As someone who has been involved in the Hip Hop industry for over three decades, I’ve seen firsthand the incredible impact that this genre has had on the world.
Hip Hop has always been about more than just the music – it’s a culture, a lifestyle, and a way of life. It’s about using your voice to speak truth to power, to challenge the status quo, and to inspire change.
But in recent years, there have been a lot of concerns about the direction that the scene is heading in or is in already.
Many people feel that the genre has lost its way, that it’s become too commercialised and superficial, and that it has lost touch with its roots.
So, how can we take back Hip Hop and ensure that it stays true to its principles and its purpose?
Here are a few ideas on how we can take it back:
1.Support independent and underground artists: One of the biggest challenges facing Hip Hop today is the increasing corporate control of the music industry.
Major labels and streaming platforms often prioritise commercial success over artistic integrity, which can make it difficult for independent and underground artists to get heard.
These are often the artists who are pushing the boundaries and keeping culture fresh and relevant.
So, if you want to support real Hip Hop, make an effort to discover and support independent and underground artists.
2.Educate yourself about the history and culture of hip hop: Hip hop has a rich and complex history, and it’s important to understand where it came from and what it stands for.
Educating yourself about the history and culture of Hip Hop can help you to better appreciate the music and to understand the issues that are important to the Hip Hop community.
3. Get involved in your community: It has always been about more than just the music – it’s about making a difference in your community.
Whether it’s through volunteering, activism, or simply being a positive role model, there are plenty of ways that you can get involved in your community and make a positive impact.
4. Use your voice: Hip Hop is all about using your voice to speak truth to power and to inspire change.
So, if you have something to say, don’t be afraid to speak up. Whether it’s through your music, your art, or your activism, use your voice to make a difference.
5. Celebrate diversity: Hip Hop has always been a diverse and inclusive genre, and it’s important to celebrate and embrace that diversity.
Whether it’s through the music, the art, or the culture, Hip Hop is at its best when it reflects and celebrates the diversity of the world around us.
6. Support positive and uplifting messages: There’s no denying that this genre of music can be raw and edgy, and that’s part of what makes it so powerful.
It’s important to remember that the genre can also be positive and uplifting, and that it has the power to inspire and motivate people.
So, make an effort to support artists who are promoting positive and uplifting messages.
7. Don’t be afraid to challenge the status quo: this genre has always been about challenging the status quo and pushing the boundaries.
If you see something in the culture that you don’t agree with, don’t be afraid to speak up and challenge it.
Whether it’s through your art, your activism, or your social media presence, use your voice to make a difference.
Finally, the genre has always been a powerful and influential force in the world. It’s up to all of us to make sure that it stays that way, by supporting independent and underground artists while continuously educating ourselves.
Maybe we’ll be able to take back Hip Hop after all!