Last weekend was epic. I was on the edge of my imaginary seat. I held my breath and listened with intense focus as one rap star dropped and then another rap star dropped. As one artist dropped a new song, I’m in various group texts: “He just dropped”. I am sure by now readers you may know I am talking about the battles of all battles: Drake vs. Kendrick Lamar. As of this writing there has been much written and discussed about these two heavy weights, therefore I won’t go into a deep dive into the specifics here. Feel free to read this article by the Rolling Stone as they discuss the notable winner.

I want to explore what this epic rap beef has done and continues to do for the culture. Hip hop has recently celebrated fifty years. There was a time when giants such as MTV were not in anyway running to play the music videos or even highlight these up and coming artists. I don’t even think many at this time viewed this art form as art. Music award shows did not televise the early hip hop Grammy winners. The very idea of hip hop as a mainstream genre was unheard of. The graffiti, fashion, turn tables, rap battles and elite lyricism was frowned upon by mainstream music titans. We are a long way away from 1520 Sedgewick Avenue in the Bronx, where DJ Kool Herc spun records and gave birth to the foundation we all have come to love. Fast forward fifty years and hip hop has made it way around the world. This genre of music and its impact on fashion and even consumerism can not be denied. There is no where in this world where we can not see the influence of this quintessential American art form. With that being said, a lot of issues have arose with this historic battle. The very identity of rap music and who can chime in has become centerfold in this lively debate.

On one hand, we have the purists whom hold true to the origins of rap music and its impact on the culture. On the other hand, we have those whom may not have the American roots ingrained in them that also love the genre do not bat an eye at the current state of affairs as it relates to where we see hip hop today. One thing for sure readers, hip hop’s crossover into American pop culture has changed the way we not only listen to the music, interact with the musicians but also how we view its impact on black culture and American culture as a whole.

The roots of hip hop is grounded in the struggle of black Americans finding their voice in a country that was never created for them in the first place. It’s history is rooted in the economic and social struggles of the times. This very genre stands on the shoulders of what we see in Caribbean culture, specifically in Jamaican dancehall with sound clash. The cornerstone of rap music is all about the rap battles. The top prize? Who reigns supreme as the best MC, or in today’s terms: the number one rapper. The goal is to create lyrics filled with double/triple entendre. Symbolism, rhyme scheme, and beats round out all the necessary components to win. As a fan, I am thoroughly enjoying the music, the debates, the real time reactions to those that hold space to discuss the current state of affairs as it relates to the music, the culture and the legacy. Share your thoughts dear reader! Until next time, blessings.