Hip Hop Theory
By: John DiBella
Introduction
Hip hop is a style of popular music of black and US Hispanic origin, featuring rap with an electronic backing. It began to start back in the 70’s in the South Bronx of New York city and has gone through some tremendous changes up to now. Started by a guy name One Kool DJ from Jamaica, he started reciting improvised rhymes over reggae records. But unfortunately, New York didn’t seem to interested in his work. But in 1986, it changed. A grouped named N.W.A started in Compton, California bringing a new twist to hip hop. They endured controversy due to the explicit nature of their lyrics. Even though they were banned from many radio stations, they still sold over 9 million in the U.S alone.
Boyz in the Hood-NWA
Red Hot Chili Peppers often covered the song live as an intro jam to their own song, "Special secrete song inside", on their 1989-90 Mother's milk tour.
Straight Outta Compton-NWA
The first verse of the song by Ice Cube is referenced quit often by other rappers.
Dopeman- NWA
The song is about a dopeman and how the fast money he makes from dope will eventually get him killed. The group NWA actually knew the man they wrote this song about.
Gangsta gangsta-NWA
This song appeared in the 2013 video game, Grand Theft Auto V.
Chin Check- NWA
This song is remembered as being a "reunion song" for NWA as it was the first song they performed together since their split and as a tribute to Eazy-E, who died in 1995.
100 Miles and Runnin'-NWA
This song was the groups first song to gain radio air time and appear on live TV with it's music video.
Express Yourself-NWA. Solo by Dr Dre.
F**k The police-NWA
Being against violence towards police, this song sadly in ways still explains the problems officers face now on a day to day basis.
The FBI actually wrote a letter to N.W.A's record company about the lyrics expressing disapproval and arguing that the song misrepresnted police.