4 Ways Real Hip Hop Impacts Society

Hip Hop was inspired during the Light Age by the work of individuals like Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X. Both were civil rights leaders targeted by the FBI for their beliefs.

Today, a variety of people influence our culture. But with that variety comes different levels of authenticity.

Until I met some pioneers, I thought Hip Hop was a music genre. Then I got introduced to the natures of Hip Hop.

The culture goes deep into heritage. It’s a powerful way of life.

There’s plenty written about Hip Hop in regards to crime and violence. Let me tell you: real Hip Hop has a positive impact on the world. I learned this from personal experience and observation.

Here are 4 ways real Hip Hop has a positive impact on society.

With God

There’s plenty evidence of God in Hip Hop. God is in the details.

It’s the way an artist is capable of performing their element. It’s listening to an emcee or a beat boxer and getting chills.

Look at Street Knowledge. You’ll find a spiritual pursuit of God. The Supreme Lessons are a prime example.

With God means with love. We have the culture because of that love.

When it is real Hip Hop, God shows up. Every time.

With Charity

During the holidays, we hear about hip-hop artists hosting food giveaways and toy drives. It’s in our hearts to return and give back to the neighborhoods we come from.

When there are natural disasters, rappers are among the first to offer help to those communities.

Hip Hop was on the front lines for Hurricane Katrina and the water crisis in Flint, Michigan.

In this era successful hip-hop artists launch nonprofits that engage social issues. They invest in efforts that focus on economics and health.

Jay-Z and Will Smith partnered to develop a company that addresses housing disparities. Chance The Rapper started a nonprofit that empowers youth through arts and education.

The list goes on.

With Skill

Mastering a Hip Hop element indicates proficiency in a human skill. The b-girl can become a fitness expert. The emcee is technically a linguist.

Hip Hop took the world by storm because of the talent put on display. Years of innovation by unlikely individuals and groups.

Elite artists inspire young people worldwide to perform skill. For some, following the greats offers a pathway out of otherwise bleak circumstances.

Schools and community organizations use Hip Hop as a learning tool. Statistics show how Hip Hop can help scholars struggling with subjects like math and English.

The culture offers skills that pay the bills.

With Truth

What separates Hip Hop emcees from other songwriters is the truth.

A country singer or a pop star is commonly understood as a storyteller. Meanwhile a rapper is only respected if he/she is speaking facts.

Emcees are held to a strict standard when it comes to their lyricism. The fiction is expected to maintain a sense of realism. This only comes from having some level of experience with the ideas being shared.

The most revered rappers of our time are appreciated for revealing truth. Nas, Talib Kweli, Jadakiss, and KRS-ONE are among those who do it consistently.

Real Hip Hop stands against injustice. Hip Hop is coming with truth, even when you can’t find it anywhere else.

Sound off: How do you notice Hip Hop impacting your community?

Cipher Question
Ask a rap fan or yourself, “What sets real Hip Hop apart from the fake?”