It’s hard to believe how deeply Hip Hop has rooted itself as a culture and a mindset. For younger generations, it has become a way of life and, for all intents and purposes, a religion.
– Steve Stoute
Is Hip Hop just another name for a new religion? Kanye West posed this powerful and profound question in his 2010 rap song “Gorgeous.” He questioned the similarities between major global religions and the international phenomenon of Hip Hop culture.
In his book “The Tanning of America: How Hip-Hop Created a Culture That Rewrote the Rules of the New Economy,” Steve Stoute, an American entrepreneur, writes that “Hip Hop shares a similar structure with all major religions – community connection, spiritual connection through personal experiences (in music), doctrinal consistency, ethics, rituals, hierarchical organization, and the mythos of monuments and leaders.”
The Birthplace of Hip-Hop
Hip Hop started at 1520 Sedgwick Avenue. From a house party organized by DJ Kool Herc, it gradually dominated the counter-culture movement in Brooklyn until it broke social barriers and led the American mainstream.
Today, we can see the milestones of Hip Hop resembling the religious structures Stoute mentioned.
Community Connection
The Hip Hop community grew from a neighborhood of rebellious youth to a global alliance, ultimately becoming Hip Hop heads. It spans rap groups, dance crews, concertgoers, and music bloggers. This community comprises influential industry figures, artists, fans, and audiences.
Wherever you go in the world, Hip Hop’s music, culture, and influence are there. It has created a global common language connected by rap and rhythm.
Spiritual Connection Through Personal Experience
Hip Hop has witnesses – rappers who recount their personal experiences in their music. These testimonials suggest a spiritual connection, making hip-hop more soulful than just kids rhyming over beats. The phrase “Hip Hop saved my life” is not an exaggeration within the community.
Spirit
Think of the spiritual energy in Hip Hop. Like churchgoers are moved to shout, raise hands, and get wild, Hip Hop enthusiasts exhibit similar reactions. Remember all the times your friends screamed after hearing an insane lyric, or how you couldn’t help but nod your head to a beat that excited you?
Consistent Doctrine and Ethics
Like any culture, Hip Hop has unwritten rules. There is an awareness of right and wrong, and straying from this path can lead to your downfall. Don’t sell out. Don’t steal. Don’t hire ghostwriters. Respect those who came before you. Disregard these, and while you might achieve mainstream success, the Hip Hop community won’t forgive. You’ll be ousted from conversations about “real Hip Hop” and labeled a “Sucka MC.”
Organization and Order
This explains why “Top 10” or “Top 5” debates matter so much. It’s why traditional rappers are separated from “mumble rap.” Thus, identifying the best from the East, West, South, and North is crucial, with each region having its criteria for the top spot. Hip Hop lovers have a great sense of organization.
Monuments and Leaders
Hip Hop has a full roster of iconic figures, from DJ Kool Herc to Jay Z. It also has complex stories, much like the Odyssey, about its origins, disputes, and differences forming a complete narrative. Of course, hip-hop has its martyrs – Biggie, Tupac, Guru, Left Eye, and Aaliyah – who contributed significantly to the culture and left us to interpret their art.
While Hip Hop may not have sacred texts or worship places, Rap Genius allows for shared understanding, and rap forums are gathering places. There are no prayers, only beliefs. No clergy, but plenty of disciples.
Kids might spend money on Kanye West concert tickets or Yeezys rather than saving it. They might remember Biggie’s stories more vividly than Bible tales, and follow Russell Simmons’ success tips over the Ten Commandments. Whether you see it or not, Hip Hop has a religious-like movement.
I have friends from various religions, but they are all living witnesses of Hip Hop. If Hip Hop itself isn’t divine, then there surely is a god. It is powerful. And it is good.
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