Jared Ball's Use Of External Colonization Theory

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Jared Ball's use of internal colonization theory in his discussion of the hip-hop nation is essential for framing the industry's struggles within a broader context of systemic oppression. This perspective not only highlights the exploitative dynamics at play, but also underscores the potential of hip-hop as a form of resistance and empowerment. The origins of hip-hop and the legacy of artists like Tupac further reinforce this argument, demonstrating the genre's deep-rooted connection to social and political activism. Jared Ball's exploration of internal colonization theory in relation to the hip-hop nation is a pivotal aspect of his argument. Internal colonization refers to a dynamic where a dominant group exerts control over a marginalized group within the same country, often replicating the …show more content…

He defines hip-hop nation as a “colonized extension of a predating and continuing colonialism that engulfs its progenitors and governs still the process and necessity of the theft of soul or the grossest forms of distortion of communication.” (Ball, 2011: 20) The origins of hip-hop in the South Bronx during the 1970s can be seen as a response to the social and economic marginalization faced by African American and Latino communities. The creative expression found in hip-hop was a form of resistance and empowerment, reclaiming space and voice in a society that sought to silence them. Tupac Shakur's origins and his body of work also tie into Ball's arguments. Tupac's music often addressed themes of systemic racism, police brutality, and economic disenfranchisement, embodying the political potential of hip-hop that Ball advocates for. Tupac's life and work illustrate the ongoing struggle against internal colonization and the use of hip-hop as a tool for social