Jazz and Hip Hop

 Ava Taylor

11/13/2023

Dr. Harris 

Major Project 

I would introduce Black studies through music. Music has influenced black culture and has been one of the many ways African Americans have found their voice and identity in this world. Music helped many enslaved people escape slavery and obtain freedom. An article states, “Blues, rock and roll, country, jazz, folk, if not outright invented by the Black Community, were heavily influenced by the musical traditions brought over from Africa by the slaves” (Hilbruner 1). This evidence explains that music was invented and influenced by African Americans and is the reason why I think music should be included in the introduction to Black Studies. Jazz and Hip Hop are two genres that are part of black culture. Hip-hop and jazz have changed the music industry and African Americans’ lives.

  Music has impacted my life in many ways and is another reason I think it would be a great introduction to Black Studies. An article states, “African American music has been an amazing cultural achievement, synthesizing African And European culture, often under extreme circumstances” ( Goffman11). Jazz helped many cities and states become developed and successful. According to the article titled “Jazz and the Magic City, “The city’s jazz musicians helped shape this world, stylizing and reflecting to its values and ambitions, projecting vital images of African American success in the heart of the segregated South” (Mathews 4). This quote explains that jazz musicians have helped African Americans become successful while experiencing segregation. Jazz helped individuals navigate a world that was not accepting or approving of them just because of the color of their skin. Jazz inspired many African Americans to dream big and never give up, even when it seemed there was no way out. 

Hip Hop has been around for many years and is a significant aspect of African American culture. When I think of hip-hop, I think about all the different beats and dances that come along with it. According to an article, “Musicians use collections of sound to communicate to one another…things that language cannot adequately convey…” (Spady 2). The evidence above explains how musicians communicate without language, exactly how enslaved individuals communicated. Enslaved individuals communicated with songs and music, which helped them escape slavery and was one way they were able to communicate without their enslavers being able to understand them. Hip-hop gave African Americans a voice to explain and show their emotions through music.

  Hip Hop artists were able to express the challenges they faced and are still facing in today’s world. It gives them a place to voice their anger and frustration. According to the article, “There is a history of neglect when it comes to African Americans discussing their sorrow. For one, many outside the African American community viewed such stories as nothing more than a form of entertainment, particularly when expressed through music, as is evident in the wide acceptance of Negro spirituals” (Hinds 5). This article supports my idea that Hip Hop gave and is still giving African Americans a voice to express themselves. This article also shows how the world neglects the way African Americans express themselves and how they are still being treated. 

Jazz and Hip Hop are similar in many ways. Jazz influenced hip-hop and is still influencing hip-hop to this day. Some of the instruments associated with hip-hop are also associated with jazz. African American culture influenced jazz and hip-hop and has influenced the world significantly. In conclusion, jazz and hip-hop have played a significant role in African American culture by giving them a voice and a sense of freedom, identity, and belonging in a country that denied them everything.