Hip-Hop's Evolution: from political empowerment to commercial

The years spanning 1990 to 1993 are widely recognized as the peak of golden age Hip-Hop. This title has been rightfully earned due to the creativity and diversity present within the music produced at the time. But what about what came after? Hip-Hop’s evolution and growth in popularity during this period led to the dilution of its creative impact and what I would consider to be a stale placeholder of what once was. By no means do I intend to assert that the artform has no value now, but rather that this diverse and complicated genre has found itself riddled with stereotypes. To understand how it reached this point, we must dissect the evolution of Hip-Hop. Originally a creative tool of expression used by and for Black people, it has transformed into a commercial beast that dominates the way we, as Black people, perceive ourselves.

Hip Hop 50th Anniversary - SouthWest Tribune

21 Hip-Hop Albums That Reflected The Politics Of Race, Space And Place In 2017 : NPR

Hip-hop at 50: 7 essential listens to celebrate rap's widespread influence

50 Best Rap Groups: Hip-Hop's All Time Best – Billboard

All hail the queens': A look back at the legacy of women in hip-hop - ABC News

Keeping it Real' or Keeping it Realist? Hip Hop in International Relations

Hip hop turns 50: From the Bronx to a demand for big brands, Culture

As hip-hop turns 50, ASU experts weigh in on art form's evolution

The Organic Globalizer: Hip Hop, Political Development, and Movement Culture: Christopher Malone: Bloomsbury Academic

Hip Hop's Golden Age: A Retrospective On The Genre's Most Influential Decade - Hip Hop Golden Age Hip Hop Golden Age