Reflecting on the Roots of Hip Hop Culture
Aaliyah and Tupac Shakur
Black History Month may be over but CMNSU understands continuing the conversation of amplifying and respecting black culture and history will always hold great significance. Hip hop is a huge part of my life, I grew up listening to the music and it is the style of dance that I participate in. As a kid and a young teenager, I honestly didn’t even think about how much black culture is a core of the passions that I love and hold close to me. Reflecting on it now, it’s in the music I listen to, it’s in the style of dance I love doing, it’s in the fashion I wear, the shows I watch and the community I am a part of.
I wouldn’t necessarily call myself a real ‘dancer’, but I’ve been dancing for a good six to seven years of my life. In every training group I’ve been a part of, every studio I’ve taken classes at, black history and its shaping of hip hop was never really talked about. Last year, various Vancouver-based hip-hop studios began implementing educational sessions on the importance of black history and creativity within the dance scene. One program I recommend checking out is Studio North’s free Respect the Craft series.
Hip hop originated from the African American population in the Bronx of New York around the late 70s (Britannica, 2021). If it wasn’t for black DJ pioneers such as DJ Kool Herc, Grand Wizard Theodore and Afrika Bambaataa, hip-hop music and all the art forms that fall under it would not be what it is today. When I think about the music and dance styles I love, I owe it all to black creatives such as Janet Jackson, Tupac Shakur, Aaliyah, Beyonce-the list goes on. As someone who is so influenced by hip-hop culture, remembering the root of it all, honouring and standing up for black culture and people will always be an important part of my life.
The world does not move without black creativity, which is why being anti-racist, amplifying the voices of black people and continuing to educate ourselves needs to be a priority always.
Connect With Me!
Hello! I’m Kat (she/her), a fourth-year Communication student and CMNSU's VP of Communications of 2020/2021.
I have a passion for connecting with others through words and storytelling, which inspired me to begin writing. I am a music lover, food lover and lover of life! Thank you for being present with me and taking the time to read through my work! :)