Why hip hop is America’s definitive art form, according to Kamala Harris

The importance of hip hop in contemporary culture is indisputable. Not just in music, but on different fronts that range from other artistic manifestations to the behavior of society as a whole.

Kamala Harris seems to be aware of this. The vice president of the United States even defined the musical genre as “the definitive form of contemporary art”.

According to Consequence, the demonstration was made during an event that celebrated the milestone that is considered the 50th anniversary of hip hop, at the vice president’s official residence in Washington, on September 9th. In addition to speeches and tributes, there were presentations by names such as Lil Wayne, Common and MC Lyte. Harris stated:

“Hip-hop is the definitive American art form. Hip hop now shapes nearly every aspect of American popular culture and reflects the incredible diversity and ingenuity of the American people.”

One of the most interesting aspects of the genre in question, according to the American vice president, is precisely the mix of different styles. She made sure she knew the full lyrics to the song “Rapper’s Delight”pioneering classic of The Sugarhill Gang released in 1979, and collected pirated tapes of the rapper Too $hort while studying at Howard University.

“Hip hop combines rhythms from the African continent, the Caribbean, Latin America, with the sounds of soul, gospel, R&B and funk to create something totally new.”

Then the policy defined hip hop as “the culture of the United States.” It gets to the point that, according to her, the songs of this style portray the reality of the population very well.

“To be clear, hip-hop culture is the culture of the United States. Tells stories that don’t make the news. But, as the great once said Chuck D, rap is the CNN of Black America. And by telling the truth, hip hop calls us to action.”

Vice President Kamala Harris introduces the 50th anniversary of hip hop celebration at her residence in DC pic.twitter.com/D12mLGB9kd

— The Hollywood Reporter (@THR) September 9, 2023

Geraldo Alckmin also exalts hip hop

Another vice president — now from Brazil — also praised hip hop in his 50th birthday celebrations. Geraldo Alckmin published a video on social media to say that he “takes off his hat” to the musical style.

“In Brazil, hip hop flourished in the 1980s. A vibrant movement that took over the world, inspired generations, changing music, dance and art. Poetry born from the streets, hip hop remains strong, in a genuine way, as a political expression of the peripheries. On this special day, I honor all hip hop artists. The talent of uniting people through music, the ability to give a voice to communities. Much success!”

The celebration of hip hop’s fiftieth anniversary takes place in 2023 because a party held in 1973 in the Bronx, New York, is considered ground zero for the style. On August 11th of the aforementioned year, the DJ Kool Herc mixed two records by using different turntables and a microphone, creating overlays and increasing the beats.