Unfortunately, we are coming to the end of Black History Month. This is the time of year (although it should be all year) that most people reminisce on all of the amazing feats accomplished by African-Americans (and Africans). Hip Hop is definitely a huge culture to come out of the black experience. Although people of all backgrounds and cultures are involved in hip hop and have helped take it to new heights, hip hop was born out of the expression of inner-city youth based in predominately black neighborhoods, with a very heavy Jamaican influence.

That being said, how will hip hop be recognized in black history? What will be its legacy? Hip Hop is just over 30 years old, yet, for over 10 years now it seems to have veered further and further away from its initial purpose. Now, I know this sounds like the same old conversation that is had so often, but let’s set it in a different context; this isn’t just hip hop’s legacy that we are discussing, but that of black history and legacy here in America. During hip hop’s early years, hip hop could be proud of what it stood for. There was a true story there and people were uplifted. However, that seems to be lost in many senses.

My man Ise Lyfe always says that the things we do today is black history. If this is true (which I believe it is), that means that “No Hands” and “Wasted” are black history. Think about that. Those songs and all the numerous songs that are very similar to them are representative of black history! That scares me. And given that this is not the minority mind-state, but rather that of the majority, it is possible that what has dominated the second half of hip hop’s history will continue into the future and that is what will define hip hop in many people’s eyes years down the line. Sure, in the early stages we had songs like “Fight The Power” that helped represent a part of the culture, but because songs like “Wasted” currently pollute the airways and popular culture and that if something drastic isn’t done, it is a possible that 50 years from now hip hop will be known more for the message provided by “Wasted” as opposed to “Fight The Power”.

The thought is frightening, to me. It would kill me to think that hip hop would actually represent a step backward in black history. Think about all of the great pioneers of black history: the civil right leaders, conscious athletes (think Muhammad Ali), music like Jazz and the Blues that was a direct reflection of the black struggle and condition for an extended period of time. Hip Hop was created in the same notion, but given its short history and the turn for the worst it has taken in many areas, it is a little unnerving to think that we are supposed to represent will be overlooked and what will standout are the negative aspects that have been highlighted over the past 10 to 15 years. We know what hip hop is supposed to represent, but we need to do something to preserve our history and stop ignorance, materialism, and disrespect acceptable, otherwise we run the risk of doing more damage that than good when [black] history unfolds.

What are your thoughts? 50 years from now, how will hip hop be remembered? What about 100 years from now? Will hip be known more for “I’m Proud To Be Black” or “Lollipop”? If nothing else, it’s something to think about. Leave your thoughts and comments on here. You can always e-mail at straightouttahiphop@gmail.com.

Peace.