Music is a means of expression that can be preformed by people of all races, ethnicities and backgrounds. It can be expressed in different forms, such as classical, rap or country. But from the readings this week. Rap is mainly used to convey struggle and perserverance through tough and tumultuous times.
From the Israeli hip hop music articles, I came to the conclusion that Israeli rap originated as being a copy or imitation of the African American hip hop style. "At first, attempts to craft rap in Hebrew seemed forced and artificial." (Nirit Ben-Ari) Rap and hip hop in my opinion, is more believable and emotionally moving when the stories conveyed in the lyrics are true and relateable. Rap, that is pro-government and typically created by middle class citizens, would stray completely from the original form of rap and hip hop. Adopting the African American rap on such a superficial level, invalidates the message that might be attempted to be illustrated through a rap or hip hop song.
Rap that originates from a marginalized population whose voices are quelled and sequestered by a more powerful and dominant occupying group makes the music more emotionally engaging and more relatable. When a story is told from a first person point of view it is more likely to capture the hearts of the audience, and that how i feel the Palestinians rap and hip hop has engaged its audiences.
I would disagree to some extent with the idea that Israeli rap is less engaging than less "pure" than its Palestinian counterpart. While the Israelis are better off economically and hold a military power advantage over the Palestinians I don't has this makes the frustration of the Israeli musicians any less sincere. During the Intifadas there was a very real sense of fear amongst the Israeli populace.
ReplyDelete