Bianca Brucato- Hip Hop Planet

Bianca Brucato

September 21, 2014

Professor Young

English 1100

“Hip Hop Planet”

            In “Hip Hop Planet” by James McBride, James talks about how music especially hip-hop has changed the world over the past few years. He argues that even though Hip Hop was not his favorite music genre at first, it expresses a powerful message that is heard from all different people around the world. James explains that he eventually understands the message Hip Hop is trying to expresses and urges people to keep an open mind about it.

             In the beginning of the story, James Mcbride at first expresses his negative view on hip-hop when he imagines his daughter bring home “a rapper with a mouthful of gold teeth, a do-rag on his head, muscles popping out of his arms, and a thug attitude.” Do to his imagination he was overthinking the effects Hip Hop had on the world and even himself. He never truly gave it a chance, so that is why he never understand the message it was trying to send. Hip Hop gave students from places such as, the South Bronx and Harlem something to express themselves and make their own. As word of mouth spread the message of Hip Hop, it  became popular in all parts of the world. All different types of ethnicity started to listen to Hip Hop. Once James McBride began to embrace Hip Hop he realized it was an outlet for young teens to express themselves. If parents can begin to embrace Hip Hop ,they can learn more about younger generations and even own children. Hip Hop plays a big role in shaping James Mcbride’s identity, by helping him develop a better understanding of his culture and the younger generations, who use Hip-Hop to express themselves. Hip Hop has evolved over the years, but the message is the same.                                    

            As Hip Hop become popular over the years, many adults find it hard to relate to because it is more appealing to a younger crowd. Once James Mcbride gave Hip Hop a chance, he understood the message young teens were trying to express through it. This helped him have a better understanding of his culture and also shape his identity by learning more about himself and the world he lives in.