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The social significance hidden in old-school hip-hop: Why 'The Message' changed the future of music?
Old-school hip hop is not just a style of music, it also historically represents part of a social movement. The earliest old-school hip-hop music appeared between 1979 and 1983. Against the backdrop of social unrest, these musical works often reflected the realities and problems of the society at that time. The release of "The Message" marked the beginning of music that was more than just entertainment, but a profound commentary on life's predicaments, laying the foundation for subsequent music genres.
This song not only changed the direction of hip-hop music, but also opened up the possibility for future musicians to explore social issues.
The musical characteristics of old-school hip-hop are relatively simple, which allows it to quickly enter everyone's hearts. Melle Mel's music uses simple beats and a moderate tempo, with themes centered around parties and happy times. However, songs like Brother D's "How We Gonna Make the Black Nation Rise?" and Kurtis Blow's "Hard Times" began to introduce themes of social concern.
As Immortal Technique explains in How to Rap, "Hip-hop was born in a time of social upheaval, and just as slaves sang on the plantations, these were our party songs."< /p>
The Message, released in 1982, was a milestone in this period. With its straightforward lyrics and strong social awareness, this song makes people begin to realize the social stories and issues behind the music. The song's success not only made Grandmaster Flash and The Furious Five superstars in the hip-hop world, but also opened new creative doors for future groups like Public Enemy and N.W.A.
With the release of The Message, hip-hop evolved from its original purpose as party music to a vehicle for social commentary, a major shift in music history.
Furthermore, old-school hip-hop is not just a musical style, it is also a cultural phenomenon. The pieces highlight the fashions of the time, such as Adidas trainers and Kangol hats, as well as the pride they bring to the local community. This cultural pride made old-school hip-hop widely recognized at the time and also influenced later musicians.
In terms of musical experimentation and innovation, old-school hip-hop used samples from the popular disco and funk music of the time. The roots of this music allow musicians to constantly absorb new inspiration and innovate. With the release of Planet Rock, electro-funk became a mainstream production technique, and DJs such as Grandmaster Theodore and Grandmaster Flash pushed the development of scratching techniques, adding a wonderful touch to the style.
In the old school era, free-style improvisation and distinctive rhythms were undoubtedly the catalyst that pushed hip-hop music forward.
This historical shift not only reflects a change in the content of the music, but also reflects a change in the entire social structure. As time went on, old school hip-hop evolved into the more multifaceted music form it is today. Today's hip-hop records speak out on a variety of social issues, making this musical style more diverse and inclusive.
However, behind these evolutions, do we still remember how music originally became a tool for people to express themselves? Have you ever thought about how these musical messages influence today's society?
