HIP HOP PLANET ESSAY

Hip Hop Planet Essay

Jared Verebey

Professor Young

English 1100

9-21-14

            Hip-hop is one of the most interesting types of music there is. It brings out a different side of musical culture but it is tough for many listeners to understand or get involved in. I personally can understand the feeling of not being used to it because I originally was never able to get into it at first just like James McBride in his story, “Hip Hop Planet.” In my opinion, for many adults, it is tough to get used to because it is drawing a younger crowd so to understand it better, you had to start listening to it at a young age. James McBride explained a scenario at the beginning of his story, which is why he decided to engage himself with the music of hip-hop.

            In the beginning of the story, “Hip Hop Planet”, James McBride expresses his negativity towards hip hop with and example of his daughter who supposedly brought home a rapper who was described as a low life guy that did not have a good impression. Because he felt this way about hip-hop, it made him concerned about the realistic part which is…what if his daughter really does bring home a rapper she wants to marry with the same description of gold teeth, due rag, thug attitude and showing off his muscles? He could not break his daughters heart so this scenario made him want to start learning hip-hop. He learned almost every detail of the past of the hip-hop culture leading up to today. McBride became a lot more involved in this culture and enjoyed it. It made him realize that his culture is his true identity. If it was not for his imagination of that scenario with his daughter, James McBride would have never had the urge to become involved in the hip-hop culture which made him find out his true identity; his culture.

            In conclusion, James McBride learned new things and had many experiences after engaging himself in the hip-hop world. He learned many details about how it started evolving in Harlem and South Bronx as well as learning the basic songs. McBride also developed his true identity, which is his African American Culture because hip-hop brought him a lot closer with everyone of his race. Having thoughts about his daughter bringing home a rapper is what helped James McBride generate his identity. I guess you could say, things do happen for a reason.