I know most people tend to think of Folk and Hip Hop as two completely antithetical worlds, but I beg to differ. What is folk music, if not a community-centered art form that talks about social and political issues facing an ilk of everyday people, particularly their work conditions? I’m not trying to say that 50 Cent is a folksinger, I’m just suggesting that these two seemingly different genres have a lot more in common than we tend to think.
Depending on who you ask, Hip Hop shot up in the 1970s or it started back in Africa … but at any rate, since it’s inception, hip hop artists have covered every cultural topic from dealing with life on the block to Racism nationwide and worldwide politics. Even the Bling culture of today refers to aspects of life in the African-American community.
Where folksingers like Woody Guthrie wrote songs about workers struggling in labor camps, and labor union strikes gone wrong, Rappers like Talib Kweli talk about life in the ghetto, racism, and trying to rise above it all. These topics are stories of struggles faced by the modern worker, be he a dealer or a superstar.
Hip Hop is full of songs protesting racism, the government, the cops, and other institutions. Now with a resurgence of political and social rap, hip hop groups like The Blue Scholars and rappers like Kanye West are bringing Folk elements into the forefront of the Rap world.
Hip Hop has its own language, its own styles of dance, its own look, flavor, and feel. Its artists range from slam poets to gangster rappers, but no matter the style, it’s always about the community. Which makes it one of the most successful forms of Folk music around.
By Kim Ruehl, About.com
I think Hip-Hop and Folk equates to interracial dating – something beautiful will always be created. I also think these forms of music are meant to mix – like two souls destine to find one another.
j
Jas,
Great point! I’m a mixed kid that’s always been given attention due to the blending of races in me. I love folk and hip-hop, but of course I’ve only heard Mali do it with the love it needs to make something new and special… he he.
~ kaya
Hi Kaya,
I think it’s commendable that you’ve seem to never let your looks go to your head. I’ve read your comments on Myspace – alot of attention
j
jas…
What are you doin’ reading my myspace comments? I haven’t logged into that account for awhile – It’s dead.
Well jassie, having a cool fam foundation kept me str8. The physical is just a tool, right.
hey, whatcha think of this song by Talib Kweli?
Hi ya’ll,
I like the Talib Kweli song! Great way to metaphorically deliver the message of, “You are what you eat”. I guess hip-hop & folk share a lot more common ground then I thought a few years ago. I’m figuring out the trick is knowing the music to distinguish between the various rap artist and types. I don’t like the hard and abrasive stuff, but artists like Talib, Mos Def and Common are sort of like urban hippies… ???
So Mali, whatcha got for me? I want to hear how you marry the two art forms.
*rey
Hola!
Pretty well-rounded group here. The discussions going on here are just what I’ve been hoping to find – meaningful stuff.
Rey, I like the message in the video, too. Knowing how to filter the good rap from the bad is something I figured out after going to a few underground Hip-Hop clubs last year. I can see the difference now. I don’t listen to too much “radio” rap, just the good stuff… you know, the kind you can’t get over the counter
Mail, is your new music more a fusion of Hip-Hop and Folk, and is it anything like Karma Bums?
love,
issy
Hi ya’ll,
I’ve got some good stuff coming. I don’t want to give away too many details just yet. I think you guys will like it, esp. after hearing what kind of hip-hop you like. Hip-Hop and Folk done the right way can do incredible things for this world. People will be drawn to it like they are to pretty Kaya.
@ Issy:
Karma Bums is a single from this new EP, so it’s similar to what the rest of the EP will sound like. Oh, did you get my reply on the “Here We Go” post? I’m looking forward to your reply – want to know more about you.
@ Kaya:
You have such good ears and eyes… I love working with you and jas.
pe@ce,
mali
Hi Kaya,
Yup, just a tool like a car or anything else we use to carry around our thoughts
Sorry I’ve been MIA, just dealing with some things in Colorado. But it’s time to get back to work.
Oh – I really like the Talib song. Has some good depth, although it made me sad a little thinking about
the world today’s kids are growing up in
I’ll give you guys a call tomorrow to caught up on projects.
luv ya
jas
Hi there, nice site with good info. I really like coming back here often. There’s only one thing that annoys me and that is the misfunctioning of comment posting. I usually get to 500 error page, and have to do the post twice.
I’m so glad to have found your web page. My pal mentioned it to me before, yet never got around to checking it out until now. I must express, I’m floored. I really enjoyed reading through your posts and will absolutely be back to get more.
When do you suppose you can update with another entry comparable this. I feel that whole field of indie music needs to get listened to more.