Native American hip hop
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Native American hip hop is popular among Native Americans in the United States and the First Nations of Canada. The influence of hip hop within the Native American community grew as many people returned home or visited from relocation and public works projects in urban areas. This initial contact, alongside the ever burgeoning media force that Mainstream Hip Hop became, served as the conduits in which Native American Hip Hop was born. Native American rappers began performing in the 1980s and '90s, drawing on the influence of the world around them, young rappers began to spit and ink rhymes that were a portrait of their communities pains, triumphs and dreams. Others found influence from other native artists such as John Trudell's spoken word poetry. Litefoot (winner of the Native American Music Award), Without Rezervation, and Robby Bee & the Boyz From the Rez are the most well-known Native American hip hop musicians.[1]
The majority of Native American hip hop is to be found in the underground scene. Rarely have many artists gained exposure beyond regional hits. The internet has allowed Native American hip hop to enter an era in which for the first time groups and individuals can reach a niche market across the country using peer to peer sites to promote and sell their music.
Other recent groups include Redcloud & DJ Wise have scored a regional hit in Southern California with "Tapitio". Also Tha Tribe, who use elements of powwow music in their recordings,[2] and War Party, a Canadian crew who became the first native performers to host RapCity.[3] War Party is one of a number of Canadian groups to gain some chart success, including Tru Rez Crew and Slangblossom.[4] Most recently, REDDNATION, a group from Alberta has become the most decorated group having received 5 awards for their second album Now or Never.[citation needed] As a struggling genre, Native American hip hop has made significant gains in the US and Canada's music industry.
[edit] References
- ^ Means, Andrew (2000). in Broughton, Simon and Ellingham, Mark with McConnachie, James and Duane, Orla: Hey-Ya, Weya Ha-Ya-Ya!, The Rough Guide to World Music. Rough Guides Ltd, Penguin Books, p. 596. ISBN 1858286360.
- ^ Tha Tribe, Hip Hop Meets Powwow. World Music Central. Retrieved on June 21, 2005.
- ^ Warparty: The Great Natives from the North. Redwire magazine. Archived from the original on 2006-05-19. Retrieved on June 21, 2005.
- ^ "Native hip hop poised for breakthrough", Aboriginal.ca, March 5, 2004. Archived from the original on 2004-11-07.
[edit] External links
- Movement Music: Hip Hop and Aboriginal Youth Activism Interview with Manik of the Native Youth Movement and Skeena Reece
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