According to Wikipedia "Hip Hop is a music genre consisting of a stylized rhythmic music that commonly accompanies rapping,a rhythmic speech that is chanted.It developed as part of Hip Hop culture,a subculture defined by four key stylistic elements:MCing/rapping,DJing/Scratching,Break dancing and Graffiti writing.Other elements include Sampling (or Synthesis) and beatboxing".
While often used to refer to rapping "Hip Hop" more popularly denotes the practice of the entire subculture.Unfortunately back home in Nigeria,Hip Hop music has become a drug that has been abused,most times what we hear these days is "Bubble Gum Rap",most artistes have forgotten that "Hip Hop" is a culture or a way of life,once you forget that,the essence of it is lost.
I remember when i was younger,rap music was all about consciousness,we had the likes of Elajoe,Culture Cypha,The Thoroughbreds e.t.c but the reverse is the case today.Most artistes these days just talk about "Bling,Drugs and Girls",now don't get get me wrong i love to hear and see the lighter side of things but when it becomes the "Trademark" of a person to be a joke,it becomes annoying.I can't claim to know much but i would be happy if an aspiring rapper will take heed to some of the things i have to write.
If you have made up your mind to do Hip Hop,make sure you do your homework well,a good rapper can be likened to a good cook,he/she knows the right ingredients to use and the appropriate time to use them,have positive mentors(i mean those that are veterans in the game),you might not want to believe it but a lot of them are willing to help hardworking upcoming rappers.
Have "Work Ethics",if you are supposed to be at a meeting please be punctual,if you have to do a feature or be featured show the same seriousness,once people see you are serious you will be taken seriously,be up to date with news going around,even if it means the slangs used,i once asked a guy who told me he raps what "16 Bars" meant,all he did was just stare at me,all i did was laugh and walk away.You don't expect even me that doesn't rap to take him seriously.
Always listen to advice,i am not saying you should do everything people tell you to do but be ready to take commendations and criticisms,no one knows it all,people were there before you,as D-Truce would say"its either you improve or you quit".Go easy on the Substance abuse,i am not preaching here but if you do smoke and drink,i would advise that you do things in moderation,a lot of people have died from drunk-driving and drug overdose,don't throw your life away,i know its not easy but your best bet is to be clean and sober.
Finally,try to set a good example,a lot of kids look up to rappers these days.You don't want to be the one who inspired a kid to do drugs or start carrying a weapon,attend forums where Hip Hop heads meet and discuss about Hip Hop,Str8up Hip Hop holds theirs every month,you would do well to attend them.I do believe Hip Hop isn't dead in Nigeria,she is just going through a phase right now.Till next time,its still Joy Enajeroh and i've got mad love for Hip Hop.
Commendations and Criticisms are highly welcomed,you can follow me on twitter @joy_enajeroh.God bless you. #Uncovered.
Reference: Wikipedia
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