As we reflect on 50 years of hip hop, BET awards, Supreme Court rulings, and a tumultuous DeSantis administration, one thing is clear; the past five decades of history in America have been anything but dull. From campaigns to changes in legislation and culture, the last 50 years have certainly brought enough to keep us on our toes as Americans. Let us take a look at some of the most noteworthy stories from these past five decades, and understand how our country has changed over the course of time.
1. Celebrating 50 Years of Revolutionary Hip-Hop
50 years ago, hip-hop was born in a New York community as a way of expressing the stories of people of color. From its inception, hip-hop has inspired and uplifted generations with its revolutionary sounds and powerful lyrics. Countless stars have made their mark in the history of hip-hop and changed the music world forever.
To commemorate this momentous milestone, here are some of the hallmarks that have made hip-hop what it is today:
- Breakdancing– From Uprock to Toprock, Popping, and more, breakdancers have wowed audiences around the world with their physical feats and never-ending creativity.
- DJing– From DJ Kool Herc spinning the first hip-hop vinyl to current turntablists, DJs act as the backbone of hip-hop, seamlessly blending samples and scratching with the beat.
- Rap– From Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five to current rap superstars, MCs have commanded listening ears with their complex rhymes, clever wordplay, and impassioned performances.
The past 50 years of hip-hop have been a beautiful journey of expression, influence, and creativity. Here’s to many more years of hip-hop to come!
2. Supreme Court Rulings: Unpacking their Impact on Hip-Hop
The Music is the Message
The last few decades have seen an incredible diversification of hip-hop, but few would deny that its core emphasis as an art form has remained an expression and reflection of the culture and society from which it springs. It is perhaps unsurprising then that the U.S. Supreme Court is increasingly turning its scrutiny to some of the law and legal decisions that affect it.
More specifically, recent hearings have largely focused on the issues of sampling and copyright: two issues with huge potential impact on the music, the artists, and the culture of hip-hop. Court rulings on these topics have set some important precedents, but may be complicated and difficult to interpret.
- In 2015, Drake v. Village People defined what constituted original authorship, allowing multiple people to share authorial spirit.
- 2016 saw The Turtles v. Sirius Radio case that impacted how royalties would be paid for digital broadcasting.
- 2018’s VMG Salsoul v. French Express judged sampling to constitute copyright infringement unless agreed to by the original artist.
These Supreme Court rulings have underscored the importance of important legal and ethical principles within the domain of hip-hop. They make clear that there are legal considerations to be taken into account when creating, broadcasting, publishing, and monetizing music in the genre. Staying abreast of the legal complexities of the hip-hop world can be essential to safeguarding the work of those whose art reflects their lived experiences and the communities in which they live and operate.
3. BET Awards: Honoring a Legacy of Excellence
The BET Awards have been honoring African American culture and excellence since 2001. Today, the awards ceremony is recognized as one of the world’s most prestigious and glamorous events, attracting the brightest stars from film, TV, music, and sports. Every year, new stars are born and legends are honored for their contributions and achievements in the entertainment industry. From its inception, the awards show has had a mission to celebrate African American artistry and recognize those for their hard work and dedication.
The awards celebrate excellence across 13 categories, including Best Female Actor, Best Male Actor, Best Group, Best Album, and Viewer’s Choice. The nominees are chosen by the BET Awards Academy, comprised of entertainment industry professionals who vote for the very best in entertainment. The viewers have the power to choose who wins the Viewer’s Choice award. The award ceremony is also home to numerous unforgettable live performances, featuring some of the greatest musical acts in history.
Notable past winners include:
- Beyoncé
- John Legend
- Rihanna
- Kanye West
- Pharrell Williams
- Notorious B.I.G.
The iconic event has brought the world together to celebrate African American contributions to the entertainment industry, and continues to encourage the ongoing pursuit of excellence from the individuals it honors. With a legacy of outstanding performers, the BET Awards is sure to deliver yet another exhilarating and memorable show.
4. Governor DeSantis: Examining His Position on Hip-Hop Culture
When it comes to understanding Governor DeSantis’s position on hip-hop culture, it is important to look at his record. Here’s a snapshot of the Governor’s opinions:
- He has been vocal in his opposition to the lyrical content of some hip-hop music.
- In 2019, he signed off on a series of bills related to the censoring of certain hip-hop lyrics.
- He has also been a vocal supporter of booking hip-hop artists for public events.
- He has also supported the founding of initiatives aimed at providing mentorship for aspiring hip-hop artists in the state.
Overall, Governor DeSantis’s position is a nuanced one that fears the potential harm that some elements of rap and hip-hop culture can have on youths, while at the same time recognising the strong potential of the culture as a tool to inspire and motivate people.
As hip hop culture celebrates 50 years of influence, it’s clear there’s no slowing down. From revolutionary BET awards, to game-changing Supreme Court rulings, to DeSantis – hip hop has been an ever-present player in the arena of social change. It’s truly incredible to witness the rise of a seemingly underappreciated music genre, and to witness the seismic shifts it has inspired over the years. It’s safe to say, 50 may just be the beginning for this celebrated culture.
