Old School 2 New School: How Hip-Hop Took Over the World

 Hip-Hop Today 

Like most with a drive for success, as it neared forty years of age hip hop finally began to settle down. The controversy of its youth was gone, and now its sounds could be heard everywhere: from advertising and political campaigns to influencing almost every song in the charts.

The likes of Drake, Kendrick Lamar, and Frank Ocean have created a more mellow iteration as the genre, one that no mother would fear their teenage daughter listening to. The advances in technology and digital production have meant that the underground is popping off harder than ever, and countries worldwide are getting in on the action. Thanks to the use of Virtual Private Networks (VPNs), you can even hear rap artists from places like North Korea and China at the click of a button.

YouTube has seen rise to freestyle and battle leagues all over the world, the art of turntablism has become as respected as any other instrument and even graffiti artists, such as the notorious Banksy, have been able to find worldwide success and fame.

What started by supposed “thugs” in the backstreets of inner-city New York has become a global phenomenon. Hip-hop thrives regardless of class, background, ethnicity, income or location. It turned the music industry inside out, and upside down, and, what many thought would be a passing trend, is about the see its 50^th birthday as one of the most successful genres globally. Those who watched it grow from its infancy have watched this music take over the world, and it doesn’t look like it’s going to stop anytime soon.

About the Author

Caroline is an entertainment and technology blogger. She’s been a lifelong music lover and is passionate about understanding the roots and culture of her favorite genres. She’s always ready to talk about music to anyone who will listen!

Photo Credit: Aftermath / Interscope