“Reclaiming lost history and unacknowledged pioneers,” tells the hidden stories of those groups of people or genres of music marginalized (Powers, 2008). Jeff Chang emphasizes the mobilization and expression of, “the feelings, the fears, the worries, as well as the hopes and the ambitions” encompassed and artistically cultivated through hip hop’s lyrics, beats, and rhythms (Riley, 2012). Yet, “all of the stories that were not getting reported in the media bubbled up through these songs” (Riley, 2012). The lyrics to Tupac’s song, “Changes,” hones in on the racism many Black people and communities experience. Tupac was also a legend in hip hop whose music has streamed on a larger scale than other hip hop artists who are under independent labels or on external platforms like Soundcloud. Another well-known hip hop/ rap artist is Joey Bada$$. His song “Land of the Free” is known for its outspoken record. Critics believe the lyrics are too obvious but for many, the invisible histories and stories and injustices are yet to be heard. So planting the message at the forefront as a critique of society like Jeff Chang and making it as obvious brings in the possibility to be heard.
It is intriguing that there is so much of musical history that many of us do not know because it was concealed for reasons being unfit to popular norms or unworthy of acknowledgment. Lyrics, articles (written by womxn critics), and genres such as hip hop are important alternative archives that uncover the raw truths and histories of people who were and are still considered outsiders in this male-dominated industry.
2Pac - “Changes” https://youtu.be/eXvBjCO19QY
Joey Bada$$ - “Land of the Free” https://youtu.be/TeQW-9Cg8qs
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