University:
Eastern Kentucky University
Course:
MUH 273 | Survey of American Popular Music
Academic year:

2022
Views:

159

Pages:

1
Author:

Alexa Livingston

Gangsta Rap: -Genre of hip-hop that glorifies the “gangsta” lifestyle -(drugs, guns, materialism, misogyny, gang violence, and even death), in a fatalistic tone -usually told from the first-person perspective, with personal, localized references to place names and people (in this way, it is meant to be exclusive). -Serious rivalries existed between West Coast (Long Beach, Compton, CA) and East Coast (New Jersey, New York) artists and record labels, especially in the mid-to-late 1990s -which led to the deaths of Tupac Shakur and Biggie Smalls (the Notorious B.I.G.) in 1996 and 1997, respectively. [Note: the biopic Straight Outta Compton (2015) tells the story of rise and fall of the controversial West Coast group, N.W.A.] “What’s My Name?” (Snoop Doggy Dogg, 1993): -From the hit album Doggystyle -designed for commercial success -definitely a dance track; incorporates various samples, synthesizers, and complex layering processes -features Snoop Doggy Dogg’s laid-back, Southern Califorian style of rapping, with lyrics expressing various themes associated with gangsta rap -establishing street credibility and personal identity (largely through bragging) is essential here. -To increase mainstream exposure (through radio and album sales) a “clean” version was released along with the uncensored version; this became very common in hip-hop. Eminem (Marshall Mathers, b. 1972): -Rapper, producer, actor; considered the best-selling pop artist since 2000 -early popularity through his alter-ego, Slim Shady; unusual success as a white rapper, in a genre traditionally dominated by African- American artists. -He is recognized for his especially diverse and innovative approach to lyrics, which often draw on his personal life experiences, having grown up in a predominately black community near Detroit. Other Commercial Hip-Hop -M.C. Hammer: This artist recorded what is recognized as one of the top-selling hip-hop singles of all time, “U Can’t Touch This” (1990). -Received numerous music and video awards over the years. Features a sample from Rick James’s early-1980s hit “Super Freak.”