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Friday, October 21, 2011 | 8:06am
SOUND OFF: Is Hip Hop A Religion?
Steve Stoute poses interesting evidence to the support such claim. But are you sold?
@SteveStoute
A few weeks back I shared some excerpts from a new book by one of Hip Hop advertising pioneers, Steve Stoute. I’ve begun reading “The Tanning of America: How Hip-Hop Created a Culture that Re-wrote the Rules on a New Economy.“ And while the title is a little long its a sophisticated look at a generation of cultural revolution the sparked the onset of racial colorblindness.
In the introduction, Stoute poses an interesting premise. He suggests that Hip Hop is a religion.
Hip Hop has taken on the attributes of a religion. Not a name-brand religion practiced as such or one that’s rooted in existing religious orders. But I do want to argue that a mentality that embraces all colors is godly. I will argue that hip-hop can be seen as having the same markers that occur with all major religions- among them a connection to community, a connection to spirit through personal experience (in the music itself), a coherent doctrine and morality, code, ritual, an organization and hierarchy , and a mythology featuring heroes and leaders. History matters too, especially in telling of how hip-hop rose up from the urban ashes to elevate and empower its adherents in much the same way that the most enduring religions throughout history have come about.
I never thought about it that way but he presents evidence to support his claim. While I can’t argue that there are some similarities, as a Christian it’d be blasphemous for me to “admit” I worship another God(s). But do I? Do you?
FILED IN Editorials
I agree with you you Juan, I don’t think that hip hop is a religion, but I do think that it has religious aspects. PEACE!!!
Bruh tripping. Every media genre’s have very dedicated followings. Every genre’s has there own doctrines rules and “code of conduct.
If Hip Hop is a so called religion then we r all going 2 hell those who listen 2 it past 2005. It may have elements of Religious over tones but that’s it . I don’t think “Teach Me How 2 Dougie” will get u into Heaven.
Hip-Hop changes too much, and too quickly to be considered a religon.