Work Cited

 "Don't blame yourself...Blame Hip-Hop." Wikipedia. Web. 28 Mar 2011. 
<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Don't_Blame_Yourself...Blame_Hip-Hop.jpg>.

Emery, Liz. "COLUMN: Rap music more than meets the ear." College Media Network 16 Mar. 2011. n. pag. The Utah Statesman. Web. 4 Apr 2011. <http://www.usustatesman.com/column-rap-music-more-than-meets-the-ear-1.2514770>.


Hall, Frances. "Positive Effects of Hip Hop Music."Demand Media, Inc: n. pag. eHow. Web. 20 Mar 2011.<http://www.ehow.co.uk/about_5377328_positive-effects-hip-hop-music.html>.


"Hip-Hop is dead." Examiner. Web. 31 Mar 2011.<http://www.examiner.com/dc-in-washington-dc/hip-hop-meets-its-ultimate-fate-hip-hop-surrenders-to-capitalism-dollar-dollar-bill-ya-ll>.


"Hip-hop love." Hip-hop love. Web. 20 Mar 2011.<http://media.photobucket.com/image/hip%20hop/yoyonvegas/cooltext409942766ha7.jpg?o=87>.


"Hip-hop: Negative Effects on Today's Youth."BookRags, Inc.: n. pag. BookRags. Web. 17 Mar 2011.<http://www.bookrags.com/essay-2005/9/21/202351/048#bro_copy>.


"Hip hop." Mashpedia n. pag. Mashpedia. Web. 15 March 2011. <http://mashpedia.com/Hip_hop>. 


Mulvey, Sarah. "Bristol Community College hosts History of Hip-Hop Extravaganza." Herald News 10 March 2011. n. pag. The Herald News. Web. 28 Mar 2011. <http://www.heraldnews.com/observerlife/x698040170/Bristol-Community-College-hosts-History-of-Hip-Hop-Extravaganza>.


"Music Genres." Jonathan's Blog From the Source. Web. 29 Mar 2011.<http://blog.thesource4ym.com/images/blog_thesource4ym_com/hip-hop-chart.jpg>.


Naison, Mark. "Hip Hop and Oral History:Turning Students into "Griots for a New Age."." OAH Magazine of History 22.3 1 July 2008. 46-48.EBSCOhost. Web. 23 Mar 2011.<http://web.ebscohost.com/ehost/pdfviewer/pdfviewer?sid=2d5e3c1a-e34e-4e68-9bfa-07c77aa0f275%40sessionmgr4&vid=9&hid=10>.


Palmer, Jack. "Hip hop playing role in global political dissent." Defiance Publishing 1 Apr. 2011. n. pag. The Cresent-News. Web. 6 Apr 2011. <http://www.crescent-news.com/news/article/5009447>.  


  Taylor, Carl, and Virgil Taylor. "Hip Hop is Now: An Evolving Youth Culture." Reclaiming Children and Youth: The Journal of Strength-based Interventions1Dec. 2007. 210-213. EBSCOhost. Web. 29 Mar 2011. 

<http://web.ebscohost.com/ehost/pdfviewer/pdfviewer?sid=2d5e3c1a-e34e-4e68-9bfa-07c77aa0f275%40sessionmgr4&vid=5&hid=10>.

"ti." VentureBeat. Web. 31 Mar 2011. 

< http://venturebeat.com/2009/07/30/heatwave-interactive-unveiling-hip-hop-online-role-playing-game-with-ti/>.

"u don't know HIP-HOP." Latino Influence in Hip-Hop. Web. 17 Mar. 2011.<http://www.umich.edu/~ac213/student_projects06/tylaxe/>.


Watkin, S. Craig. "Why Hip-Hop is like no other."Foreign Policy 163 1 Nov. 2007. 63. EBSCOhost. Web. 28 Mar 2011.<http://web.ebscohost.com/ehost/pdfviewer/pdfviewer?sid=2d5e3c1a-e34e-4e68-9bfa-07c77aa0f275%40sessionmgr4&vid=7&hid=10>.


Whitfield, Rani G. "Lyrically Speaking: Beats & Rhymes beyond the Stigmas." Johnson Publishing63.8 June 1,2008. n. pag. EBSCOhost. Web. 6 Apr 2011. <http://web.ebscohost.com/ehost/pdfviewer/pdfviewer?sid=7a31ecbb-7592-4dde-aabe-3b666f60c759%40sessionmgr114&vid=5&hid=127>.

Reflection on Sources

      Sources were, in my opinion, the most difficult part of this project.Because I did not have a good sense of where to start in the beginning of the project, I had encountered some struggles with the sources I used. I was a bit frightened because I was unsure of how reliable the articles or websites were. However, once Ms.McKoy introduced us some helpful research engines and websites, I was very pleased to find reliable research for my blog. One of the sources that helped me the most was EBSCO host, which is a search engine. I found very useful data that helped me with my blog. I found many articles that described Hip-hop and how came to be. Something that really helped was the time period these articles were written: They were mostly up-to-date and contained very intricate facts. Another Advantage that EBSCO host has is that below each article it provided the article's liability. Besides that this engine provides the MLA citation for a certain article and many other types of citation. This search engine saved me from many other struggles I could have faced;in fact, by using this I was certain that my information was correct. Some of the articles provided by this engine were bias, but they author always provided good research in order to prove their points. I used the research they used and applied it to my blog. I recommend this engine to anyone, because it contains various amounts of information about topics such as music. 

Reflection on Process

   In the process of creating my blog, unfathomable emotions flared through my mind. There were numerous times where I found myself very frustrated, because I felt like my blog was making no progress. In other cases, I was very satisfied with the work I provided. However, in the beginning of this project I wasn't very sure of what I needed to get done. Each day I found myself going to bed at late hours of the night as a result of some of the research sources I had used. In those situations I was very frightened, and I felt as if I were hemmed in place unable to move or do anything. Fortunately, I decided to start completing all the week's work assignments ahead of time. This was very beneficial because I was able to go back and check my work. I believe the hardest section of this project was finding up-to-date reliable resources. I was very well stressed because of the fact that some of the source provided for my topic seemed suspicious and unreliable. As we got closer to the final stages of the project, Ms.McKoy suggested I start using the search engine known as EBSCO host. This site was my savior, and finally some comfort settled back in my mind. If I had a chance to perform this project again, I would probably start by doing my work ahead of time, checking over all my posts, and I would use EBSCO host as one of my main search engine. This Process will serve as a life experience just in case I face another project similar to this in the near future.

Wordle #2

    These words are the key terms for my blog.These words reflect what my whole blog is about and what it stands for. I decided on these words by looking at each of my articles and deciding which words seem most significant and constantly repeated in the articles. 

Reflection on Findings

    Throughout the process of constructing my finding paragraph , I focused on the many interesting and eye-opening discoveries I learned throughout the whole project. When creating these three paragraphs I realized that I obtained my goal of being able to respond to all my essential questions. I contained many reliable sources that not only supported the answers to my questions, but also stimulated me to continue on with my topic and connect with it. In my opinion, the most important facts I learned were how many teens listen to Hip-hop/rap music daily in the year 2005; in addition to that, the website also stated that those statistics have not changed dramatically over the past few years. I thought it was also intriguing to  learn how Hip-hop could be used as a positive tool in schools.In fact, it could actually improve academic performances and the schools. It was surprising to learn just how much Hip-hop could affect the lives of teens all together. Even if it contained many negative influences, it also generated many positives that I never thought would be possible. For example, it has been proven that rap music does not influence people to act out, instead it helps them cope with their issues. A question I still ponder about is how does Hip-hop affect teenage relationships? I think this would be very fascinating to research on because of the fact that Hip-hop plays a tremendous role in the lives of some teens. I feel like I have learned many stimulating facts that open my eyes to what Hip-hop really means to some teens in the world. It helped me understand why it has influenced a great number of teens. It also provided some aid to understand Hip-hop outside of my experience. I am thankful for this topic because it will make people who look poorly down on Hip-hop reconsider their thoughts and feelings towards it. Formulating my Finding Paragraphs was the simplest section of the whole blog. 

Finding Paragraphs

FINDING PARAGRAPH # 1:  

   Hip-hop has influenced many elements in our society, and faced many controversies; however, one of the most asked question is how does Hip-hop influence teens both negatively and positively? Since Hip-hop has a very intricate meaning to the youth that listens to it, it carries many responsibilities as well. With the rising of our society, violence and drug usage have also increased. Even though Hip-hop is not the only cause, it does not help. Through television, music videos, and other forms of media, artists are portraying negative stereotypes and acting in a manner that promotes depravity into today’s youth. Lyrics are also part of Hip-hop’s negative portrayal. Many songs send messages about alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs instead of providing accurate portrayals of the consequences of drug consumption(Hip-Hop: Negative Effects on Today’s Youth). Hip-hop may generate negative imprints in the minds of teenagers, but it also provides positive effects to its listeners. Hip-hop music that sends violent or misogynistic messages through song lyrics, promotes its listeners with critical think. It gives an opportunity for the listener to examine what he feels is objectionable. There are also artists who serve as role models to youth from diverse array of backgrounds. Many Hip-hop artists did not come from privileged backgrounds but they still encourage teens to achieve their goals( Frances Hall). Hip-hop contributes to the lives of teenagers and their educational performances; in fact, it is displayed in their way of life. According to Mark Naison, many students would be excited by the challenge of linking the gathering of historical information to creating a work of art that speaks to their deepest anxieties, fears and longings, and draw upon talents in poetry, beat making, or performance art that are rarely recognized in a school settings. If educators give the students the tools, such as Hip-hop music, support and the opportunity, they may not only improve engagement and academic performance, they will transform schools into true centers of community life(Mark Naison). Throughout urban America, Hip-hop has become the standard that many teenagers live by. It is displayed by their manner of speaking, their way of dressing, their music preferences, and the cars they drive. Teens also reflect their standards by the following : flamboyant, aggressive, frequently rude, and inconsiderate attitudes( Carl Taylor and Virgil Taylor). Hip-hop is part of the lives of teenagers, but above all the voice of many teens.  


FINDING PARAGRAPH #2: 

   Why has Hip-hop had such a great impact on teenagers? This question has more than just one short answer. It has been asked by many but it has no direct answer. Hip-hop has become the most visible youth trend around the world. Besides being an astounding source of youth expression, it has become the voice of choice for young people who find themselves at the edge of sadness and disappointment; therefore, it matters because it has become the voice of the streets, and it has connected to the powerless in a way that no one could have imagined or, now, can control(S. Craig Watkins). Hip-hop culture does not accept truths that are claimed to be true or just the way they are set to be. The mirroring of adult culture by youth culture is sometimes relentless, raw reflection of things adults would prefer not to admit, but for the youth this is, real. Hip-hop culture represents some horrid truths of what our society is and what is not. The words of songs created by young people make millions of dollars annually, and this because they are saying something about the reality of their world. For young listeners it is a reality nonetheless(Mark Naison). Emerging from Rap music, Hip-hop became a lifestyle to many teens around the world(Carl Taylor and Virgil Taylor). Most successful rap artists come from broken and unfortunate backgrounds and use their music in way to cope with and express their struggle, often telling unpleasant stories that listeners don’t hear from other forms of media, but is real life for many Americans. Studies have shown that rap music doesn’t encourage young listeners to act out instead it helps them cope with issues in life that relate to the music’s content(Liz Emery). Hip-hop has faced criticism throughout its growing years, but should people or listeners reconsider the impact Hip-hop has brought? Although it can’t be denied that violence in rap music has increased in the past few years, its purpose is to respond to the violence in social conditions(Liz Emery). Teens have seem to lose hope since Hip-hop seems to be the only speaker who tells the truth like it really is( Carl Taylor and Virgil Taylor). If the adult culture does not admit to what our society really is then who else will? Hip-hop has this uniqueness which expresses the feelings of teens(S. Craig Watkins). It doesn't just express violence it expresses what teens actually feel inside. It can also bring many benefits to areas such as schools. Involving students or the youth to become involved with works of art, such as Hip-hop, will give interest in their historical backgrounds and an increase in their academic performances(Mark Naison). There are more values to Hip-hop that some people refuse to realize.  


FINDING PARAGRAPH #3:  


      Hip-hop has made a significant impact on our society. In fact, it has become a lifestyle to many around the world, especially teens. However, what if Hip-hop never existed? How would it’s influence on teens change? Hip-hop has continued to give voice to marginalized people and has now become a global culture force. It connects with people around the world, and it also empowers them(Hip hop playing role in global political dissent). People would no longer have a culture that gives voice to them; in addition, the culture that connects and empowers them would never be in the future of modern society. The standards for most teenagers would also change if Hip-hop did not exist. Hip-hop has become the standard that many young people live by; therefore, it is reflected by their manner of speaking, their way of dressing, the types of music they listen to, and what they drive(Carl Taylor and Virgil Taylor). These actions would not be part of teen’s life just because Hip-hop is not around to influence them. As stated in the article Hip Hop Is Now: An Evolving Youth Culture, this evolving youth movement is embraced by millions of young people who are struggling to find meaning in communities that often lack hope and a purpose. Who knows if teens would ever have been able to see our society for what it is and what it has become without Hip-hop. Hip-hop expresses the ugly truths of our society in a way that only seems real to teens(Mark Naison). It has been proven that rap music does not encourage its listeners to act out, instead it helps them cope with issues in life(Liz Emery). Life for young Hip-hop listeners would change without the encouragement of a culture that helps them cope with their problems in life.In conclusion, some of the youth culture would not be what it is today without Hip-hop.

Where are the Role Models?

   There are many rappers in the Hip-hop industry. Whether they play a good influence on teens or not, they certainly cause an effect in their way of think and their lives. Among all rappers, there are and have been some role models in the lives of many teenagers around the world. Unfortunately, it's becoming more difficult to find rappers like those now a days. However, they are still alive keeping the positive portrait of  Hip-hop. In modern society there have been series of charges and other incidents occurring involving rappers. Those actions influence teens into unconstructive activities such as consumption of drugs and violence. These influences can be changed if they are taken with serious matters now.


"ti." VentureBeat. Web. 31 Mar 2011. 

< http://venturebeat.com/2009/07/30/heatwave-interactive-unveiling-hip-hop-online-role-playing-game-with-ti/>.

   

Hip Hop Is Now: An Evolving Youth Culture

 "Throughout urban America, Hip Hop has become the standard that many young people live by. It is reflected in their manner of speaking, the way they dress, the types of music they listen to, and the cars they drive-flamboyant, aggressive, frequently rude and inconsiderate, and, as the young woman in the focus group said, "In your face."

Summary/Analyze- Hip Hop is Now:An Evolving Youth Culture

  
    The world wide form of youth expression,Hip-hop, has gone through change these last twenty years. It has become a lifestyle. For instance, Hip-hop's influence can be noticed in fashion, electronic design, auto design, movies, music, literary works, and other multiple mediums in modern society. The idea of adults being "punks," just interprets that the adult culture is hypocritical, because older adults did the same things that young do now. However, they were afraid to admit their actions. Hip-hop is various collections of values and ideas that are often stimulated by new truths as well as misinformation, lies, and other factors. Throughout urban America, it has become a lifestyle that is perpetrated through the actions of teens. Perhaps most of Hip-hop's disturbing features are the violent and personal damage transmitted through songs,music videos, and other types of media. It was also discovered that teens' motivation to being disrespectful and violent are the examples they have seen throughout their lives. The tremendous amounts of negative influences are also part of the problem. Many teens throughout America are committing crimes such as prostitution because they believe it's reasonable.  Hip-hop culture does not accept the truth of claims that are undeniable; As a result, most teens few things from a perspective that the adult culture refuses to see. Furthermore, the use of profanity and vulgarity in Hip-hop presents the disdain of what is established as norms and rejections by the adult culture. This influences the youth as well as the drug use and dealing.Hip-hop has managed to break through a society with sophisticated filters creating negative influences. Teens have seemed to lose hope since Hip-hop seems to be the only speaker who tells and expresses the ugly truths of our society.

Analyze:

The authors used research in the article in order to get their statement across and their argument more solid. Another technique they used was testimonial in order to present statements that would help support the case. The authors were trying to clarify how hip-hop affects modern youth, and also clarify some of the question that some people may have been pondering about. 

  Taylor, Carl, and Virgil Taylor. "Hip Hop is Now: An Evolving Youth Culture." Reclaiming Children and Youth: The Journal of Strength-based Interventions1Dec. 2007. 210-213. EBSCOhost. Web. 29 Mar 2011. 
<http://web.ebscohost.com/ehost/pdfviewer/pdfviewer?sid=2d5e3c1a-e34e-4e68-9bfa-07c77aa0f275%40sessionmgr4&vid=5&hid=10>.

                                                   

Listen to the facts!

   Even though this chart was created in 2005, it provides a visual of the preferences of teens towards music. According to the article, these statistics have not changed dramatically . Hip-hop contained a dominant 65% out of all other music genres. As shown, teens felt a strong  attraction to Hip-hop, and its influence could have been the reason why. This goes to show, just how much Hip-hop takes or makes part of teenagers' lives. 


"Music Genres." Jonathan's Blog From the Source. Web. 29 Mar 2011. <http://blog.thesource4ym.com/images/blog_thesource4ym_com/hip-hop-chart.jpg>.

Why Hip-Hop Is like No Other

 "No youth trend is more visible around the world today than hip-hop."

Summary:

 

Even though it has become mainstream in many parts of the world, Hip-hop is still considered a voice of fraught, and a vexation to those in power. No teen-aged trend could compare to the wide-spread of Hip-hop. Just like Pop music, rap music is a continuation of the global journey full of percussive beats and social messages. However, global conglomeration is a part of the uniqueness of Hip-hop and its growing presence. Along with its world wide-spread, its most interesting element is the ability to source or express the feelings of teens. Hip-hop has become the voice of those teens who find themselves at their limit. Although Hip-hop is a "black" musical form, other ethnicities and nationalities surround its circle. Hip-hop is the voice of the streets and the connection to the powerless.

Analyze:

S. Craig Watkins use big names, such as Eliefi and Minister Kim Howells, to promote how the world feels about the uprising Hip-hop culture. He also provides research in order to get his argument across. Watkins wanted to depict why Hip-hop is like no other by providing reasons for its global influence.

Watkin, S. Craig. "Why Hip-Hop is like no other."Foreign Policy 163 1 Nov. 2007. 63. EBSCOhost. Web. 28 Mar 2011.<http://web.ebscohost.com/ehost/pdfviewer/pdfviewer?sid=2d5e3c1a-e34e-4e68-9bfa-07c77aa0f275%40sessionmgr4&vid=7&hid=10>.

Without Hip-hop



       Without Hip-hop our society would be somewhat different. Without it there would not be much of Break dancing, rap songs, rappers, or graffiti. If these assets were gone, some teenagers would not have been able to find their hidden talent. Hip-hop would be one less place where teens could find hope or their internal connections; It would be one less way to express conflicts, thoughts, or feelings. If Hip-hop was not around, its influence would parish into oblivion.

"Hip-Hop is dead." Examiner. Web. 31 Mar 2011.<http://www.examiner.com/dc-in-washington-dc/hip-hop-meets-its-ultimate-fate-hip-hop-surrenders-to-capitalism-dollar-dollar-bill-ya-ll>.

Hip Hop and Oral History: Turning Students into "Griots for a New Age"

 "Our best hip hop artists show us how to do this; if we give our students the tools, support and the opportunity, we many not only improve engagement and academic performance, we will transform schools into true centers of community life." 

Summary/Analyze

      Hip-hop music has a relationship with Oral history. Since new technology has put oral history and storytelling at risk of loosing its significance, educators have figured that hip-hop could be it's only salvation to perpetuate it. Through it, older students have gained the following: inspiration,interest in their oral history, and the desire to imitate hip hop artists who use oral history in their music. Jay-z's,"December 4," and "Fort Minor," by Kenji are songs that express oral history. Youngsters living in those types of circumstances described in various songs, would feel inspired in the words and feelings of the artist. Allowing students to become involved with a work of art such as hip hop will stimulate interest in their historical backgrounds, thus increasing academic performance. In addition, it would also make schools into a better community life, and the students turn out to be "griots of a new age."

    Mark Naison utilized the following persuasive and propaganda techniques:big names, research, and card stacking. His purpose was to demonstrate to people how hip-hop can aid not only a student's oral history but their academic performance, and the school itself. He aspired people to understand just how much hip-hop takes part in to lives of the youth and promote the idea of students becoming "griots of a new age."

Naison, Mark. "Hip Hop and Oral History:Turning Students into "Griots for a New Age."." OAH Magazine of History 22.3 1 July 2008. 46-48.EBSCOhost. Web. 23 Mar 2011.<http://web.ebscohost.com/ehost/pdfviewer/pdfviewer?sid=2d5e3c1a-e34e-4e68-9bfa-07c77aa0f275%40sessionmgr4&vid=9&hid=10>. 

  

   

Let's face it.

    Hip-hop generates negativity into the lives of people, but teenagers in particular. These days it has brought disapproving content. Unfortunately, it has also reached the ears of young teens; in fact, it has hurt and effected the minds of teens in a way that has caused the influence the use of curse words. Violence has also been evoked in the following: lyrics in songs, music videos, and the artists. It's induced pain may not affect teens physically, but it may hurt them mentally.


 "Don't blame yourself...Blame Hip-Hop." Wikipedia. Web. 28 Mar 2011. 
<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Don't_Blame_Yourself...Blame_Hip-Hop.jpg>.

Positive Effects of Hip-hop

 "Many people object to what they believe is the promotion of violence and misogyny in hip hop; however, that is only a small part of hip hop, and there are many positive effects hip hop provides to its listeners."
 When it comes to Hip-hop, people assume that it creates violence and hatred, but that's not the only thing it brings. Hip-hop has also brought positive effects to those who listen to it.

Summary/Analyze:Postive Effects of Hip Hop Music

  Since the 1970s Hip-hop music has changed and evolved, and through the years it has faced many controversies. Many people believe that Hip-hop generates nothing but violence and hatred. Fortunately, that is only a portion of it; there are many positive outcomes that hip-hop provides. Among many of its positivity, critical thinking is one. Hip-hop music that use violent lyrics or scenes in music videos promotes listeners to think about how they feel is right or wrong about these types of songs and why they occur. Hip-hop also brings political awareness about certain issues such as racial inequality, gender inequality, education, family and more. Artists like Lupe Fiasco, Common, and others produce these types of messages through their music. Hip-hop artists also become role models to youth by showing them they may be from privileged backgrounds; however, they can still achieve their goals. Folk music is something that Hip-hop does as well. It calls attention to injustice while celebrating ordinary life at the same time. Hip-hops history is a form of art that has changed through out the years; it is also a form that evokes a sense of history of our communities. Today's use can use it to compare how society has changed.

  This article used Card Stacking as a propaganda technique: The author wanted to include only the positivity of Hip-hop. This article provided information about the positive effects Hip-hop has brought. It is trying to make people aware that Hip-hop does not just bring negative effects on the youth, but it also creates some positivity. It may have influenced violence and hatred, but it makes people think and just understand how that artist may feel towards the subject. Besides that, it also updates the society of what issues need to be fixed or solved. Hip-hop doesn't just contribute to our society it also makes part of our history. The author projects that he believes that people shouldn't assume negative things about Hip-hop: He wants them to acknowledge its positivity.

  Hall, Frances. "Positive Effects of Hip Hop Music."Demand Media, Inc: n. pag. eHow. Web. 20 Mar 2011.<http://www.ehow.co.uk/about_5377328_positive-effects-hip-hop-music.html>.

  

 Hip-hop may influence teenagers in negative ways; however, it has also inspired the lives of many teens. Through the words,beat, and rhythm of its music, Hip-hop has managed to stay alive in the minds and hearts  of teens and people around the world. While some people may think Hip-hop is no longer alive, others think that it still lives in their heads and most importantly in their hearts.


"Hip-hop love." Hip-hop love. Web. 20 Mar 2011.<http://media.photobucket.com/image/hip%20hop/yoyonvegas/cooltext409942766ha7.jpg?o=87>.

Negative Effects on Today's Youth

 "While many hip-hop songs contain messages about alcohol, tobacco and other drugs, few provide an accurate portrayal of the negative consequences of substance abuse." 
   Hip-hop has brought numerous amounts of negativity through the content of songs that led and have led to various amounts of consequences. Those messages stated or envisioned in the songs do not provide the appropriate image instead they provide the opposite.

Summary/Analyze-Hip hop:Negative Effects on Today's Youth

   
   This article provided by BookRags Student Essays contained information about the origin of Hip-hop and how it has evolved into what it has become today. With its up-rising popularity it has 
brought many influences upon our society. Unfortunately, it has 
created some negative images in the content of the songs created 
and many problems are also rising as a result. This article also 
provides some of the possible solutions to improve it. 

                                                           

  Many people believe that Hip-hop portrays the wrong images into their minds;sadly, they are correct.Hip-hop has brought and  
influenced the rise of violence even though it's not the only cause. Through this article it can clearly be seen that the author used persuasive techniques such as Kairos in order to make people 
understand that this issue must be solved immediately. In addition, 
the author included big names and research in order to convince his audience that his point of view is correct. This also shows that people may only be interested in the negativity Hip-hop has created. However, there have been some positivity induced into our society, but some may fail to recognize it. 




 "Hip-hop: Negative Effects on Today's Youth."BookRags, Inc.: n. pag. BookRags. Web. 17 Mar 2011.<http://www.bookrags.com/essay-2005/9/21/202351/048#bro_copy>. 

Don't judge Hip-hop by its mistakes

  Many citizens, especially in our society, misjudge Hip-hop as a negative influence; however, this is not true. Hip-hop may cause negative effects on our society but it also generates positivity in the lives of many people,mostly our youth; therefore, our society does not know or acknowledge what Hip-hop is. To be able to understand  it people must first understand how it came to be. This is why people should reconsider the impact Hip-hop has brought on to our society.

"u don't know HIP-HOP." Latino Influence in Hip-Hop. Web. 17 Mar. 2011.<http://www.umich.edu/~ac213/student_projects06/tylaxe/>.

The ethnics and influence of Hip-hop

Link #1:

Mulvey, Sarah. "Bristol Community College hosts History of Hip-Hop Extravaganza." Herald News 10 March 2011. n. pag. The Herald News. Web. 28 Mar 2011. <http://www.heraldnews.com/observerlife/x698040170/Bristol-Community-College-hosts-History-of-Hip-Hop-Extravaganza>.

  
   The author of this article is Sarah Mulvey. This article gives information about an enthusiastic group of students who attend Bristol Community College. This group of students were inspired by their love for music to take part in an event in BCC History of Hip-Hop show, which always played a part to these students. This shows how Hip-hop has reached the hearts and minds of young people. It also shows how Hip-hop has affected fashion, art, and music itself.

Link #2:

Emery, Liz. "COLUMN: Rap music more than meets the ear." College Media Network 16 Mar. 2011. n. pag. The Utah Statesman. Web. 4 Apr 2011. <http://www.usustatesman.com/column-rap-music-more-than-meets-the-ear-1.2514770>
  
   Liz Emery, a junior majoring in English with an emphasis in creative writing,provided  information or reasons why rap music has been criticized by many people. This article had some bias;in fact, it was obvious that the author was trying to convince people that rap music isn't about love. She provided facts that helped her prove her point. In conclusion, her purpose was for people to give rappers some slack and be more comprehensive of the rap culture.

Link #3:

Palmer, Jack. "Hip hop playing role in global political dissent." Defiance Publishing 1 Apr. 2011. n. pag. The Cresent-News. Web. 6 Apr 2011. <http://www.crescent-news.com/news/article/5009447>.    

This article by Jack Palmer, provided information on a presentation on Hip-hop culture and how it has now taken a playing role in global political dissent. It the article was a review of the statements or speech that was said by Amer Ahmed, associate director in the Office of Multi-Ethnic Student Affairs at the University of Michigan. There he stated how Hip-hop has played a role in our society today. Amer also stated the slight difference between Hip-hop and Rap. He goes on to say how it has emerged from the pasts years starting from the Civil rights era, and sets a comparison between Hip-hop and other cultures that  are also around our society today.

Link #4:

Whitfield, Rani G. "Lyrically Speaking: Beats & Rhymes beyond the Stigmas." Johnson Publishing63.8 June 1,2008. n. pag. EBSCOhost. Web. 6 Apr 2011. <http://web.ebscohost.com/ehost/pdfviewer/pdfviewer?sid=7a31ecbb-7592-4dde-aabe-3b666f60c759%40sessionmgr114&vid=5&hid=127>.


In this article Rani G. Whitfield explained how Hip-hop has impacted our society. He explains its purpose to speak louder for our ever changing society, the healing of nations, and the gathering of race relations. The article also contained information about the rise of Hip-hop and what it is and what is not. Rani also tells how it has affected young men around the world. Hip-hop can be used as a powerful tool for serious issues, justice, peace, and health awareness as stated in this article.

Wordle #1

 "Hip hop"

This article provided information about the ethnic of Hip-hop and how it came to be. It also gave some insight of the how it plays a part in our society and the world; in fact, it provides information about the influence Hip-hop brings to areas such as graffiti, and break dancing. This also explains the components or elements that define Hip-hop.


"Hip hop." Mashpedia n. pag. Mashpedia. Web. 15 March 2011. <http://mashpedia.com/Hip_hop>.

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The knowledge I want to gain

     The following sub-questions will lead me to the knowledge I would like to gain:

• Which are the negative and positive influences that Hip-hop generates into the lives of teens?
• How does Hip-hop's influence play a part on teens' personal and educational lives?
• Should citizens or listeners reconsider the impact of Hip-hop?
• Why has Hip-hop had such a great impact on teenagers?
• What if Hip-hop never existed? How would the influence on teens change?

   I have some knowledge about my topic, but I want to learn more and get in-depth. My purpose for this topic is to learn just how Hip-hop has had such impact on many teens such as myself. I want to learn and research actual facts besides having my opinion on what Hip-hop is to me and what it has brought into modern society and youth culture. This is why I want to learn the answers to the question I had pondered upon for sometime; therefore, these are the questions to the answers I hope to find.

What do I know?

     Hip-hop has had many effects on people; in fact, it has brought many positive and negative things into our society. It has indeed changed over the years bringing a variety of opinions of what part it has played in our lives. Some people believe that Hip-hop only helped African-Americans, but others believe that it is used to help all races. Hip-Hop has played a significant role on teens. In some situations it has kept and given many teens inspiration and the desire to progress. Although Hip-hop has brought positivity, it has also brought some negativity that can not be overlooked. For instance, a negativity that has crossed the minds of some people is that Hip-hop has influenced violence on teenagers through the content of the rappers words. Hip-hop has brought negative influences on teens as have gone by, but there have also been encouraging and progressive outcomes as well; therefore, it has also stood as a paragon in the eyes of some teenagers.

Why Hip-Hop?

As a child, I grew up listening to all kinds of music. Living in a home where my family experienced rough situations, music was my only way out to free myself and just forget about the struggles for a minute. I remember how Hip-hop use to lift up my spirits from the beat through the words of the rapper. In my mind there was never a day when I didn’t have Tupac or Biggy Smalls playing loudly, blasting through my house. I mimicked every word until I knew each one without even thinking. There was something that made me understand the meaning behind words. Through Hip-Hop I felt like I could relate and feel like I wasn’t the only facing difficult times;furthermore, it helped me to the extent where it became my inspiration to move forward and to make a point in life. However, the Hip-Hop industry has changed over the years. Profane language,I think,is the only way rappers can express how they feel in a veracious way these days. I also believe that sometimes this is needed to get things off your mind and chest, but what could this do to the teens who listen to Hip-Hop trying to find that connection I once felt? It has come to my attention that Hip-Hop has changed and I feel that it could affect our youth in some way.