“Traditionally, hip-hop culture has been very skeptical of American government. Much hip-hop music [...] serves a sort of "watchdog" function” (Riggs, Tectonic). Since groups like Boogie Down Productions and Public Enemy introduced political rap music during the late Eighties, a certain branch of this sub culture took over the mission they inherited from their predecessors, namely artists like Gil Scott Heron and groups like the Last Poets. Those rap musicians consider their task as artists to give expression to their function as part of the national conscience. “Lyrics from different artist range from anti-American to revolutionary to more sobering ideas that encourage listeners to simply stay aware and involved” (Riggs, Obama). What they all have in common is that they were more often than not directed at American presidents. The list of examples is long and even dates back to the Reagan-era, but especially George W. Bush was a very prominent target.
It can be assumed that this list will soon also include Barack Obama, whose race for the presidency and his election as the United States of America's 44th president have created a lot of controversy. Many different conceptions and notions have come into existence around the person Obama and his political career – before and after the Inauguration. His views on critical issues, his aims as a president, his whole philosophy have found a broad response across any social and intellectual boundaries. Especially in mass media, the presence of Obama is enormous and has contributed a lot to his pop-star-like-status. A comparison that holds even more truth if uttered in regard of the many songs inspired by and dedicated to Barack Obama. His impact on music is unprecedented and the effects it had on the various genres are manifold. While he was embraced with little question from the mainstream, giving some a new audience, while providing others a new word to rhyme with, it have been such non-primarily mainstream genres like Hip-Hop music1 that made their critical voice heard.
Table of Contents
- 1. Introduction
- 2. KRS-One
- 3. Nas
- 4. Dead Prez
- 5. Mr. Lif
- 6. Brother Ali
Objectives and Key Themes
This paper aims to explore the diverse opinions on Barack Obama within rap music, analyzing commonalities among them. The focus is on critical perspectives expressed in songs, excluding campaign songs or tributes. The study uses lyrical content as the primary source, supplementing with non-musical commentary to elaborate on lyrical expressions.
- Diverse perspectives on Barack Obama within rap music
- Analysis of common themes across different artists' viewpoints
- The role of rap music as a medium for political commentary
- Skepticism towards political figures and systems within the hip-hop community
- The impact of Obama's presidency on the perception of political change
Chapter Summaries
1. Introduction: This introductory chapter sets the stage by discussing hip-hop's historical skepticism towards the American government and its role as a "watchdog." It highlights the tradition of politically charged rap music, tracing its lineage back to artists like Gil Scott Heron and the Last Poets. The chapter focuses on how rap artists have frequently critiqued American presidents, with George W. Bush being a particularly prominent target. The introduction then positions Barack Obama's presidency as a new focal point for this critique, noting the immense media attention surrounding him and the subsequent wave of songs inspired by or dedicated to him. The chapter concludes by stating the paper's aim to analyze the range of opinions on Obama within rap music, focusing primarily on critical perspectives expressed within song lyrics, and using non-musical commentary only for further elaboration.
2. KRS-One: This chapter delves into the views of KRS-One, a prominent figure known for addressing social issues in his music. While his opinions on Obama were largely expressed in interviews rather than songs, his public statements reveal a critical stance. KRS-One questions whether Obama's presidency will lead to actual change, highlighting potential risks such as continuing the Bush-era war policies. He warns against unquestioning enthusiasm and urges listeners not to be swayed by emotions, emphasizing the importance of critical thinking and discerning the actual impact of a new president. KRS-One's skepticism is rooted in his long-standing distrust of politics and belief that a new face doesn't guarantee meaningful change, using examples such as the continued potential for war, economic globalization, and unaddressed political issues like police misconduct. His perspective underscores a deep-seated cynicism regarding the political system.
Keywords
Barack Obama, rap music, political commentary, hip-hop, social critique, skepticism, political change, KRS-One, American politics, critical analysis.
Frequently Asked Questions: Analysis of Barack Obama in Rap Music
What is the main topic of this academic paper preview?
This paper preview analyzes the diverse opinions on Barack Obama within rap music, focusing on critical perspectives expressed in song lyrics. It examines common themes across different artists and explores the role of rap music as a medium for political commentary.
Which rappers are discussed in this preview?
The preview specifically mentions KRS-One, Nas, Dead Prez, Mr. Lif, and Brother Ali. However, the provided text only details the analysis of KRS-One's perspective.
What is the overall objective of the research?
The research aims to explore the range of opinions on Barack Obama within rap music, concentrating on critical viewpoints. It seeks to identify common themes and analyze how rap artists used their music to comment on his presidency.
What are the key themes explored in the paper?
Key themes include diverse perspectives on Barack Obama within rap music, the analysis of common themes across different artists, rap music's role in political commentary, skepticism towards political figures and systems within the hip-hop community, and the impact of Obama's presidency on perceptions of political change.
What is the methodology used in the research?
The primary source of data is the lyrical content of rap songs. Non-musical commentary is used only to provide additional context and elaboration on the lyrical expressions.
What is KRS-One's perspective on Barack Obama, as presented in the preview?
KRS-One's perspective, mainly gleaned from interviews rather than songs, reveals a critical stance. He questions whether Obama's presidency would lead to real change, highlighting the continuation of problematic policies. He emphasizes the need for critical thinking and warns against unquestioning enthusiasm.
What is the historical context presented in the introduction?
The introduction establishes hip-hop's historical skepticism toward the American government and its role as a political watchdog. It traces the tradition of politically charged rap music and highlights how previous presidents, particularly George W. Bush, were frequently critiqued in rap songs.
What is the significance of Obama's presidency in the context of rap music?
Obama's presidency is presented as a significant new focal point for this political critique within rap music, due to the immense media attention surrounding him and the resulting wave of songs inspired by or dedicated to him.
What are the keywords associated with this research?
The keywords are: Barack Obama, rap music, political commentary, hip-hop, social critique, skepticism, political change, KRS-One, American politics, critical analysis.
- Quote paper
- Florian Arleth (Author), 2009, The Critical Reception of Barack Obama in American Rap Music, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.hausarbeiten.de/document/149572
