The hip-hop genre has become a global cultural phenomenon, influencing music, fashion, and art across the world. The origins of hip-hop are a crucial aspect of understanding the genre and its impact on society. In the documentary series "Hip Hop Evolution," specifically Episode 1: The Foundation, the history and roots of hip-hop are explored in depth. This documentary provides valuable insights into the early days of hip-hop and the key players who laid the foundation for the genre's success.
One of the main themes explored in "Hip Hop Evolution" is the idea that hip-hop is a cultural movement that has its roots in the African-American and Latino communities of New York City in the 1970s. The documentary highlights how hip-hop emerged as a form of self-expression for marginalized communities, providing a voice for those who were often silenced in mainstream society. Through interviews with key figures in the hip-hop industry, such as Grandmaster Flash, DJ Kool Herc, and Afrika Bambaataa, the documentary delves into the social and cultural context that gave rise to hip-hop.
In his essay "Hip-Hop is for Everybody: Examining the Roots and Growth of Hip-Hop," Lucien J. Flores discusses the cultural significance of hip-hop and its ability to transcend boundaries of race, class, and geography. Flores argues that hip-hop is a powerful art form that has the potential to bring people together and create a sense of unity and belonging. The documentary "Hip Hop Evolution" reinforces this idea by showcasing how hip-hop music and culture have spread globally, influencing artists and audiences from diverse backgrounds.
One of the strengths of "Hip Hop Evolution" is its use of archival footage and interviews with key players from the early days of hip-hop. By allowing these pioneers to tell their own stories and share their experiences, the documentary provides viewers with a firsthand account of the origins of hip-hop. This approach is effective in humanizing the history of hip-hop and highlighting the personal struggles and triumphs of the artists who helped shape the genre.
However, one aspect of the documentary that could be improved is its lack of diversity in terms of the voices represented. While the documentary does feature interviews with prominent figures in the hip-hop industry, such as Grandmaster Flash and DJ Kool Herc, there is a noticeable absence of female and LGBTQ artists. By including a more diverse range of perspectives and experiences, the documentary could provide a more comprehensive and inclusive view of the hip-hop genre.
Overall, "Hip Hop Evolution" Episode 1: The Foundation is a compelling exploration of the roots and growth of hip-hop. By delving into the social, cultural, and political context that gave rise to hip-hop, the documentary sheds light on the significance of the genre as a form of cultural expression and resistance. Drawing on insights from Lucien J. Flores' essay, the documentary reinforces the idea that hip-hop is a powerful art form that has the potential to unite people from diverse backgrounds. Through its use of archival footage and interviews with key players, "Hip Hop Evolution" provides a valuable insight into the origins of hip-hop and its lasting impact on music and culture.
Hip Hop Origins Documentary
750-1000 words PERFECT MLA FORMATTING
Assignment Objectives
Students will complete this assignment by writing an REVIEW that responds to an assigned text (in your case, a documentary with corresponding essay) . Students will use what they have read to support or illustrate their own position (agreement, disagreement, extension) rather than writing an essay focused on describing the work of another writer. Successful completion of this assignment will require students to (1) develop their own position, (2) express that position clearly and persuasively, and (3) demonstrate a connection—with quotation, paraphrase, or summary—between their position and that of the author(s) whose writing they are analyzing.
Rationale
Unlike the first essay, where you wrote an exposition of another’s ideas, here you will analyze the ideas of another author and then engage that author with some of your own ideas. For example, in the first essay you discussed what was the authors purpose and how did they achieve that purpose. Think about this essay as “what was the author’s purpose and how WELL did they achieve that purpose.
Assignment
Write a persuasive essay that presents your opinion on one of the three hip-hop documentaries that address a hip-hop origin story. Your essay may use personal experiences for support, but at least PART of support or elaboration in this essay must be drawn from one of the essays corresponding to the documentary it is associated with. Since your source material is a documentary, beyond addressing the content of the documentary, you will undoubtedly talk about HOW that content is presented. Is it through interviews? Narration? What are the interviews like? Are they street interviews? Are they set up in a studio? Think about how the story is told VISUALLY, not just the script. You won’t be able to talk about every aspect of the documentary, so really pay attention to things you find particularly interesting or effective, and be sure to address something that you think might not be effective/accurate.
Here are your choices:
Hip Hop Evolution. Episode 1, The Foundation 2016 (Netflix subscription needed)
Corresponding Text
Flores, Lucien J. "Hip-Hop is for Everybody: Examining the Roots and Growth of Hip-Hop." Inquiries Journal/Student Pulse 4.05 (2012).
Suggestion for Process
There will be tasks, practice, and discussions analyzing the structure of the documentary, and filling out a graphic organizer. Bascially, particiapte in the online course EVERY DAY
Rhetorical Situation
The Rhetorical Situation is basically The situation that surrounds your act of writing, meaning “what is the current understanding/discussion/ scholarship surrounding my topic?” It is not unlike “context” which is the situation out of which something arises.
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