story in which the narrator (rapper) reports daily events that go on in his or her life. It paints a picture and gives us an insight to the tale. In my opinion, it can be something to relate to, possibly an inspiration to strive for success, to look on the bright side and make it in the real world.

The infamous beefs that take place in rap are renowned for including violent lyrics and mocking the opponent. What would be classed battles are now ‘diss tracks’ (diss means to disrespect) which are sent back and forth between those involved, but in a more aggressive and provocative manner. Some of the high profile beefs included 2Pac vs. Biggie, Eminem/50 Cent vs. Benzino/Ja Rule (Shady Records vs. Murder Inc), 50 Cent vs. The Game, Death Row vs. Ruthless Records, and N.W.A. vs. Ice Cube. Although these were quite entertaining as a rap fan, threats were made. At least the Nas and Jay-Z beef was kept in the music and not taken too far, by threatening the lives of other people. One thing I found shocking and was when Ja Rule brought Eminem’s daughter into it, why?

Conversely, not all rap is like this because nowadays you hear more people trying to make peace and forget all the violence. This is a good sign and a step forward in the right direction. Artists are now trying to reach out to others and make an effort to unite in order to concentrate on the music, which is the main priority afterall. It now looks as though the days where record labels were dictating the music are well and truly over. People now have the choice of the route in which they want to go down; giving us fans a larger range of music to choose from. It’s just a shame that the majority of the mainstream is rubbish and the only music that people know is how to do the stanky leg, shouting at the top of their voice saying “YAHH!” Hip-hop needs a breath of fresh air or a return to its roots.