Hip Hop post by Sidnee Salter

Hip Hop was used as a means of freedom of speech for the black community. In rap songs, it was typical to hear stories about poverty, police brutality, and racial discrimination; topics that were common in the black community at the time. As a means of oppression, police would often prohibit black rap artists like NWA and 2 Live Crew from performing certain songs claiming that the songs invoked public disorder.  Rappers like Slick Rick, Boogie Down Productions’ KRS-One and Kane’s fellow Juice Crew alum Kool G Rap were important in paving the way for what hip hop culture looked like in the 80’s and the years to come. Some unique elements of Hip-Hop music include lyrical content(Emceeing), musical depth, DJing, Breakdance, and Graffitti. The most popular years for Hip-Hop music were the late 80’s and early 90’s, which is why some refer to this as the Golden Age of Hip-Hop.