Up@dawn 2.0

Thursday, February 16, 2017

Section 8-Hip Hop and Philosophy 2/21

Rap Music and Political Philosophy

Many people view rap music as materialistic and pointless. It can be seen as noise or nonsense. And that may very well be the case when discussing artist like Lil' Yachty, 21 Savage, Kodak Black, Lil Uzi Vert, Soulja Boy and others of that nature. However, there are other more socially conscious artist that prefer to discuss problems in our society that African Americans and others face everyday. Rappers like J.Cole, Kendrick Lamar, Jay Z, Yo Gotti, and T.I. all have used their influence and fame to touch on subjects like economic security, racism, protection, and other aspects that African Americans deal with everyday. These same aspects or problems cause Blacks to question their citizenship and their safety. This, however, is not a new subject, but a reoccurring one that is captured into generations of rap music making it a vital part of the culture's identity. Rap music has historically always touched on the hardships that African Americans have endured as a way to publicize the victimization they experienced in the American society. In Hip Hop and Philosophy, our group chose to discuss the political philosophy of rap music, which is about how Blacks use rap music to identify the difficulties that they face, and how the music can also be used as a media source to spread information about what is happening in Black communities, like a form of CNN.  This comes from understanding what the social contract is, how it has been broken, why African Americans question their citizenship and how rap music has evolved.

To understand those things you can take a look at our text for this subject. Follow this link to get online access to Hip Hop and Philosophy through MTSU's library. We specifically focused on "Disk 5" which is pages 161 to 172 and that is also where you can locate the answer to our quiz questions!

*If it tells you to log in, use your pipeline information.*

Hip Hop and Philosophy (161-172)


1.) What book has the greatest impact on American political Philosophy?

2.) What do many rappers see Hip Hop as?

3.) What is one of the basic reasons for joining the state?

4.) What will the government have to do to be viewed as legitimate?

5.) Chuck D and other fans viewed Hip Hop/ Rap music as?

6.) Where did the roots of Hip Hop music come from?


1.) Do you think individuals are able to live peaceful and secure lives with the knowledge that their property rights are respected and protected?

2.) Do you believe that blacks should still be questioning their citizenship in today's society?

3.) Do you think today's rap music still holds the same principles as when Tupac and N.W.A were rapping about the problems they witnessed?

4.) Do you agree that Hip Hop is apart of African American Culture?

5.) How does your favorite Hip Hop artist demonstrate their philosophical views in their music?

6.) Do you think today's Hip Hop will have the same impact 20 years in the future as Hip Hop from 20 years ago has today? (Keep in mind key artist from 20 years ago are N.W.A, Tupac, Public Enemy, Mos Def and so on.)

"Our art is a reflection of our reality." - Ice Cube

Interesting Songs;

Tupac- Trapped
N.W.A - Fuk Da Police
J.Cole - Be Free
How Much A Dollar Cost - Kendrick Lamar

* And any Kendrick Lamar song from 'To Pimp A Butterfly'

1 comment:

  1. Devin Willis9:09 PM CST

    Devin Willis-8
    1. No because people infringe on rights all the time and certain environments are not safe.
    2. We are definitely citizens of the United States however we don't receive the same amount of respect as other cultures.
    3. Yes, certain principles are still held today , but the creativity of the art is on a whole other level.
    4. Yes I totally agree.
    5. They demonstrate their views through their vulgar language and signing.
    6. Yes people express their feelings through music so the music will be branded and targeted for the current audiences.