Dawn of a Union

Big ups Verbal, for finally making this happen. I would like to add a few things on top of your opening statement. First, I'm inclined to state that we're designing this forum to intentionally set itself apart from other hip-hop blogs, forums and other networks. Our aim is to focus on the universal qualities that make hip-hop so influential in people’s lives, the world over.

Although most recognize hip-hop culture as a vastly expanding, powerful phenomenon, most also regard it as a product of the popular music which grew out of 1970s NYC. Hip-hop was foremost, an incubating cultural movement before the music was even labeled so. Hip-hop culture came into being from the fusion of new artistic forms of expression taking place in the same moment of time and spatial interaction. These arts were expressed by a particular urban, underprivileged, minority-based youth who really didn't have another outlet. The graffiti artist -- the culture's visual expression, the b-boy -- the physical expression, the emcee -- the literary (poetics) and linguistic representation, and the DJ -- the musical representation are the core elements of hip-hop culture.

The fusion of these artistic mediums into a powerful sub-cultural movement would eventually have massive, global implications. The consequential social, economic and transnational cultural trends it would spark, has in my opinion, not occurred to this level since the artistic revolutionaries of the Italian Renaissance from the 14th-17th century. Forget Billie Holiday, this was the real Harlem Renaissance. By "renaissance" I'm not talking about something such as the revival of black arts as associated with the New-Negro Harlem movement, but far more encompassing; a shift in the understanding of our world through human expression. These art forms have evolved on their own right, driven by the hip-hop movement, to transcend racial, ethnic, religious, gender, political, socio and economic barriers and break them down to realize our true potential as creative individuals and communities alike.

Now, I'm not trying to make this a history lesson, as most of you taking part in this initiative will undoubtedly already know the origins. Our goal is to approach hip-hop at an academic level. I'm not talking about the study of the music and culture during your American Black Studies 101B class or whatever. Hip-hop has become universally appealing and accepted on a global level. Although there are perpetrators who would like to say hip-hop is only for “black culture” or should be “exclusive” to American society. Unfortunately, these people-- who often have great talent and contribution to the culture-- do not fully understand it. It's like saying the principles of the 18th century Enlightenment are to be understood and adopted only through the eyes of “white Europeans".

You must not blame these individuals for their perspective of what hip-hop is, their simply traditionalists who belong to a progressive culture. After all, if you’re an underprivileged black youth growing up in NYC during the 90s, then of course you’re going to believe hip-hop was made just for you. I'm not suggesting these perpetrators don't understand themselves or the communities who fostered them from within the culture. However, what I am saying is this: I'm a white, middle-class Californian. And hip-hop was made for me. And in the words of Jay-Z, "If you can't respect that, your whole perspective is wack."

That said, our emphasis for this new, innovative hip-hop environment is to promote the true ideals of the magic which brought hip-hop into our lives. Many will argue (even myself on occasion), that hip-hop has become so commercially diluted that it holds no identity of the founding principles of free expression. Furthermore, it's true those artistic ends have continued to progress so as to be removed from their original form. For example, breakdancing moves incorporated into contemporary art performances in modern dance are often seen as breaking from the culture.

These natural effects of a world-wide, mass cultural movement are expected and shouldn't suggest the culture is disintegrating. These branch-outs into other aspects of society should also be respected. I for one would be delighted to attend a ballet recital (with a pistol to my head), and see a manipulated form of pops and locks mixed in with spinning, pink tutus. The degradation of the music into a materialistic and commercial form has allowed formerly underprivileged, minority youths to capitalize on their situations and make something for themselves. Respect.

Now, obviously I'm not advocating this approach. I certainly do feel that the mainstream commercialization of hip-hop is in some way killing the culture I love, or at least hindering its potential as a mainstream music. This is based on the negative perceptions people outside the realm of hip-hop observe, so they naturally assume the entire culture is based on these corporate, profiting ideals (or the violent/misogynist propagations of the 1990s commercial rap scene).

The beautiful thing about the polarization of a unique and independent culture into the mainstream of society is its ever-blossoming underground movement. For every weak emcee broadcast on MTV preaching "bitches n' bling" with a little mic clipped on his collar, there's 10 more in basements around the world staying true to the culture by simply doing what they love. Those people are hip-hop. Those are the people we're trying to provide for, with a world-wide network for free expression, creativity and knowledge. So, for all those revolutionaries out there pursing your passion for hip-hop, in contrast to whatever social restrictions or perceptions people may label upon you, remember you’re a rebel in an elite culture. And your thoughts and input are always welcome here. Rebel Elite United. P.E.A.C.E.

Please see comment below for clarity on possibly misinterpreted remarks.