Through The Telescope: What is “real” Hip Hop? Part 2
Before you read the rest of this article, please read part one first. That article can be found here.
Considered by many as one of Hip Hop's "realest" tracks.
Any seasoned head will know you can’t have a proper discussion about “real” Hip Hop without bringing up the classic hit by Common: “I used to love H.E.R.” For those unaware, the song was an “ode” to Hip Hop; Its uniqueness however, lied in its metaphor of using the love of a woman in the context of Hip Hop culture. The song gives the initial impression it’s a love song, nearing the end though, Common reveals he’s talking about his love of Hip Hop and disapproval of what’s happening to it. The song brought up many questions and controversy in the eyes of many Hip Hop circles. The main idea of the song was about Commons love for the culture, but now Hip Hop’s direction - and fan base - was straying away from its conscious aspects and moving towards the rising popularity of “G-Funk”.
So this poses another question inside an already laboring one: Is “real” Hip Hop that of “conscious hip hop”? Conscious Hip Hop being more “socially aware” Hip Hop. I know that many heads, more-so backpackers would agree with this notion, seeing as this is mostly what Hip Hop came from. For those who have delved into the history of the art, you’ll know of the classic by: “Grand Master Flash And The Furious Five”, “The Message”. This classic piece in Hip Hop addresses the problems - in detail - that are happening in the groups neighborhood and homes. It’s what I consider - and many others - to be one of the first truly “conscious” pieces of Hip Hop.
Posted by LostMoniker on September 30th, 2008 :: Filed under Through The Telescope: Hip Hop and Society
Tags :: breaks, common, conscious, DJ Kool Herc, H. Rap Brown, hip hop, hymns, I used to love H.E.R., Infinito 2017, part 2, party, poetry, real hip hop, soul, through the telescope
