Rap Renegade: The Revolution Begins
Hip-hop and rap have been political genres since their inception. These genres have used the power of music to deliver messages that society needs to hear. Rap, in particular, began and continues to be a voice for the powerless and underrepresented. It artistically demonstrates the harsh reality of underrepresented communities around the world.
In the late 80s and early 90s, the hip-hop culture revolutionized how we view rap music. Rappers used their music to voice the struggles of Black America. While many believe political hip-hop/rap is a separate genre, it truly reflects the disconnect between hip-hop's cultural progression and the media. Rap artists seek change in their community through their music and work and engage with those shaping public policy.
Several artists have significantly changed their communities through their music and activism.
Public Enemy is one such artist, and their album Fear of a Black Planet, containing the anthem of revolution 'Fight The Power,' exemplifies their commitment to change. Chuck D, Public Enemy's frontman, genuinely believes in creating a generation of young people with the drive and ambition to make profound change and policy reform in their communities. Chuck D is an avid supporter of the Black Lives Matters movement, explaining that no lives matter until all lives matter equally.
Another revolutionary group, N.W.A., consists of Arabian Prince, Dr. Dre, Eazy-E, Ice Cube, D.J. Yella, and MC Ren. Their debut album, Straight Outta Compton, was one of the first successful socially conscious rap albums to hit the mainstream. The first two songs on the album, 'Straight Outta Compton' and 'Fuck Tha Police,' were scandalous, with the latter even condemned by the F.B.I. Ice Cube explained that their music was their only weapon of nonviolent protest.
The Wu-Tang Clan consists of nine M.C.s: R.Z.A., G.Z.A., Ol' Dirty Bastard, Inspectah Deck, Raekwon the Chef, Ghostface Killah, Method Man, U-God, and Masta Killa, who fundamentally changed how hip-hop/rap operated on a business level. They paved the way for crews like A$AP Mob, Odd Future, and Pro Era. Wu-Tang was the first rap group to negotiate a record deal as a group and individual artists. R.Z.A. wanted rap groups to be structured like a corporation, grounded in the idea that "nobody eats until everybody eats." Their hit 'C.R.E.A.M.' expressed their dislike of the capitalist system created in the United States.
Run The Jewels, the dynamic duo of rapper El-P and MC Killer Mike. Killer Mike, a community leader in Atlanta, took a bold stance against violence, addressing the school-to-prison pipeline on their track 'Walking in the Snow,' expressing his disconnect through his melodic verses. During the aftermath of the protests sparked by George Floyd's death, Killer Mike urged the community to exercise restraint, saying, "Don't burn your own house down just because you're angry at your enemy. Instead, strengthen your own home, so that it becomes a place of safety and shelter during times of strife. Now is the time to come together, to plot, plan, strategize, organize, and mobilize." Run The Jewels continues to use music as a form of political commentary. Advocating that Atlanta could serve as a shining example for the rest of the world. They urge people to follow their lead so people can effect real change within the system. Instead of getting lost in the chaos, he says Atlantians should take a proactive approach. That means planning, collaborating, and staying focused. With this attitude, they can achieve anything and make their voices heard loud and clear.
These artists use their platforms to break down the relationship between hip-hop culture and community development. Artists share their experiences as "public enemies" in America and seek to find creative solutions within their communities. They challenge the capitalist system, condemn police brutality, and fight for the lives of the Black community. Their music inspires generations to fight for long-lasting change in their communities.
