Gun Violence and Hip-Hop

Born in the Bronx in the late 70's, Hip Hop music changed everything. Block parties were just starting to gain traction in New York City and the culture was primed for a breakout. Rock and roll dominated the airways with artists like Pink Floyd and The Beatles; meanwhile sounds from Marvin Gaye, Isley Brothers, Bob Marley and Michael Jackson were just reaching young black and brown people in the city. With speakers, turntables and a collection of records, the corners were a live representation of what African Americans were looking to move into in the realm of music. Music that felt expressive, free and made you want to get up and dance. Music that wasn't produced to be similar to other sounds but to challenge those already existing and create an entirely new basis.

Lyrics themselves are a native of this idea. Before rapping became popular, DJ's battling with breaks, scratches, and other turntable techniques was the main show. B-boying, or breakdancing, began with breaks. People were expected to bust moves when the beat broke out. Lyrics only became part of the show when the DJ would make announcements on a mic, whether it be about the next show or to reach out to the crowd for feedback. Eventually announcements transitioned into catchy hooks and then into sentences and ultimately verses.

Afrika Bambaataa, a pioneer for the culture, DJ, and prior gang leader formed Zulu Nation to combat violence in South Bronx. His movement successfully curved kids who were looking for a street family from life as a gang member and got them interested in creating and expressing themselves. At the time, gun violence was not a prevalent crime in the black community. Guns were too expensive and gang related issues were typically fought with fists. Today, the general population still believes violence represented in hip hop gave way for gun violence in the community. I disagree, and so does history.

Robert Stutman, a former special agent for the NYC DEA, told Frontline, "Crack literally changed the entire face of the city. street violence had grown. Child abuse had grown hugely. Spousal abuse. I had a special crack violence file that I kept to convince the geniuses in Washington who kept telling me it wasn't a problem. (businessinsider.com, July 2013)

It was the introduction of crack cocaine and related propaganda into the black community...

(solo138.com)