The Language of Hip-Hop

Eric Potts II

HUMN240-H4WW

05/01/2014

For my chosen article I choose Rakim, Ice Cube then Watch the Throne:

Engaged Visibility through Identity Orchestration and the Language of Hip-Hop

Narratives by David W. Rice, only because of my love for hip-hop music and the culture. David is a psychology professor at Morehouse College and also the Principle Investigator of the Identity Orchestration Research Lab. His objective throughout this particular article was to widen the outlook of grassroots stereotypes over the black men. Some of the stereotypes perceived as the black man being criminal, athlete, or entertainer just to name a few. Easily the misinterpretations and narrow understanding of black masculinity positioned the black male voice to be somewhat invincible. One of the platforms used by the black males to speak, teach, and narrate their life stories is the popular culture known as hip-hop. The author had to be very cautious when summarizing black man through any one particular prospective in regards to hip-hop, which is very important in any form of work because instead of attempting to enlighten those who are narrow minded and stereotype, David’s work could have been stereotypical as well as hypocritical.

            In this article David utilized a small portion of lyrics from some of the most pronounced hip-hop artists of two different generations, Rakim, Ice Cube, Jay-Z, and Kanye West. Rakim and Ice Cube for one era then Jay-Z with Kanye West for the next era. Comparing the lyrics of each of the artist, breaking down the meaning behind the parables for those who are not fans or don’t understand the hip-hop language, is David’s main goal with this article. In these parables the artist tells stories of their lifestyle including the upbringing, daily activities, and hardships they have to endure. While analyzing the lyrics of the artist, David uses his knowledge of psychology implementing the principle of Identity Orchestration research to define the purpose of the artist lyrics.

            As I read through the article I was surprisingly amazed by the way David examined and explained the meaning behind the work of art with the artist. Personally being a huge fan of every one of the hip-hop artist used in this article, I can identify the feeling put into the work of the artist, I can understand the pain their feeling because I am apart of the culture. I now understand that these artists are speakers, motivators, and teachers of a whole cultures lifestyle, and if we as the audience don’t try understand the true meaning of what’s behind the parables then we too are subject to making the mistake of stereotyping the black man. David was on point and accurate when he used his research of Identity Orchestration to recognize the black male in it’s entirety without judging.

            I truly believe in the importance of introducing a formula to understanding different cultures that will ultimately assist with eliminating the prejudice thoughts we deal with. What is also a very point that David made was a black male’s transition from adolescent to men, elaborating on the way they showed maturity through their lyrics. Even the hip-hop culture has grown immensely because more people form different lifestyles are beginning to understand.

References

1.  RICE, DAVID WALL, (2013,Feb). Journal of Popular Culture. , Vol. 46 (Issue 1), p173-191. 19p. DOI: 10.1111/jpcu.12020.