Blog Post 8

In Batchelor’s article, Hip Hop in the 1990s, he summarizes the reasons behind why hip-hop was so controversial during this time period. He particularly targets the subgenre of “gangsta rap”. The group N.W.A (Niggaz With Attitude) used music to reveal the issues within the African American communities. Some listeners were impressed by the accuracy and truthfulness behind the music. However, other listeners were disgusted and offended by the explicit and violent language. Batchelor also discusses the famous rivalry between east coast and west coast rap. Death Row Records was associated this east coast rap. Their most influential artists included Snoop Doggy Dog and Tupac Shakur. On the other hand, Bad Boy Records was associated with west coast rap. Their most influential artist was Notorious B.I.G.

Batchelor, Bob. "Hip Hop in the 1990s." Pop Culture Universe: Icons, Idols, Ideas. 2010.Web.

            Within Larry Starr and Christopher Waterman’s textbook, chapter 11 focuses on the emergence of hip hop culture in the 1990s. They explain how hip Hop culture originally emerged from New York City in the 1970s. The four key elements of hip-hop culture are MCing (rapping), DJing, Graffiti arts, and b-boying (breakdancing). He discusses how later in the 1990s, rap split into two geographic styles: west coast and east cost. The two rappers, which symbolized these two styles, were Tupac Shakur and Biggie Smalls. These two artists were caught in a war heavily instigated by the media. Public Enemy (which heavily influence these two styles) was known for being the most controversial rap group of the late 1980’s. They rapped about the social problems in African American communities.
Starr, Larry and Christopher Waterman. American Popular Music: From Minstrelsy to Mp3. (3rd Edition). New York: Oxford University Press, 2010.
            In Denis Herd’s article, she reveals the evolution of hip-hop/rap from the 1970s through the 1990s. She suggests that there has been an increasing amount of violence in the genre over the decades. She supports this evidence by stating that studies have shown that from 1979-1997, the percentage of songs mentioning violence increased from 27% to 60%. She also notices the increase of songs promoting wealth, glamour and masculinity.
Herd, Denise. "Changing Images of Violence in Rap Music Lyrics: 1979–1997." Journal of public health policy 30.4 (2009): 395-406. Print.
                  In Timothy J Brown’s article, he examines the life and values of Tupac Shakur. He uncovers the deeper meaning behind Tupac’s music, and the influence this music had on the African American culture during this time period. Instead of labeling Tupac as a “gangster” or “thug”, he portrays him as a complex, thoughtful and intelligent individual. He challenges the typical labels of “gangsta rap”, and highlights the deeper messages behind this music.
Brown, Timothy J. "Reaffirming African American Cultural Values: Tupac Shakur's Greatest Hits as a Musical Autobiography." Western Journal of Black Studies 29.1 (2005): 558-73. Print.
                  In James Peterson’s article, he reveals the life story of Notorious B.I.G. Biggie was associated with east coast rap. East coast rap was known for being less “mainstream” than west coast rap throughout the 1990s. He gives examples of Biggie’s several hit albums and songs, and the effect they had on society. He also mentions society’s reaction towards these hits. Biggie’s music was very controversial. Some enjoyed it, while others despised it. He also examines the battle between west coast and east coast rap during this time period.

Peterson, James<br>. "Notorious B.I.G." Pop Culture Universe: Icons, Idols, Ideas. 2010.Web.