Hip hop is a genre of music that has emerged as a major cultural force in the United States and around the world. However, the hip hop culture has been subject to criticism, particularly over the negative stereotypes associated with its lyrics and images. Despite this, hip hop has also been recognized as a platform for social commentary and political expression, as it reflects the experiences of Black and Brown communities in the US. In her article “You can never kill me: racism and resilience in hip hop,” published in the Journal of Popular Music Education, Cassandra Chaney explores the ways in which hip hop artists use their music as a means of resisting and overcoming racism.
Chaney begins by contextualizing hip hop within the broader framework of African American music, tracing its roots to jazz, blues, and gospel music. She contends that hip hop represents a continuation of a long tradition of African American music as a form of resistance against oppression. Hip hop, Chaney notes, is unique in its use of spoken-word poetry, which allows artists to express their experiences in a more direct and personal way. Moreover, hip hop has been able to reach a global audience, giving voice to the experiences of people of color around the world.
Chaney then examines the ways in which hip hop artists have used their music to resist racism. She notes that many hip hop songs reflect the experiences of people of color living in urban areas, where poverty, violence, and police brutality are prevalent. These songs often focus on issues such as racial profiling, police violence, and the criminal justice system, highlighting the ways in which systemic racism affects the lives of Black and Brown people. Moreover, hip hop artists have used their music to challenge negative stereotypes about people of color, particularly in the media. They have also used their platforms to promote social justice and equality, highlighting the need for systemic change in order to address racism.
“This Is America” by Childish Gambino speaks to the realities of police brutality and gun violence that disproportionately affect black Americans, which is a central theme in Chaney’s article. It also touches on the ways in which black people are constantly forced to navigate and respond to systemic racism and oppression in their daily lives, whether through fear or acts of resistance.
Chaney explores the concept of resilience in hip hop, arguing that hip hop represents a form of resilience against racism. She notes that many hip hop artists have come from disadvantaged backgrounds and have used their music as a means of overcoming the challenges they face. Moreover, hip hop has been able to provide a sense of community and belonging for many people of color, particularly in urban areas where social support can be scarce.
An example emphasizing the idea that black women can achieve success and overcome obstacles through hard work and self-confidence, even in a society that often seeks to diminish their value and worth is found in the verse “I dream it, I work hard, I grind ’til I own it” by Beyoncé hit “Formation.” The line “I’m a star, I’m a star” highlights the idea of reclaiming one’s power and asserting one’s worth, which is a central aspect of hip hop culture and the experiences of black Americans more broadly.
Finally, Chaney examines the ways in which hip hop has been used as a tool for education and empowerment. She notes that hip hop education has emerged as a means of engaging young people, particularly those who may not be reached through traditional educational methods. Hip hop education seeks to use the music and culture of hip hop as a means of promoting critical thinking, social justice, and civic engagement. Moreover, hip hop has been used as a means of empowering marginalized communities, particularly youth, by providing them with a platform for self-expression and social change.
“What we need is awareness, we can’t get careless / You say what is this? / My beloved let’s get down to business / Mental self-defensive fitness” – This relevant verse in “Fight the Power” by Public Enemy highlights the importance of education, awareness, and self-care in the struggle against racism and oppression, emphasizing the need for Black individuals and communities to take care of themselves and each other in the face of systemic violence and discrimination.
Chaney’s article highlights the ways in which hip hop music represents resistance and resilience against racism. She reconnects the African American music roots of jazz, blues, and gospel music to hip hop. Music has been a platform for people of color to express their experiences and challenge negative stereotypes, while also promoting social justice and equality. The lyrical evidence can be summarized in “We the People” by A Tribe Called Quest.
“All you black folks, you must go
All you Mexicans, you must go
And all you poor folks, you must go
Muslims and gays, boy, we hate your ways
So all you bad folks, you must go”
The verse confronts the systemic racism and prejudice that exists in American society, which is a central theme in Chaney’s article. It highlights how marginalized groups are often targeted and vilified simply for existing, and how hip hop has become a means for these groups to speak out against these injustices. The verse also touches on the idea of resilience in the face of discrimination, as it suggests that these groups will not be deterred or silenced by those who seek to oppress them.
In conclusion, Chaney bring to attention how and why hip hop has been able to provide a sense of community and belonging for many people of color and marginalized groups, particularly in urban areas. As such, hip hop represents an important cultural force in the ongoing struggle for racial justice and equality not just in the United States but around the world.
Artist and Songs highlighted:
“The Message” by Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five
“Fight the Power” by Public Enemy
“Alright” by Kendrick Lamar
“The Blacker the Berry” by Kendrick Lamar
“This Is America” by Childish Gambino
“Formation” by Beyoncé
“We the People” by A Tribe Called Quest
“Ain’t That Hard to Find” by Chuuwee
“The Revolution Will Not Be Televised” by Gil Scott-Heron.
Reference:
Title: You can never kill me: racism and resilience in hip hop
Author: Chaney, Cassandra
Journal: Journal of Popular Music Education
Year: 2018
Volume: 2
Issue: 1-2
Pages: 81-100.