Since rap music first appeared in the South Bronx of New York City in the early 1970s, it has been intertwined with American culture. Rap was popularized in mainstream music and media by young African Americans using it as a way of expression. Young people all throughout the country could identify with the rapper's use of rhymes to communicate the truth about their lives in the shape of a story. A style of political rap is used by modern day rappers. Where, the songs concentrate on current political events in society while affecting one's appearance, vocabulary, and manner of life.
The Evolution of Rap from the 1970s to 2010 shows the impact rap had on America. It began when Sugarhill Gang released their song, “Rappers Delight”, which was a way for young Americans to stay away from gangs and get involved in rap culture. In the 1980s, Ice-T and Schoolly D started the war between East Coast and West Coast, and Tupac and Biggie continued the beef. In the 1990s, rap moved away from story-based lyrics and focused on being a gangster and shooting people. Dr. Dre released one of the most influential Hip-Hop albums of all time, popularizing G-funk.
In the 2000s and 2010s, rappers such as Jay-Z, Eminem, 50 Cent, Fetty Wap, Future, XXXTentacion, and Lil Uzi Vert created more subgenres of rap while still having popular lyrical rappers. Other artists such
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Rappers use their rhymes to discuss societal injustices and systematic disparities by sharing their experiences, insights, and grievances. From the pioneering works of Grandmaster Flash and Public Enemy to contemporary artists like Kendrick Lamar and J. Cole, rap has served as a powerful medium for addressing topics such as racism, poverty, police brutality, and the struggles of marginalized communities. Rap music has sparked discussions, promoted social awareness, and upended the current quo by magnifying these