Run-D.M.C were a rap group established in 1981 and arguably
one of the most influential artists within hip-hop genre. The three men in the
group – Jason Mizell, Darryl McDaniels and Joseph Simmons – helped pave the way
for emerging hip-hop artists. Run-D.M.C along with LL Cool J and Public Enemy
were part of a new emerging rap generation called the ‘new school’ of the
hip-hop genre. They were among the first within this specific genre to win a
Grammy and also the first to have their album go gold.
‘Walk This Way’ was a Run-D.M.C cover of the rock group
Aerosmith; this showed that although both groups are from different genres and
both had differences in terms of backgrounds and identity, it was still
possible to create a song that ranched out to different fan bases. The music
video highlights these differences and it is evident to see through the fashion
choices Aerosmith and Run-D.M.C have. At the beginning of the video you see
members of the rap group and the rock group in separate rooms next to each
other, the hip-hop artists hear the loud rock music and become upset due to the noise, this shows how
a crossover of genres such as these were extremely rare during the 80s and as
well before. This collaboration highlights the growing change within 80s culture
as individuals had a growing sense of freedom in terms of identity, just
because you are a part of a certain social grouping doesn’t mean you have to
have stereo typical ideals that reflect your background.
J Cole is a talented rapper that not only is successful
because of the production of his music but because of the depth that his lyrics
show. He tackles contemporary issues that mainly relate to America but in
certain cases worldwide. He uses a poetic style of rap in his songs and tends
to tell stories of his of his upbringing and problems that his community had
while growing up and have to this day.
‘High for Hours’ is a song that reflects America’s hypocrisy
throughout history, from the offset of the first verse he attacks America’s
past faults.
‘American hypocrisy, oh, let me count the ways
They came here seekin’ freedom
Then they end up ownin’ slaves’
He continues to speak about his meeting with former President
Barack Obama, acknowledging that there has been change as the most powerful man
of the country at one point was an African American. However he argues that
there isn’t enough support for young African Americans. He asks Obama ‘As the
President, what’s keepin’ you from helpin’ niggas out?’. This highlights a
range of issues that effects the ethnic minorities within America such as
police brutality and racial profiling. Within the lyrics of this song Cole
attacks America’s military as he believes that America does the ‘same shit’ as
ISIS, he believes that both sides ‘take a life and call it righteous’. This is an
extremely controversial point to make but it highlights that some of the
decisions America makes for example war is highly hypocritical. This song represents
todays era as it shows how individuals within America and across the world are
critical towards government, increasingly now due to Donald Trump becoming the
President.
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