That's fine. Maybe after the heat dissipates, everyone can calm down and think rationally. Think about whether it's just a whim or whether you really like hip-hop.

"8 Miles"

I have wanted to write this article for a long time, but I was lazy and took a long time to finish it. That's fine. Maybe after the heat dissipates, everyone can calm down and think rationally. Think about whether it's just a whim or whether you really like hip-hop. Maybe you don’t understand hip-hop, but please respect this culture.

Although I had listened to a lot of hip-hop songs before the show "Hip-Hop in China" was broadcast, and I admired Mu Ye's rap very much, but frankly speaking, I don't understand much about the technical aspects. Below I will only refer to what I have seen. There are two documentaries ("The History of Hip Hop" and "Rebel") and two biographical films ("Straight Outta Compton" and "8 Mile"). Let me briefly talk about this hip-hop culture that I understand. I will only talk about a few important things in the history of hip-hop, and will not comment on the too chaotic private lives of some singers.

Hip-hop culture has developed from a subculture in the United States to a mainstream culture, and is now completely globalized. Obama even made a joke about hip-hop at the White House Correspondents' Association dinner.

"The Official History of Hip Hop"

Although hip hop culture is very popular nowadays, few people talk about its origins, and its rich historical origins seem to have been forgotten. In fact, the most important thing about hip-hop culture is to understand its history. The broad hip hop culture includes not only rap (MC), but also DJ, hip-hop (B-boying) and graffiti (Graffitti).

01

In the 1970s, disco music was popular in New York, USA. People from the upper class dressed up and went to discotheques. The whole world thought that the feasting and feasting New York was a paradise.

In contrast, people in the Bronx, New York, live in dire straits. There are as many as 12,300 fires in one year alone. The living environment is like a besieged war zone. Many people there have no employment opportunities and the crime rate is extremely high. With such a difficult life, people decided to create hope out of despair.

At 9:00 pm on August 11, 1973, at 1520 Sedgwick Avenue in the Bronx, New York, local DJ Kool Herc held the first hip-hop party in history, and hip-hop was born. at this party.

Cool Heike did not play disco, which was popular at the time, but soul music at the party. It is worth mentioning that his brilliance lies in playing only the beats and beats of the song's interlude, and extending the drum interlude. At this time, there is no main instrument, and only the sound of the drums or drums and bass is played in a loop. , which establishes the essential element of hip-hop, which is rhythm.

It only has interlude drum beats and breakbeat rhythms, but it doesn’t work without lyrics, so Cooke La Rock simply put the microphone on the table, and anyone who had inspiration came up to say a few words. So, a man named Coke La Rock ) stood up, picked up the microphone and said a relatively rhyming word, and he became the first MC in the history of hip-hop.

Kokrarock

It was not enough to just talk, but also to dance to the rhythm, so break dancing became popular.

At that time, violent gang culture was prevalent. DJ Afrika Bambaataa was a key figure in ending gang violence. He spread peace, unity, love and enjoyment, and persuaded his Spades gang to found the Zulu Republic (purpose is unity), music became a melting pot and a way for them to change their ways.

brings together DJs, MCs, composers, raps, graffiti, break dancers, and knowledge of the fifth element of hip-hop, etc., into a cultural movement collectively called hip hop.

Cool Hack laid the foundation of hip-hop. Bambaataa used hip-hop to unite people. However, from an artistic perspective, hip-hop at this time was not fully developed. At this time, the crazy science expert DJ Grandmaster Flash tried to perfect it. Hip-hop music, he pioneered the new technology of DJing.

Shining Master

Most DJs have two ways of switching songs, both of which are flawed: many radio stations slowly make one song quieter and then slowly move on to the next song, letting the two songs mix together.Cool Heike uses a synchronized chaos method. He plays a song and then extends a drum interlude. This requires the DJ to have superb skills and be able to accurately place the needle in the right place. Some people will mix two songs together, and the result is a big mess that sounds disjointed and messy.

Shining Master

(Writer and Producer) Nelson George: "He (Shining Master) made the turntable not just for playing records, but now a turntable for playing."

DXT Master: "He was the first to cut rhythm It's like editing a song; he successfully combines technology and technique. This is Master Shine. "

(Writer and Producer) Nelson George: "He (Master Shine) makes the turntable not just for playing records, now. Become able to play the turntable."

DXT Master: "He was the first to cut the rhythm, as if editing the song; he successfully combined technology and skills. This is the Shining Master."

Shining Master tried to use various different techniques. The method improved, and one day he happened to put his finger on the record, let it go and put it on again. The effect turned out to be good, and he could even control the record.

This was a bold move at the time because touching records was a big taboo at the time and everyone would hate you because you might ruin the records.

Master Shine, Afica Bambaata and Cool Heike are known as the Three Saints of Hip-Hop in the hip-hop world. They laid the foundation of hip-hop with their breakbeat rhythms that make people dance to it. What they did is significant to the creation of hip-hop music. major.

02

Hip-hop was originally the culture of DJs, but now rap has become an important element of hip-hop. The combination of rhythm and rap began with the first hip-hop group - Grand Master Flash The Furious Five.

Shining Master and the Furious Five

Hip-hop was originally just a way to entertain and activate the atmosphere on the streets. The Shining Master and the Furious Five proved that hip-hop can be very deep. It's not just party music, it can have a deeper meaning, they offer the possibility of treating rap as art.

They released the song "The Message", which injected soul into hip-hop and changed the future direction of hip-hop lyrics. Even Rolling Stone Magazine, which does not pay attention to hip-hop music, gave the song five stars. This song exposed the living conditions of the lower class in urban slums to express anger, pain and helplessness. Since then, old school rap, which exposed social problems such as racial discrimination and the gap between rich and poor, became popular.

In the 1970s, American hip-hop focused on overcoming difficulties, poverty and violence, while the 1980s became the golden age of hip-hop. Hip-hop gradually became commercialized, and hip-hop singers became superstars, giving birth to Run-DMC, Russell Simmons, LL Cool J Wait for the rapper.

03

html In the late 1980s, there were as many as 600 gang organizations and 70,000 gang members in Los Angeles. Street violence was rife, cocaine was rampant, and many people were even selling drugs. In this era, gangsta rap emerged.

In 1986, Ice-T released the single "6 in the Morning", which became the first West Coast gangsta rap song. Ice-T's music is inspired by Philadelphia singer Scooby's "The Parkside Killer". Strictly speaking, Scooby is the ancestor of gangsta rap.

In the same year, Eazy-E founded Ruthless Records. He, Dr. Dre and others co-founded the rap group N.W.A (Niggas With Attitudes). "Straight Outta Compton" is an autobiographical film about this legendary group.

Compton, a Los Angeles suburb known for gang activity and criminal activity. In addition, there was serious racial discrimination at that time. As long as you were black, you would be searched or even arrested by the police when you walked on the street.

You are now about to witness the strength of street knowledge

You are now about to witness the strength of street knowledge

——N.W.A "Straight Outta Compton"

You are now about to witness the strength of street knowledge

You are now about to witness the strength of street knowledge

——N.W.A "Straight Outta Compton"

The members of N.W.A come from the bottom of society and often suffer unfair social treatment. They write their anger and individuality into their lyrics as a weapon to resist the power, and their long-suppressed emotions are finally released. freed.

Some of them were arrested for three or four consecutive weekends. They did nothing and were collectively pushed down on the street by the police just because of their skin color. Their real experiences led them to write the song "Fu** the Police" to protest against police violence. Law enforcement and racial discrimination. The song

earned them the nickname "World's Most Dangerous Group" and became a thorn in the side of the government and parents. They even received a warning letter from the FBI.

Police everywhere stopped their tour and banned them from singing that song. In Detroit, N.W.A ignored warnings and sang "Fu** the Police" on stage. A riot broke out in the crowd and N.W.A was detained by the police. Ice Cube, a member of the

N.W.A group, said in an interview: "This song is a record of Compton's life, rather than encouraging violence." The album "Straight Outta Compton" released by the

N.W.A group

N.W.A is epoch-making. Meaning, the West Coast rap, which was dominated by gangsta rap at the time, rose rapidly.

In 1989, Ice Cube was dissatisfied with Eazy-E's manager Jerry because he did not receive fair and reasonable compensation, so he chose to leave N.W.A. Two years later, Dr. Dre also left Ruthless for the same reason and formed the Death Row label with Suge Knight, The D.O.C and others. The group

N.W.A disbanded in 1991. During this period, the solo members released many songs dissing each other.

In 2016, N.W.A officially entered the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Knowing nothing in life but to be legit.

Knowing nothing in life but to be legit.

Knowing nothing in life but to be legit.

Knowing nothing in life but to be legit.

Knowing nothing in life but to be legit.

——Eazy-E "Boyz-N-The-Hood" Know how to live your true nature

——Eazy-E "Boyz-N-The-Hood"

I always felt very heavy when watching "Straight Outta Compton", mainly because I saw the living conditions of the lower class black people in the United States at that time, which was cruel The reality makes me cherish the present and realize how happy I am to live in a harmonious Chinese society at this time.

The death of Eazy-E at the end is very sad. Eazy-E is an important figure in gangsta rap. He is only 1.65 meters tall. He and Dr. Dre are the core figures of N.W.A. Eazy-E founded the Ruthless label by selling drugs in his early years. He initially only wanted to be the manager of the label and had no intention of rapping by himself, because he did not understand the techniques of rapping, but his voice was too unique, Dr. Dre encouraged him to join the rap team. The song "Boyz-N-The-Hood" was almost taught to Eazy-E step by step by Dr. Dre.

In 1994, Eazy-E discovered what his manager Jerry Heller had done and broke with him. It was precisely because of Jerry that the N.W.A group fell apart. Subsequently, Eazy-E tried his best to promote the reorganization of N.W.A. Unfortunately, everything was put on hold due to the sudden attack of AIDS.

Eazy-E passed away on March 26, 1995. Compton Mayor Omar Bradley declared April 7 of each year as Eazy-E Day.

04

In 1991, a video of police beating Rodney, a black man, was widely circulated, and the four police officers involved were prosecuted by the district court.

The truth of the matter is that Rodney, who had just been released from prison on parole, was too drunk that day. He refused to be arrested for drunk driving and later provoked the police. The police subdued Rodney but was filmed. This was misinterpreted as the police being raped because of racial discrimination. Violent law enforcement.

A year later, a judge heard the case, and a jury dominated by whites acquitted the four police officers. This result sparked outrage among the black community, which later turned into a race riot.

"I, Rodney King, should be responsible for the 1992 riots. I was the trigger that led to the death of innocent people and the catalyst that caused the escalation of the riots in Los Angeles."

"I, Rodney King, should be responsible for the 1992 riots." I was responsible for the riots in 2006. I was the fuse that led to the death of innocent people and the catalyst that caused the escalation of the riots in Los Angeles."

27-year-old Rodney King would never have thought that his fault would lead to that catastrophe. fuse.

On April 29, 1992, an unprecedented riot broke out in downtown Los Angeles. The black group turned from protesting and demonstrating to gathering to cause trouble, burning, killing, and looting.

The riot lasted for six days, and in the end the US government had to use the army to suppress it.

This incident changed Los Angeles beyond recognition. Many stores were burned down. A total of 53 people were killed, thousands of others were injured, and property losses reached 1 billion US dollars.

In 2012, Rodney King overdosed on drugs and alcohol and drowned in his home swimming pool. His whole life was shrouded in the shadow of this incident, and he fell into long-term regret and self-blame.

The Los Angeles riots were rooted in long-term racial conflicts. Coupled with the economic recession, the masses' unrest and dissatisfaction continued to brew, and eventually evolved into the complete collapse of California's moral values.

"I took out the photos from previous youth football games and saw that of the 28 people, 12 have died, 7 are in jail, and 3 have become drug addicts." - Snoop Doggy Dogg (now renamed Snoop Lion)

"I took out the photos from the previous youth football games and saw that of the 28 people, 12 have died, 7 are in jail, and 3 have become drug addicts." - Snoop Doggy Dogg (now Snoop Doggy Dogg) Has been renamed Snoop Lion)

Snoop Doggy Dogg

When Doggy was young, he looked a bit like Will Smith's son Jaden Smith

In 1992, people were still very hostile to rap, and there was a big riot Afterwards, Los Angeles was riddled with holes, and society was full of rebellion, fear, and anxiety.

At this time, Dr. Dre, who was going solo, released his first solo album "The Chronic" (Good Goods). This album subverted previous perceptions, healed the wounds in Los Angeles, and created a relaxed style of G-Funk (gang bang music). G stands for Gangsta) music, which is a type of melodic rap that is both rhythmic and critical. The

album was very popular, and at this point, hip-hop officially became mainstream culture.

Dr. Dre and his brother

Doggy Dogg (Snoop Doggy Dogg, now renamed Snoop Lion) first appeared in "The Chronic", and then released their first solo album "Doggy style" in 1993, with Dr. Dre as the Producer, he has produced Gou Ye’s albums many times since then. Dr. Dre, who was born in 1965, and Gou Ye, who was born in 1971, are as close as brothers.

05

No one knows my struggle, they only see the trouble

Not knowing it's hard to carry on when no one loves you

Not knowing it's hard to carry on when no one loves you

Picture me inside the misery and poverty

No man alive has ever witnessed struggles I survived

Praying hard for better days, Promised to hold on

Praying hard for better days, Promised to hold on

Struggles I survived

Good Days Prayers and a Commitment to Stick It Out

- 2Pac, Nas "Thugz Mansion"

No one knows my struggle, they only see the trouble

Not knowing it's hard to carry on when no one loves you

I don’t know it’s hard to hold on when no one loves you

Picture me inside the misery and poverty

No man alive has ever witnessed struggles I survived

No man alive has ever witnessed struggles I survived

No man alive has ever witnessed struggles I survived

No man alive has ever witnessed struggles I survived

Praying hard for better days, Promised to hold on

Praying hard for better days, Promised to hold on

——2Pac, Nas "Thugz Mansion"

2Pac

In 1995, 2Pac joined Death Row Records and worked with Dr. . Dre collaborated on the hit single "California Love". 2Pac released his solo album "All Eyez on Me" in 1996. It was the first double CD album in the history of Hip-Hop and the best-selling hip-hop album in history.

2Pac loves to fight injustices. He is the kind of person who would point a gun at the police when he sees them beating black people on the street. His lyrics are poetic and revolve around social issues such as racial discrimination, exposing the dark reality and conveying his ideals and aspirations.

It can be said that the 1990s was the peak period of West Coast rap, and the West Coast occupied the mainstream market.

Next, I have to mention the renaissance of the East Coast and the dispute between the East and West Coasts.

In 1993, the Wu-Tang Clan, a rap group from New York (their group was named after the Hong Kong martial arts film "Shaolin and Wu-Tang") released their first album "Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers)" ” (36 chambers comes from Liu Jialiang’s masterpiece “Thirty-six Chambers of Shaolin” in 1978), focusing the public’s attention on the east coast.

In 1994, New York rapper Nas released his first solo album "Illmatic" , and East Coast rap music began to revive.

In 1993, Puff Daddy founded Bad Boy Records in New York on the East Coast. In 1994, The Notorious B.I.G (also known as Biggie Smalls) under the company released his first solo album "Ready to Die", and B.I.G became the core figure of East Coast rap.

In 1996, New York rapper Jay-Z (Beyoncé's husband) released his first solo album "Reasonable Doubt". This album can be called a classic of gangster rap.

2Pac (top) and BIG (bottom)

The rap battle between the East Coast and the West Coast began in the early 1990s and intensified from 1994 to 1997.

The East-West Coast dispute is actually a battle between Death Row Records, represented by 2Pac, and Bad Boy Records, represented by B.I.G. 2Pac and B.I.G were originally good friends until 2pac was shot in 1994. 2pac believed that B.I.G and others were instigated. This incident was a trigger, and the relationship between the two began to deteriorate. After 2Pac joined Death Row Records in 1995, the conflict intensified and even escalated into a conflict between the two coasts. The

feud continued until 1996, when 25-year-old 2Pac was shot dead in Las Vegas. In 1997, Notorious B.I.G was shot dead, and the East-West Coast war ended with the deaths of the two rap legends.

06

Dr.Dre is an American West Coast rap legend and a successful businessman. In 2014, Apple spent $3 billion to acquire Beats, founded by Dr. Dre. The documentary "Rebel" tells the story of the success of the two founders, Jimmy Iovine and Dr. Dre.

Two music tycoons, Jimmy Iovine and Dr. Dre, both came from the ghetto. "Jimmy Iovine is a promoter, and Dre is an innovator. They make each other successful." Dr. Dre made hip-hop music mainstream, and Jimmy Iovine influenced the entire rock and roll scene. era. Jimmy Iovine was an early rock music producer and produced singles and albums for John Lennon, Patti Smith, Stevie Nicks and U2.

He co-founded Interscope Records, and he discovered Lady Gaga.

Jimmy Iovine and Dr. Dre met in the 1990s, and the two became close partners. They went through difficult times together, witnessing the East-West rap war and the impact of the Internet on the entire music industry.

The documentary "Rebel" is quite truthful and objective. For example, Dr. Dre did not shy away from the mistakes he had made, and Emmy did not sing praises for the success of his mentor Dr. Dre's Beats headphones. He said Dr. Dre (Dr. Dre) should focus on music and making albums instead of making broken headphones.

Dr. Dre

The development of any kind of culture is actually contradictory. Is it to stick to oneself, or to cater to commercial interests in order to make a living? In fact, writing also faces such a choice to some extent.

Today, Dr. Dre is more inclined to produce behind the scenes and promote more potential newcomers. His label Aftermath has brought together many big-name hip-hop singers such as Eminem, 50 Cent and Kendrick Lamar.

The relationship between Dr. Dre and his mother has always been talked about. Dr. Dre was kind to his mother.

htmlIn the late 1990s, Dr. Dre released several albums one after another, but the sales were not satisfactory. His rap career was in crisis. Depressed, he came to Jimmy Iovine's office. Jimmy Iovine casually played a tape, and as soon as Dr. Dre heard it, he asked who sang it and asked this guy to come over tomorrow. So the next day, Mr. Mu came to the office dressed in yellow.

Eminem comments Dr. Dre

This was the first meeting between Dr. Dre and Eminem. This episode was also mentioned in their popular single "I Need A Doctor". Because of Eminem's white identity, Dr. .Dre blocked almost everything and insisted on signing Jim despite all objections. So Mr. Mu said in the documentary: "I owe him this all my life."

07

Look, if you had one shot one opportunity

Look, if you had one shot one opportunity

To seize everything you ever wanted...One moment

To complete Everything you ever dreamed of having right now

Would you capture it or just let it slip

You only get one shot, do not miss your chance to blow. This opportunity comes once in a lifetime.

You only have this once, don't miss the opportunity to shine, it will come to you once in your life.

——Eminem "Lose Yourself"

Look, if you had one shot one opportunity

To seize everything you ever wanted...One moment

To seize everything you ever wanted...One moment

To seize everything you ever dreamed of having at this moment

Would you capture it or just let it slip

You only get one shot, do not miss your chance to blow. This opportunity comes once in a lifetime.

You only get one shot, do not miss your chance to blow. This opportunity comes once in a lifetime.

You only get one shot, do not miss your chance to blow. Miss the chance to shine, it comes once in a lifetime.

——Eminem's "Lose Yourself"

Beginning in the 1980s, Detroit, the "City of Cars", began to decline, with the economy sluggish and racial conflicts intensifying. Here, the difference between the rich area and the slums is only eight miles, like the distance between heaven and hell. Many people will not be able to cross this gap throughout their lives. B-Rabbit complains about this fucking life. He wants to live in the upper class, but he has been living in the lower class.

The movie "8 Mile"

B-Rabbit is just like Jim before he became famous. He started his rap career from underground battles. He wrote every word on the bus and never let go of every opportunity for his ideals.

B-Rabbit was once deeply hit by a broken love. He couldn't say a word in the battle and was booed off the stage. After experiencing a trough, he stood up again. This is not the struggle and cry from the lower class.

As a white man, B-Rabbit suffered a lot of attacks because of his skin color. He defeated the opponents who once despised him and won the championship in an underground battle that black people are good at. Here, I suddenly thought of Ouyang Jing. He also defeated black people in the battle and won the championship, proving that yellow people can also rap.

movie "8 Mile"

B-Rabbit was not satisfied with being an underground MC. He told his friends that he wanted to do his own thing. He knew that he would eventually make a name for himself in the hip-hop circle.

Before the movie "8 Mile"

"Eight Mile" was broadcast, Eminem had already achieved success in the field of hip-hop, but he was a controversial figure because his hard-core rap was to some extent a continuation of gangsta rap, exposing society Realistically criticizing the US government, the lyrics are full of negative and heavy elements such as violence and anger.

"Eight Mile" is to some extent a reflection on his own life. It is a story of the struggle and growth of a white rapper overcoming hardships and ups and downs. The song "Lose Yourself" from

's "Eight Mile" won the Academy Award for Best Film Song.

I remember when I got started my intention was to win

I remember when I was young I just wanted to get ahead

But a lot of shit changed since then

But in my life, things are changing

Some more friends became enemies in the quest of victory

I Some friends turned against each other for fame and fortune.

But I made a vow, never let this shit get to me

But I secretly vowed not to let these shit get to me

I let it pass, so I consider that part of my history

This has been overturned A past article, but it is also my memory

And I'm strong; financially, physically

I am so much stronger now, no matter wealth, body

Mentally I'm on a whole 'nother level

Even mentally, I have surpassed the previous level

And don't forget that I came from the ghetto

Don't forget that I came from the ghetto

...

I know Eazy can see me now, looking down through the clouds

I know, through the clouds, Eazy-E is in heaven Look at us

And regardless, I know my nigga still proud

No matter what, I think my nigga will be proud of me

It's been a while since we spoke but you still my folks

Although we haven't communicated for too long, we will always be brothers

We used to sit back, laugh and joke

We used to talk nonsense together and joke with each other

——Dr. Dre "Talking To My Diary"

I remember when I got started my intention was to win

I remember when I was young, I just wanted to get ahead.

But a lot of shit changed since then

But I made a vow, never let this shit get to me

But I made a vow, never let this shit get to me

But I made a vow, never let this shit get to me

I swore secretly not to let these bad things change me

I let it pass, so I consider that part of my history

This is an article I have already read, but it is also my memory

And I'm strong; financially, physically

I am too strong now More, no matter wealth, body

Mentally I'm on a whole 'nother level

Even spirit, I have surpassed the previous level

And don't forget that I came from the ghetto

Don't forget that I am still the young man from the ghetto

……

I know Eazy can see me now, looking down through the clouds

I know, through the clouds, Eazy-E is watching us in heaven

And regardless, I know my nigga still proud

No matter what, I think my nigga will be there for me Proud

It's been a while since we spoke but you still my folks

Although we haven't communicated for a long time, we will always be brothers

We used to sit back, laugh and joke

We used to talk nonsense together and joke with each other

——Dr. Dre "Talking" To My Diary》

Dr. Dre said that he has done a lot of stupid things in his life, many of which are irreversible. He said that gangsta rap is born and dies at the point of a gun. The lyrics are too violent and release too much negative energy. Sooner or later it will be over. Suffer retribution. In fact, rap at that time was a reflection of social reality. The ultimate goal and desire of hip-hop was friendship and peace.

When we listen to American hip-hop music for the first time, we will have a bad impression. We feel that it is full of dirty words and very uncultured. When you read this article and understand the origin and development of hip-hop, you will find that these are true portrayals of their lives. In fact, everyone who dares to stand up and criticize social reality is a hero.

In a fast-paced society, most of us are always accustomed to labeling a person with a fixed label and taking it for granted to evaluate a person. I want to say, idiot, how can the complexity of human nature be summed up by one persona?

For example, we take it for granted that all hip-hop singers come from the bottom, are not well-educated, and all their lyrics are full of anger.DJ Hollywood is an intellectual. He is a rapper with relatively high cultural literacy. He advocates stylish hip-hop and elevates hip-hop to another level. You must wear a suit to attend his hip-hop parties. He raps in rhythm and blues and disco. Hip-hop is actually the product of everything, and can include disco, funk, rhythm and blues and other music forms.

The real hip-hop is to keep it real, to have its own attitude towards life, and to have its own personal soul and thoughts. This has nothing to do with business or fame. Just ignore the eyes of others and just insist on being yourself.

In any form of music, whether it is hip-hop, pop, rock, folk, etc., the most important thing is emotional resonance. Flashy works will never move people's hearts, and imitating other people's works will never have its own ideological connotation.

When the hustle and bustle is over, only the classics remain.