1980s and era of Hip-Hop

"Keep in mind when brothas start flexing the verbal skillz,

it always reflects what's going on politically, socially,

and economical/y." - Musician Davey D

During the decade of the 1980s, it was the hope of many Americans that the period of strong racial tensions would soon be coming to an abrupt end with the insurgence of the civil rights movement. However, whilst some improvements were made, it soon came to realisation that racial discrimination was still very apparent with brutal murders happening on a very frequent basis, and with these tragic events it was very concerning for the American public. 

Reagan’s presidency in the 1980’s played a key role in the development of racial issues. His presidential campaigns clearly did not support Civil Rights movements of previous decades so minority groups were left to fight for themselves without funding. "He did not believe in racial preferences, did not believe in quotas or what has come to be institutionalised as affirmative action and thought it necessary that no one be given special treatment on account of his race or religion” 

It was seen in the decade of the 80s that music, especially Hip-Hop was seen as a platform for minorities, African Americans in particular to fight these racial issues and express their opinions to the masses. Whilst it’s inception was in the 70s, it was not until the 80s in where the it was labeled “the golden age of Hip-Hop” Hip hop was used as a means of resistance to racism, classism, and deep forms of oppression. 

Public Enemy, one of the most politically active and influential groups within the rap genre, grew in popularity throughout the 1980’s and early 90s. Public Enemy was representational of resistance and spoke out against social issues while raising consciousness about the negative conditions facing average black Americans . One of Public Enemy’s major hits, Fight the Power, served as an anthem for the black American community and others witnesses to social inequalities.

In todays era of Hip-Hop,  fewer rappers are speaking out about social injustice or about issues of inequality and oppression. Instead they are more focused lyrically on the amount of money they earn and possessions they own. "They rap about women, degrading them, and uphold ideas of gender involving masculinity and femininity through their lyrics."

"Few rappers attempt to question the social norm and instead push complacency. One reason for this is the precedent established by major record labels during the past thirty years." Record labels are reluctant to sign rappers who speak of changes within society and question authority as they it will affect sales, and thus resulting in loss of revenue.

References

Blanchard, B. (no date) THE SOCIAL SIGNIFICANCE OF RAP & HIP-HOP CULTURE. Available at: https://web.stanford.edu/class/e297c/poverty_prejudice/mediarace/socialsignificance.htm (Accessed: 13 February 2017).

History of rap and its oppressive state (2012) Available at: https://hiphopforchange.wordpress.com/2012/04/11/history-of-rap-and-its-oppressive-state/ (Accessed: 13 February 2017).

1980s - American race and racism 1970 to present (1984) Available at: https://sites.google.com/a/micds.org/american-race-and-racism-1970-to-present/home/19 (Accessed: 13 February 2017).