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.