The “Hip-Hop Remixed” articles are a series of articles that displays the different elements of hip-hop from the power of an actual hip-hip remix to hip-hop being used in forms other than music, thus “remixing” the purpose of hip-hop.
It is no secret that Hip-Hop has been a conduit or political tool used by the artists that have a message to relay. The first publicly known “message” is ironically called “The Message”; by Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five. The song describes the frustrations and daily problems that African-Americans and inner city people go through every day. This song brought to light the severe sociological inequalities that has infested the inner cities of America. Since then, there has been a slew of politically and socially charged songs by various artists.
Hip-Hop is a music genre that was formed out of oppression. Hip-Hop is one of the rare music genre’s that was created without ANY live instruments, and with that beautiful note comes the point if this article…. we couldn’t afford the instruments! (Just a mic and a turntable) That is why hip-hop is the voice of the oppressed, despite it’s glamorized look of today. Now, this editorial is not one that will claim that hip-hop is dead because the socio-political side of it is not as televised as it’s glamorous side (that will be discussed in later posts, stay tuned). This editorial is to simply point out the importance of hip-hop in social and political issues to hopefully bring to life or at least grab the attention of individuals that have an opportunity to make change (which is EVERYONE!).
One of the most publicized political rappers or rap group is of course Public Enemy. Public Enemy had the capacity of making politically charged songs and pushing them into the mainstream. With the release of their second album “It takes a nation of millions to hold us back” Public Enemy would reach new heights with hit single ”Don’t Believe the Hype”. Public Enemy would continue to have success with songs like “Fight The Power”, which was the feature song on Spike Lee’s “Do the Right Thing” Major Motion Picture.
Before Public Enemy however, there was a group named “The Last Poets”, who some believe are responsible also for the creation of Hip-Hop. Whether you agree or not with that statement, there is no denying their influence in hip-hop in general and of course their influence in using art and music as a tool to voice political and social issues. “Before the White Man Came” is one of their many moving pieces, the link above will lead you to the audio on a youtube page. So you see, Hip-Hop remixed, or Hip-Hop being used in another form other than music has existed for a long time; Hip-Hop has been the genre to capitalize on the it.
Other artists who deserve the homage paid to them in this genre of Hip-Hop are listed here along with a well known piece of their own:
Immortal Technique: : “Dance With the Devil”
Prince EA: “Political Science”
Jasiri X: “Oscar Grant Tribute”
(Related) Gil Scott-Heron: “The Bottle”
Dead Prez: “Hip-Hop”
Saul Williams: “Amethyst Rock” “List of Demands (reparations)”
The Goats: “Not your typical American”
Mos Def: “The Boogie Man Song”
Check these links out and peep the difference in style but the similarity of the message.
CRRACIE.COM IS HIP-HOP REMIXED
