Consolidation Flashcards
Corporate
There were tons of labels, but they bought each other and merge and now there are only three.
Style
There were a variety of styles in the period from 1987-1992, but they moved towards one (gangsta rap) in the 90s. “Rap is not a monolith” -nelson george Oprah Video . Now we construe there as being either gangsta rap or concious rap nothing in between (Hip Hop Wars).
People
Like the variety of styles, there used to be many ways to be in Hip Hop, but over time it moved to one tough guy. Women were understood in a more complex way until they were labeled either Sister/Ho/Bitch. Additionally there was the move towards the trinity of Pimp/Gangsta/Ho. Description of people as a monolith.
Narrative
The narrative becomes more of a great man sort of thing (Founding Fathers Speak the Truth).
Consolidation of criticism
Criticism tends to come from the religious right, is not very inter-sectional. (beyond beats and rhymes) (Video of Oprah talking to Ice-T panel)
Rappers who are not consolidated/ are progressive in some way.
Lupe Fiasco, Talib Kweli, De La Soul, Tribe Called Quest, Mos Def. (Hip Hop Wars - in the very end she gives a listing.)
Who were afrocentric rappers?
Jungle Brothers, A tribe called quest, Queen Latifa, De La Soul. Before them there was “Afrika Bambaata” (Post-Industrial Soul, Neal).
What does the Introduction of Hip Hop Wars say?
“Commercially succesful Hip Hop has become a playground for characterizations of Black Gangstas, Pimps, and Hoes.” She specifically says that they are “comic stereotypes”
Does hip hop actually encourage violence?
Hip Hop Wars says that “there is no evidence” in its chapter on violence in hip hop.
Musically, what could be responsible for consolidation?
The music has evolved from more open, live, re-sampled community stuff to a more closed narrative form that is the same every time you listen to it. It is easier to enshrine a narrative. (Dimitriadis Live to mediated)
