HIP HOP MUSIC

A Research Paper submitted in Fulfillment of the requirements for the Final Project in Humanities 1

Sir Norman F. Narciso Humanities 111 Professor

Members: Lumanag, Jonah Rose Milana, Samantha Joy Olamit, Ara Princess Presto, Jonah Margarette Sandoval, Maria Zenfanie Tesorero, Amy Elvinia

MWF/ 8:45AM 9:45AM

09427191768 OBJECTIVES To define Hip hop music What is Hip hop?

To trace the history/origins of hip-hop Who pioneered hip hop music? When and where did it originate? Is it a product of another music/ or a fusion? What factors had pushed the birth of hip hop music? Why do people patronize/ love hip hop?

To justify Hip hop as a Philippine or Local Art

RATIONALE The goal of this study is to give recognition to the works of the hip-hop or rap artists. Also, it is the goal of this study to inform its readers on the definition of Hip hop music, the historical background (such as the founder, the time and the place of origin) of this music genre, and the justification that Hip hop is also to be considered as a Philippine art. Rap, like other forms of music, cannot be understood unless it is studied without the frame of its historical and social context. Today, rap functions as the voice of an otherwise underrepresented group (e.g. Gloc 9's singles). Hip-hop must be recognized as a musical form and not merely a commercial trend. Hip-hop, including its history, its forms, and its social importance, should be taught in school music curriculum alongside classical music, folk music, and jazz. The inclusion of rap in music education programs may also allow students and teachers to have an open discourse on related issues such as the presence of misogyny, violence, and even politics. Also, allowing students to write and present their own rap encourages

them to think critically, to practice writing in the narrative form, to increase vocabulary, and to develop an understanding of rhyme and rhythm. In order to understand hip-hop, it is necessary to look at it as the product of a set of historical, political, and economic circumstances and to study the role it has served as voice for those subjugated by systematic political and economic oppression.

HISTORY

Hip hop music, also called hip-hop, rap music, or hip-hop music, is a music genre consisting of a stylized rhythmic music that commonly accompanies rapping, a rhythmic and rhyming speech that is chanted (Hip-hop, 2013). Hip hop as music and culture formed during the 1970s when a large public party in which many members of a single neighbourhood congregate for enjoyment (block parties) became increasingly popular in New York City, particularly among AfricanAmerican youth residing in the Bronx. Block parties incorporated DJs who played popular genres of music such as soul music and funk (Alridge & Stewart, 2005). The positive feedbacks of people led DJs to begin isolating the percussive breaks of popular songs. This method was then popular in Jamaican dub music, and was largely presented in New York by settlers from Jamaica and other parts in the Caribbean, including the one who is generally considered to be the father of hip hop. In the early 70's, the father of hip hop who is a Jamaican DJ known as Kool Herc moved from Kingston to NY's West Bronx. Here, he attempted to incorporate his Jamaican style of deejaying which involved reciting improvised rhymes over the dub versions of his reggae records. Unfortunately, New Yorkers weren't into reggae at that time, so Kool Herc decided to adapt his style by chanting over the instrumental or percussion segments of the day's contemporary songs. Since these breaks were relatively short, he extended them indefinitely by using an audio mixer and two identical records in which he continuously replaced the desired segment (Dye, 2007). He used the turn table artists techniques such as scratching, beat mixing, and beat juggling, creating a base that could be rapped over, in a manner similar to a practice in the African-American culture which involves a verbal strategy of indirection

that exploits the gap between the denotative and figurative meanings of words, as well as the art of talking or chanting in a monotone melody over a rhythm or beat popularly known as toasting (Crossly, 2005). Before, young party goers used the slang of the day and then started delivering popular phrases. For example, it was customary for DJs to acknowledge the presence of the people who attended the party. These early raps featured someone such as Herc shouting over the instrumental break; Yo this is Kool Herc in the joint-ski saying my mellow-ski Marky D is in the house. This would usually induce a response from the crowd, who in time began to call out their own names and slogans (Davey, 2009). As this style evolved and developed, the party shouts became more intense and detailed. Also, DJs began to incorporate little rhymes such as Davey D is in the house
and he'll turn it out without a doubt . It wasn't long before people began to improvise the

dozens and outdated school yard rhymes. Many would add a little twist and customize these rhymes to make them suitable for the party environment. At that time it was known
as 'emceeing' but as time passed by it was changed to rapping. HIPHOP as a LOCAL ART Moving to the Philippine context, there is also hip hop music or culture found in the country.

Filipino hip-hop or Pinoy hip hop (also known as Pinoy rap) is hip hop music performed by musicians of Filipino descent, both in the Philippines and overseas, especially by Filipino-Americans (Music of the Philippines, n.d.). The Philippines is known to have had the first hip-hop music scene in Asia since the early 1980s, largely owing to the country's historical connections with the United States where hip-hop was initiated. Rap music released in the Philippines has appeared in different languages or dialects such as Tagalog, Chavacano, Cebuano, Ilocano and English. In the Philippines, Francis M and Andrew E are mentioned as the most prominent rappers in the country, being the first to release conventional rap albums (History Of Pinoy Rap/Hip-Hop, 2008). Moreover, rap also became popular because it presented unlimited challenges and trials. There were no real set of rules nor guidelines, except to be original and to

rhyme on time to the beat of music. Anything is possible. One could make up a rap about the man next door or about dreams, or cars. The ultimate goal was to be perceived as good by one's peers. Finally, rap became prevalent because of its inclusive aspects, allowed one to accurately and efficiently apply or insert their personality. According to Davey D (2009), if you were laid back, you could rap at a slow pace. If you were hyperactive or a type-A, you could rap at a fast pace. No two people rapped the same, even when reciting the same rhyme. There were many people who would try and emulate someone's style, but even that was indicative of a particular personality. Rap continues to be popular among today's urban youth for the same reasons it was an attraction in the early days: it is still an accessible form of self-expression capable of eliciting positive affirmation from one's peers. Because rap has evolved to become such a big business, it has given many the false illusion of being a quick escape from the harshness of inner city life. There are many kids out there under the belief that all they need to do is write a few fresh rhymes and they're off to the good life (History Of Pinoy Rap/Hip-Hop, 2008). However, rapping in its infancy has been described as an outlet and a "voice" for the disenfranchised youth of low-economic areas, as the culture reflected the social, economic and political realities of their lives. Different Types of Hip Hop Music
Hip hop contains few genres namely: 1. Alternative hip hop is also known as alternative rock that is composed of hip hop groups who refuse to imitate other traditional stereotypes such as gangsta, bass, hardcore, and party rap. Instead, they blur genres - drawing equally from funk and rock, as well as jazz, soul, reggae, country, electronica, and even folk. This genre originated in the late 80s and lead by various East Coast rappers like De La Soul, Pete Rock & C.L. Smooth, Jungle Brothers,A Tribe Called Quest, Brand Nubian, and Digable Planets. 2. Avant-garde hip hop is a style of experimental hip hop. It is a combination of different hip hop that preserves rapping. There is no exact time and date on this genres origin.

3. Christian hip hop is another genre of hip hop that was originally known as Gospel rap and also known as gospel hip hop or holy hip hop. It is characterized by Christians and it is used for evangelization. The image implies the Christians doing actual hop church gospel inside hip the with

matching gestures.

4. Country-rap is a subgenre of country music and hip hop musics combination. This genre was founded more or less twenty years ago.
5. Crunk hip hop music particularly originated at Memphis, Tennessee on mid 1990s. The people who are in to Crunk hip hop are usually called as the Crunkster. The word crunk was famously assumed to mean as crazy drunk.

6. Freestyle rap is a genre of hip hop with instrumental beats and matching improvised and impromptu rap lyrics. The famous Filipino Rap Battle Fliptop can also be recognized as an epitome of freestyle rap even though they have peculiarities. However, there is one difference between Fliptop and Freestyle rap. The Freestyle rap consists instrumental beats which the Fliptop rap battle does not have. 7. Gangsta rap is another subgenre of hip hop music that was from hardcore hip hop music. The purpose of this hip hop genre is to reflect violent, mischievous, and criminal acts indulged on youth members lifestyle. 8. Ghetto house, also known as the booty house, contains sexually categorical lyrics. It uses classic Chicago house music as its template. It usually features kick drums and tom-tom sounds.

9. Hip house is a harmonious element with the combination of house music and hip hop. It is also called as rap house. Hip house originated from Chicago and became popular in U.S. and U.K. soon. It was even imitated with tracks.

10. Hyphy is known as hyperactive. The word hyphy is a combination of hyper and fly. People indulge in to hyphy arrange events where different people come together and partake in or watch illegal automobile performances. This was founded by Keak da Sneak. 11. Instrumental hip hop is another genre of hip hop which uses instruments only. Even though the primary elements of hip hop are the instrumental sounds and the vocal track, this genre is an exception to hip hop. This genre does not allow vocals. All they got to do is play the musical instruments. 12. Jazz rap is the subgenre of hip hop consisting jazz impacts. It was developed in the mid 80s to 90s and its idea was all about politics, Afrocentrecity and positivism. According to the All Music society, it was an attempt to fuse African-American music of the past with a newly dominant form of the present, paying tribute to and reinvigorating the former while expanding the horizons of the latter. It usually uses trumpets and double-bass.

This image shows the definite jazz rap.

13. Political hip hop was inspired by political teachers during 1970. The Last Poets and Gil Scott-Heron, Public Enemy were the first political hip hop group.

14. Rap rock has various forms of rap and contains two types; the rap metal and the rapcore. Heavy-metallc sounds and distortions were the center of their theme music.

(Source: List of hip hop genres, 2008)

A Closer Look on Hip Hop Music

A local hip hop group in Davao City named as the South Breed (a trio of rappers composed of Kid, Guilt, and D-Clef) had permitted the researchers for an interview which had revealed personal insights and journey of the local group when it comes to hip hop music. These are the questions asked by the researchers on the South Breed in order to have a deeper grasp and understanding of hip-hop from the personal experiences and testimonies of a hip-hopper: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. How long have you been doing hip hop music? Who taught/inspired/influenced you to do hip hop music? Why did you choose hip hop music? What message does you music usually convey? What do you get from doing hip hop music? Do you express your music out of your emotions and feelings or it just pops out in your mind? Do you still see yourselves as rappers even when you get old? Do you have doubts in doing hip hop music? Do you think your kind of music can be passed on to another generation? Do you find yourselves performing other genres?

The following are the findings of the researchers when it pertains to the questions asked to the local hip hop group: 1 1 The group had started since 2007. They came from a bigger group called the Black Sheep Family and later on formed themselves a trio of rappers called the South Breed. 1 1 They were mentored by a man named as M C Stiff, a rapper himself. When it comes to inspiration of doing hip hop music, according to Kid (one of the three members of South Breed), he had started having interest in rapping when he was ten years old. He was drawn to rapping through his uncles and aunts. In the end, the group continues to pursue this craft because of the support of their friends and family. 1 1 Coming from a personal perspective, according to Kid, he was easily drawn/ attracted to embracing hip hop music upon growing in a family without any musical background. For him, Hip hop was everywhere (especially on the 1980s) and they (the three of them) had been born during the peak of hip hop invasion. As stated by Kid, its (hip hop) easy to move. Its easy to listen to. Its friendly. It feels good. You can feel it inside you. When I was young I had decided that this is the music that I want. 1 1 They see their music as being global. When it pertains to other style of hip hopping, they are trying to mix everything (the different styles). It is a combination of the different genres of hip hop. As stated by Kid, we combine all the ideas into one. 1 1 As stated by Kid, it (hip hop music) makes me happy. The music that I really want to do and I am doing right now is fulfilling. Although there are ups and downs in the music industry, as long as we (the South Breed) are happy and we make other people happy because of our music we shall keep on doing it.

1 1 According to them, they make their music unintentionally. It is not forced and as best described by Kid, it (their music) basically pops out in our minds. Its like painting a picture in a blank canvas. That is how our music happens. 1 1 They were very firm upon saying that they shall still see themselves as rappers even when they get old just like their admired international rappers Jay-Z and Snoop Dogg. 1 1 The group had not denied that they have doubts in doing hip hop music especially in Davao City. However, the group had remained firm and passionate in doing their music. As stated by Kid, we have a lot of doubts especially here in Davao City. Hip hop is not accepted in this society. Some (people) would think hip hop as a novelty song. Hip hop is a culture. It is a way of life. It is not just music. We are trying to uplift hip hop here in Davao city. We actually dont get much respect like the other genres of music but were okay. Thats part of the game and we are ready to play it. 1 1 The group was never hesitant in saying that their music can be passed on to another generation. As stated by them, We had this saying that you can be immortal through your song. Moreover, they said that with the blessing of technology, people or the next generation can easily access on their music. 1 1 1When asked about finding themselves on performing other genre of music, the three of them were uniform in saying that hip hop music is where they really belong. As stated by Kid, weve tried (the other genres) but it doesnt work. We (upon doing hip hop music) are just being ourselves.

FINDINGS Upon conducting this research, the group was able to find out and fill in the objectives of the research.

HIP HOP MUSIC Definition It is a music genre consisting of a stylized rhythmic music that commonly accompanies rapping, a rhythmic and rhyming speech that is chanted. History Hip hop was founded by a Jamaican DJ known as Kool Herc. Hip hop was formed during the 1970s in a neighborhood (during block parties) in New York City particularly among African American youth residing in the Bronx. Hip hop music is a product of a combination of the art of talking (toasting) and the turn table artists techniques (scratching, beat mixing, beat juggling). Hip hop become popularized or patronized by people (particularly by the urban youth) because it is an accessible form of self-expression which is capable of eliciting affirmation from ones peers.

Hip hop as a Philippine art

The Philippines is known to have had the first hip-hop music scene in Asia since the early 1980s, largely due to the country's historical connections with the United States where hip-hop was originated.

CONCLUSION As a final analysis, the Hip hop culture has become a wonder since the time it was generated (1970s) up to the present. Today, it still remains as an influence to people and to the different cultures around the world. The Philippine culture can be a great example of a nation that had been greatly influenced by this kind of music invasion. This was made possible due to the fact that the country had historical connections with the United States whom are known to be the pioneers of hip hop music. Furthermore, hip hop can be undeniably considered as a local or Philippine art because Filipinos (particularly the rappers) were able to Filipinized the hip hop music through adapting and using the native Filipino languages in hip hopping or pinoy rapping. Thus, behind the negative stereotyping of hip hop, it is of great importance to cultivate this kind of music or culture because it is one of the greatest and most powerful mediums of expression that people (especially by the youth) can engage and devote to. Through hip hop music, people can express themselves and can voice out their sentiments in life and in society.

References Alridge, D. & Stewart, J. (2005). Hip Hop in History: Past, Present, and Future . USA: Association for the Study of African-American Life and History, Inc. Crossly, S. (2005). Metaphorical Conceptions in Hip-Hop Music. African American Review, St Louis University Press, pp.501502. Davey, D. (2009). The Hardest Working Man in Hip Hop. Retrieved March 18, 2013, from http://www.daveyd.com/whoisdaveyd.html Dye, D. (2007, February 22). The Birth of Rap: A Look Back. Retrieved March 18, 2013, from http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=7550286 Hip-hop. (2013). In Merriam-Webster Online. Retrieved March 18, 2013, from http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hip-hop History Of Pinoy Rap/Hip-Hop. (2008, September 19). Retrieved March 18, 2013, from http://pinoyrbhiphop.multiply.com/journal/item/19/History-Of-Pinoy-Rap-Hip-Hop List of hip hop genres. (2008, October). Retrieved March 19, 2013, from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_hip_hop_genres Music of the Philippines. (n.d.). Retrieved March 18, 2013, from http://www.experiencefestival.com/a/Music_of_the_Philippines_-_Filipino_HipHop/id/5315895

Pictures: http://www.davaomusicnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/group3.jpg http://cdn.c.photoshelter.com/imgget/I0000PqkTmnTg7.4/s/860/860/HipHopChurch19.jpg http://f0.bcbits.com/z/31/67/3167975745-1.jpg