:

This era of hip hop was when I was in my early, mid, and late 20’s. It was a time when massive reality TV shows
were abundant (from Survivor, Flavor Love, American Idol, etc.), the first black American President was in
existence, and new social media platforms grew at an amazing pace. Hip hop, by this period, transitioned from
more hardcore themes to more introspective themes with R&B elements. You saw rappers started to sing on
music more readily. Hip Hop was well represented across America and throughout the world. From Kanye West’s
genius and controversies to Southern hip hop’s continued ascendance, music was filled with diversity. Nothing is
new under the sun. This time had the same, decades-long debates about content (some content in hip hop has
been criticized by not just some activists but from fellow hip hop artists who are opposed to excessive
commercialization, misogyny, and the glorification of unnecessary violence). Subsequently, that time saw avant-
garde movies with hip hop musical influences, and a younger generation making known that it had next from
Kendrick Lamar, Drake, J. Cole, Wiz Khalifa, Nicki Minaj, and ASAP Rocky. By the end of this time period,
many R&B singers wanted to use hip hop elements, and many hip hop musicians desired to incorporate R&B
styles in their songs too. In the final analysis, things would never be what they were, but the same goal of excellence
remained among artists who wanted their voices to be heard.
 The Table of Contents
Barack Obama sings "Happy Birthday" to his daughter Malia Obama with
Kendrick Lamar and Janelle Monáe at the Fourth of July White House party
on July 4, 2016 in Washington, DC. Source: Aude Guerrucci-Pool/Getty 1. Preface
Images.
2. Kanye West’s Explosion of
Talent

3. Many Directions (2006-2008)

4. Experimentation (2009-2011)

5. The Younger Generation

Asserts Itself (2012)

6. Hip Hop’s Future Continues to

Evolve (Conclusion)
The history of hip hop continues unabated. The era of 2006 to 2012 focused on many themes of
hip hop like love, urban interactions, politics, romance, hardships, and joy. This time saw a
temporary decline of hip hop sales. Snap music was popular with Dem Franchize Boyz, D4L, and
Soulja Boi. Many people criticized these forms of music for various reasons. Young artists self-
published songs on the Internet rapidly. In 2006, no rap albums were among the top 10 sellers.
Digital music increased. There was a lack of sampling during 2006 too. This decline was done in
part of it being too expensive for producers. Styles changed. This
time saw the continuation of artists like The Black Eyed Peas, Rick
Ross, Nas, Chingy, Rick Ross, E-40, Lupe Fiasco, Lil Kim,
Ghostface, Shawnna, Young Joc, Lil Wayne, and other people.
Ringtones, blogs, and other sources of media allowed artists to
creatively gain influence in the music industry. Discussions about
360 deals were more commonplace. Later in that era of time, hip This is the hip hop artist Sampa
the Great at a concert. Sampa
hop and innovation grew in the form of alternative hip hop. Gangsta the Great is a great artist of this
rap declined its commercial value by this era of time. This was shown generation.
on how Kanye West's Graduation won out against 50 Cent's Curtis.

Innovative rap like Kanye's 808s and Heartbreak would influence more artists. New artists have
shown the world that you don't have to be a gangster to be an authentic artist or true to yourself.
Truthfully, being yourself is enough plus it has great value in the Universe. This time saw music
from Jay Z, K'naan, Kid Cudi, Lil Kim, Black Thought, and Drake. Also, emerging artists like Wale,
Kendrick Lamar, J. Cole, Lupe, Jay Electronica, Nicki Minaj, and B.o.B shined. T-Pain promoted
auto-tune. By the year of 2010, we saw a new generation of hip hop artists coming up like Wiz
Khalifa, Big Sean, Nipsey Hussle, Pill, Freddie Gibbs, Jay Rock, Asher Roth, Logic, and other
people. This time was a mixture of legendary artists and new innovative artists who carried hip hop
into the 2nd decade of the 21st century. Hip hop music came a long way from being in parks in
New York City to expanding to places like Africa, Paris, Asia, etc. Also, it is important to note that
R&B music influenced hip hop and vice versa. There was a time that many people among both
genres had a hostility towards each other. Today, that is a different story with merging of different
types of music being commonplace in the year of 2022.
 Kanye West's Explosion of Talent
By 2006, Kanye West became one of the influential hip hop musicians of the 21st century. He was born
on June 8, 1977. When you think about music, you have to think about Kanye West. Music and fashion
would never be the same when he arrived on the scene. This was long before he supported Trump (which
is wrong in my view) and deteriorated heavily emotionally. He has criticized awards shows for claims of
them not awarding him enough awards and called Bush as a person who doesn't care about black people
(in Bush's response to Katrina in the Gulf Coast. Years later, Kanye retracted that statement). Kanye West
was born in Atlanta and raised in Chicago. His mother, Dr. Donda C. West was a professor of English at
Clark Atlanta University and the Chair of the English Department at Chicago State University. She later
retired to be a manager. His father is former Black Panther Ray West, who is a Christian Counselor. By
January of 2006, the cover of Rolling Stone shown Kanye West wearing a crown of thorns. Kanye West
toured the world with U2 and their Vertigo Tour. West was inspired to make anthem rap songs that could
be shown better in arenas. So, Kanye West made some changes. He used slower tempos, experimented
with electronic music, and respected the music of the 1980's. He was influenced by the melody and chord
progression of rock bands like the Stones and Led Zeppelin.

Kanye West wanted to use wordplay that educated people, express storytelling, and he listened to Bob
Dylan plus Johnny Cash. One of Kanye West's most famous songs and videos was Diamonds from Sierra
Leone. It was recorded in 2004 and released in 2005. It talked about the blood diamond trade harming
people in Africa including children. His song of Jesus Walks in 2004 was controversial and touched on
important issues. Kanye West also uses the song to express his critical views on how the media seem to shy
away from songs that address matters of faith, while embracing songs discussing violence, sex, and illegal
drugs. He rhymed, "So here go my single, dog, radio needs this/They say you can rap about anything
except for Jesus/That means guns, sex, lies, video tapes/But if I talk about God my record won't get
played, huh?" At the 47th Grammy Awards, "Jesus Walks" was awarded the Grammy Award for Best Rap
Song and received a nomination for Song of the Year. Various publications placed the song on several year
and decade-end lists and have since listed it among the greatest of all time. The song was named the 6th-
best song of 2004 on Village Voice's Pazz & Jop critics poll. Kanye West had a remix song with gospel
singer Yolanda Adams.

Graduation came out in 2007 competing against 50 Cent's Curtis album. They met at BET's 106 and
Park to promote their respective albums. Graduation outsold Curtis by a large margin. Graduation debuted
at number 1 on the U.S. Billboard 200 with 957,000 sales in one week. Graduation had hits like Stronger
(influenced by French house duo Daft Punk). The album had Dwele, T-Pain, Lil Wayne, DJ Premier,
Chris Martin of Coldplay, etc. Songs in the album are Can't Tell Me Nothing, Good Life, Flashing Lights,
Homecoming, and other music that are filled with his style. Graduation used synthesizers, and 808s
music. The album focused on electronic music influenced future hip hop artists that they didn't have to
show gangster rap to be successful in their careers. Graduation was the end of the dominance of old school
gangster rap in mainstream hip hop. Alternative artists increasingly found their voices heard. Kanye was
part of the new movement of alternative hip hop artists like Kid Cudi, Wale, Lupe Fiasco, Kidz in the Hall,
Drake, etc. who wanted to show their points of views without obsessing with drug dealing or gun play. One
event changed Kanye West forever. His mother passed away involving complications from a cosmetic
surgery. This was in November of 2007. Kanye West was in massive pain in losing his mother who loved
him unconditionally.

In 2009, he ended his engagement with his fiancée Alexis Phifer (a black woman) after they dated since
2002. Kanye West worked on autotune. His next album would be 808s and Heartbreak. His lead single
was Love Lockdown. It used the Roland TR-808 drum machine. It talked about love, loneliness, and
heartache. Songs like Heartless was on the album too. It changed hip hop music in causing more rappers
to take more creative risks (and being more vulnerable) in music. During the 2009 MTV Video Music
Awards, he grabbed the microphone from Taylor Swift in a controversial move. Kanye West said that
Beyonce's Single Ladies video was the best video of the award show shown by a woman. West suffered some
backlash, but his career wasn't over. Taylor Swift was America's white woman young artist who could have
ended many careers. Kanye continued to make music with a high level of success. He toured with Lady
Gaga. In 2009, he came into Hawaii to develop his next album. He worked with music with Jay Z, Kid
 Cudi, and Pusha T along with Justin Vernon of Bon Iver. His album of My Beautiful Dark Twisted
Fantasy was released in November 2010. Many songs like All of the Lights, Power, Monster, and Runaway
were international hits. Runaway was a 35 minute film of the same name directed by and starring West.
His label of GOOD Music featured artists too. He worked with Jay Z on Watch the Throne in 2011. In
2012, he released Cruel Summer. Songs like Mercy and Clique defined hip hop music of the 2010's. Kanye
West in 2012 toured in the SWU Music and Arts, Austin City Limits, Essence Music Festival, Coachella,
and in other places. Bragging about materialism, the concept of love, social issues, and introspection are all
subjects expressed in West’s music. By 2012, Kanye West established himself as a premier artist of the 21st
century.
PROMINENT HIP HOP CHOREOGRAPHERS
Dance is a key part of hip hop, and this is a dedication to the experts of dance who love their art
fully.

Laurieann Gibson is a Fatima Robinson was born in Tanisha Scott was born in Sean Bankhead is a new
legendary person and Little Rock, Arkansas. She is Toronto, Canada, and she school type of person who
dance expert from one of the original superstar is greatly influenced by her worked with many artists.
Toronto, Canada. She choreographers of the hip hop Jamaican roots. She has He was born in Atlanta,
worked with hip hop artists, culture. She was a friend to the worked with Rihanna, Georgia. He has worked
R&B artists, and pop late Aaliyah and was a Alicia, Keys, Sean Paul, and with Beyonce and with
musicians too. choreographer in many of Beyonce. Tiffany Evans in the song
Aaliyah’s videos too. Promise Ring.

Tricia Miranda is a famous
choreographer for people
like Missy Elliot, Beyonce,
LL Cool J, Eve, etc. She is
one of the most well-known
figures in dance culture.
Shane Sparks Is from Les Twins are Afro-French Parris Goebel is a New
Cincinnati, Ohio. He has been dancers, choreographers, Zealand singer, director,
on of the judges and producers, and designers. and actress too. She always
choreographers on the dance They were born in has a love of hip hop dance.
show “So You Think You Can Sarcelles, Val d’Oise, She is the modern founder
Dance.” He appreciates the art France of Guadalupian and main choreographer of
of dancing. descent. They have worked the dance school, “The
with Beyonce, Missy Elliot, Palace Dance Studio.”
and Meghan Tainor.
The woman holding Kanye West’s hand in the 2010
Runaway short film video in this picture here is the
model Selita Ebanks. Ebanks plays the phoenix who falls
in love with Kanye’s character and flies into space at the
end of the film.

GENIUS
CONTROVERISAL
ARTIST
MUSIC
INNOVATOR

There are many words to accurately describe Kanye

West. Stagnant is not one of those words. Involving
hip hop music, Kanye West can rap, he can produce,
and he knows about music including art. Kanye
West’s issue is that he mixes legitimate truths about
the corruption found in the music industry with lies
like his praise of the views of Donald Trump
MORE SCENES FROM THE 2010 FILM (including his self-hating statements about how
OF RUNAWAY: slavery, for black Americans, was a choice. That
statement hurt tons of black Americans as it slanders
the pain of our black ancestors). Obviously, I don’t
agree with the racist, sexist, and xenophobe Donald
Trump. Kanye West is representative of the
contradiction of many entertainers who claim to be
down for the cause, but they have erroneous views that
make us all have great disappointment in them. Kanye
West is not the first with this mindset, and he won’t be
the last. He was born in Atlanta and raised in Chicago.
His albums like Late Registration, Graduation, 808s
and Heartbreak, etc. prove that he has a diverse
catalogue. He won 22 Grammy Awards. Now, he is a
billionaire with tons of influence in the world, filled
with his imperfections. The only thing that you can
do for Kanye is wish for him to wake up for real.
 Many Directions (2006-2008)
The year of 2006 saw artists from snap, lyrical hip hop, and other forms of hip hop take shape. The early
part of 2006 saw the group of Tha Alkaholiks with their album of Firewater, Sway with This My Demo, J
Dilla with Donuts. Remy Ma released her album called There's Something About Remy: Based on a Tru
Story. Rema Ma is a hip hop artist from the Bronx, NYC with great lyrical talent. She worked with Fat Joe,
and Remy Ma is married to fellow hip hop artist Pappose. Dem Franchise Boyz's On Top of Our Game.
20/20 was an album made by Dilated Peoples. D.M.C, Juvenile, E-40, B.G., T.I.'s King, Ghostface, Bubba
Sparxxx, LL Cool J, and other artists made their albums in 2006 too. The Coup, Mobb Deep, Gnarls
Barkley's St. Elsewhere, Cam'ron, Bronze Nazareth, Rampage, Ice, Shawnna, Yung Joc, Busta Rhymes, and
Zion I released songs, albums, and some of them participated in concerts worldwide. 2006 was a year in
hip hop with old school and new school musicians being fully represented from Lord Jamar to 7L and
Esoteric. DMX's Year of the Dog Again, Pharrell, Inspectah Deck's The Resident Patient, Method Man,
The Roots, Chingy's Hoodstar, Lupe Fiasco, Ludacris, Sleepy Brown, Lloyd Banks, P. Diddy's Press Play,
The Game, Jay Z's Kingdom Come, Snoop, Clipse, Jeezy, Mos Def, Shady Records, and other musicians
have expressed diverse songs. Sean Combs’ Press Play was a different type of album featuring many singers
from Keri Hilson to Keyshia Cole. The sounds of the work dealt with a dance-pop and hip-hop song. It
focuses on the up and downs of relationships. Diverse people on album include also Timbaland, Mario
Winans, Big Boi, Nas, Ciara, Jamie Foxx, Ciara, Nicole Scherzinger, CeeLo Green, Avant, Fergie, Mary J.
Blige, and other musicians. 2006 saw Georgia' snap music come alive with songs like Snap Yo Fingers from
Lil Jon, Lean Wit It, Rock Wit It from Dem Franchise Boyz, It's Goin's Down by Yung Joc, and Shoulder
Lean from Young Dro. TI's What You Know in 2006 allowed TI to reach into a new level of prominence
in hip hop music. By this time, T.I. was already a great artist. By the 21 st century, TI was even more popular.
Rick Ross was on the scene with the song of Hustlin.’ Rick Ross was born in Clarksdale, Mississippi. Ross
was raised in Carol City, Florida. People make a big deal about him being a former correctional officer.
Truthfully, Rick Ross was a correctional officer for 18 months from December 1995 until his resignation
in June 1997. Field Mob, Jibbs, Jim Jones, Pimp C, and other musicians saw their talents flourish in 2006.
In 2007, hip hop music saw a continued merging of old school music with new school influences. In early
2007, old school artists had albums like Ultramegnetic MC's, X Clan, Hussein Fatal and Hardtimerz, and
Consequence has albums. New artists back then like Jin, Crime Mob, Devin the Dude, Mims, Lil Flip, and
others had albums too. Prodigy, Redman, Rich Boy, Young Buck, Timbaland's Shock Value, Brother Ali,
Mic Geronimo, Joell Ortiz, DJ Jazzy Jeff, Bone Thugs-n-Harmony's Strength and Loyalty, KRS-One and
Marley Marl, Lil Wyte, Timabaland’s Shock Value should be mentioned more as it had rappers, R&B
singers, and pop artists as diverse as Keri Hilson, Nelly Furtado, Missy Elliot, and other people. The Way I
Are had some of the most creative beats on the album. Tons of trends, sounds, and music in the 1990’s and
the 21st century has been influenced by the genius Timbaland.

Canibus' For Whom the Bell Tolls (one of the most lyrical albums of all time), etc. proved that hip hop is a
very diverse genres with styles being shown in multifaceted ways. Timbaland's Shock Value was ahead of
it time sonically which was a prelude to Kanye West's Yeezus album. DJ Khaled developed his movement
with music by this time. Pharaoh Monche's Desire was released along with TI's TI vs. TIP. Music from
Tech N9ne, Common, Kia Shine, Guru, Plies, UGK, Brand Nubian, Killah Priest, Aesop Rock, Talib
Kweli, 50 Cent's Curtis, Kanye West's Graduation, Young Noble and Hussein Fatal, Chamillionaire,
Havoc, Percee P, Soujah Boy, and other people released music all over 2007. Jay Z's American Gangster
was inspired by the film of the same name (the movie was about the life of Frank Lucas who came from
North Carolina to form a drug empire based in Harlem, NYC after Bumpy Johnson died).

That album showed Jay Z talked about his previous drug dealing and the response to the criticism that he
has received. By the end of 2007, a new generation of artists shown their music like Gucci Mane, Hi-Tek,
Chingy, Lupe Fiasco, and other artists have shown their talents. Scarface, Styles P, Birdman, Wu Tang
Clan, Freeway, DJ Drama, and other people made 2007 a very vibrant year of hip hop. Cassidy made
records back then. Party Like a Rockstar from Shop Boyz and This is Why I'm Hot by Mims were popular.
From Rich Boy, Hurricane Chris, Kanye West, Gorilla Zoe, Unk, UGK, Bow Wow, Timbaland, Soujah
Boi, and other artists, 2007 ended with music that combined popular records along with lyrical records.
No one can forget about Aaliyah’s contributions to hip hop
culture too.
“I STAY TRUE TO MYSELF AND
MY STYLE, AND I AM ALWAYS
PUSHING MYSELF TO BE
AWARE OF THAT AND BE

ORIGINAL.” The source of the

-Aaliyah image is from: Sal

Idriss/Redferns.
 Hip Hop Related Films of the 2000’s

Brown Sugar (2002) Tupac: Resurrection Freestyle: The Art of ATL (2006)
(2003) Rhyme (2000)

Love for Sale (2008) Get Rich or Die Trying 8 Mile (2002) Hustle and Flow (2005)
(2005)

This is the Life (2008) Civil Brand (2002) Notorious (2009) Carmen: A Hip Hopera
(2001)

Stomp the Yard (2007) You Got Served (2004) Paid in Full (2002) State Property (2002)

Common’s legacy is always linked to hip hop.
The image to the right outlines Common’s music
video called The Corner in 2005.
During this year, Common will be 50
years old. He is one of the greatest,
prolific rappers of all time. He was born
in Chicago. From his album of Can I
Borrow a Dollar? album in 1992 to his
song Glory ft. John Legend, his career
has been legendary. His parents are a
former ABA basketball player Lonnie
Lynn and former principal Mahalia Ann
Hines. Common worked for the
Chicago Bulls as a teenager. He rapped
during the late 1980's while at Luther
High School South in Chicago. He was
in the group C.D.R. who opened for
acts like N.W.A. and Big Daddy Kane.
His 1994 release of Resurrection
changed the game. It was loved by
alternative and underground hip hop
fans. In 1996, he made more music. He
fought against AIDS with his music in
the 1990's too.

He worked with Lauryn Hill, De La

Soul, Canibus, Black Thought, Chantay
Numerous Common Albums Savage, and Questlove. Common was
part of a hip hop, soul collective called
the Soulquarians. Like Water for
Chocolate was found in 2000. He has
continued to make music to this very
Common’s Universal The Black day. He has been an activist, a writer,
Finding Mind Control Dreamer/The America and a believer in human justice. He is a
Forever (2007) (2008) Believer Again pescatarian. He attended Trinity
(2011) (2016)
United Church of Christ in Chicago.
People know of him dating comedian
and actress Tiffany Haddish for a time.
Common has acted in many movies too.
One of his greatest albums was Black
America Again in 2016.
In 2008, Barack Obama was elected President of the United States. With that new era in existence, hip hop
artists wanted to reckon with this new time. Barack Obama was the first American President who not only
embraced hip hop, but he made it his business to promote hip hop artists overtly in campaigns plus various
programs. Rick Ross' Trilla album would increase his presence in the hip hop scene. Twista created his
new label called Get Money Gang. Flo Rida had a digital sales record by selling over 470,000 digital units
in one week. Jay Z stepped down as Def Jam President to be replaced by L.A. Reid. Jay Z wanted to pursue
other things. Ruthless Records return with help from Sony. Eazy-E's wife Tomica Woods-Wright is the
CEO of the re-formed company. Nas' album of The N was released in 2008. It targeted racism, FOX News,
Bill O'Reilly, and oppression. Lil Wayne's Tha Carter III was released in 2008 too selling over 1 million
copies in its first week. Disturbing tha Peace signed with Def Jam. 2008 was the peak of the 50 Cent and
Fat Joe beef, and later they would end it. Eminem and Royce Da 5'9 ended their beef in 2008 too. Chuck
Phillips of the Los Angeles Times accused Diddy and Jimmy Rosemond of being involved in the death of
Tupac Shakur. Of course, Rosemond and Diddy denied those allegations. Today, we know that some
members of the Southside Crips were involved in the evil murder of Tupac Shakur. Game released his
album of L.A.X. TI was found guilty of gun charges, Remy Ma was found guilty of charges against her,
and Max B was shot. Nelly released his album of Brass Knuckles. Trina's album of Still da Baddest was
number 1 on the Rap albums on Billboard on April of 2008. Trina has been a businesswoman and
musician for decades now. Currently, Trina has inspired future Florida musicians. Suge Knight was
assaulted and hospitalized in May of 2008 and in 2009. Obviously, Suge Knight is not a role model. Years
ago, the police found him holding a knife next to his then girlfriend after he punched her in the head while
she was driving a vehicle. Now, Suge Knight is in prison. Suge should wake up. I will say that many people
like Wack 100 and others (who were once with him) are disrespecting him while he is in prison (yet, they
didn’t talk like that about him before he was in prison).

New York governor David Paterson pardoned Slick Rick that ends his immigration troubles. By June of
2008, BET loses many sponsorships over violence, profanity, and obscenity in some hip-hop videos. Many
companies like Pepsi and General Motors pulled their ads from Rap City and 106 and Park. BET would
later make a huge comeback later with movies about New Edition, Soul Train, The Bobby Brown story,
etc. This was the year when Rick Ross was revealed to be a correctional officer before being a rapper. Master
P worked in community programs. Dr. Dre's daughter released a controversial documentary called
Daddy's Shadow talking about her father not supporting her dreams of rapping. Da Brat was sentenced to
jail for hitting a woman with a rum bottle at an Atlanta nightclub in 2007. Yung Berg (who is a notorious
colorist and a person that I don't respect) was beaten up and robbed of his Transformers necklace in Detroit
at Trick Trick's club Plan B. TI's Paper Trial would be successful. Johnny J committed suicide by
jumping of a tier of a county jail. He was a producer of many Tupac Shakur's songs. Other artists like
Chino XL, Big Noyd, Webbie, Pete Rock, Shawty Lo, Rakim, Bizzy Bone, AZ, Prodigy, Foxy Brown's
Brooklyn's Don Diva, Three 6 Mafia, Immortal Technique, RZA, Jean Grae's Jeanius, David Banner,
Skillz, GZa, Kardinal Offishall, Common, Ludacris, Murs, and other artists made 2008 a year of creative
power in hip hop. Jean Grae’s Jeanius is one of her best albums of her career. Working with 9th Wonder,
Quelle Chris, and other legends are part of her history. As part of the underground hip hop scene, Jean Grae,
in my opinion, is one of the greatest lyricists of all time.

Whether people love her or not,
she can never be forgotten. She
worked in R&B and hip-hop culture
for decades. Daring, controversial,
and inquisitive define her life story.
That is why she is mentioned here
involving hip hop, because hip hop
includes all of those
characteristics. Wendy Williams is
a Northern black woman born in
Ashbury Park, New Jersey (on July
18, 1964). From the start of her
life, she dealt with massive pain.
Also, during many times of her
career, she caused pain to many
celebrities.
She spoke about many things in
public about many entertainers
that many of us have said in
private. She earned her degree in
communications and a minor in
journalism from Northeastern
University in Boston. Her career in
television and radio has been long
and extensive. She told the truth
on many occasions and made
many mistakes. Also, she never
deserves the mistreatment by the
evil person Kevin Hunter (who is an
adulterer and a person with vile
character).
Writing books, like her
autobiography with New York
Daily News journalist Kevin Hunter
and having other fictional books
have been done by her. She
worked with many hip hop artists
like M.O.P., Jadakiss, and Young
Jezzy. By 2009, Williams was
inducted into the National Radio
Hall of Fame. With her gifts,
mistakes, and illnesses, there are
those who want to be cruel to her.
We can disagree with her on many
issues (like I do), but we shouldn’t
be cruel to her. We should only
wish her the best.

The Wendy Williams show has

been on for many years based
in New York City. Diverse
guests, humor, and a large
audience are all part of the
show’s atmosphere.
Tribe Called Quest remains one of
the greatest hip hop groups in
history. All of its members have
amazing talent that reached tons
of people worldwide. RIP to Phife.

Q-Tip’s The Renaissance album was released on

November 4, 2008, and it was held in critical
acclaim. Great lyricism, old school beats, usage of
R&B legends, and great vibes represent the
essence of this album. This is Q-Tip’s most
underrated album of his career. He was part of the
Tribe Called Quest for years, and he made his solo
projects numerous times as well. The album talks
about love, romance, his life journey, and his love
Q-Tip and Janet
of music. The Renaissance was nominated for Best
Jackson are great
Rap Album. Hip hop is more than a musical
friends.
genre. It is an art that focuses on human creativity,
the aesthetics of human living, and honest, self-
expression. On the album, he worked with Norah
Jones, D’Angelo, Raphael Saadiq, Amanda Diva,
Eve, Raekwon, Busta Rhymes, Lil Wayne, Kanye
West, Consequence, and other artists. Jazz
elements are found all throughout the songs
leading into a great sound.
 Experimentation (2009-2011)
The year of 2009 in hip hop about new artists and experimentation. The Notorious film soundtrack was
released on January 13, 2009. It had Jay Z, Jadakiss, and other people. The Notorious movie was about the
life of Christopher Wallace (B.I.G.) from his birth in Brooklyn to his unfortunate passing in Los Angles,
California. Christopher Wallace’s flow, lyricism, and influence in hip hop has always been acknowledged.
Albums from OJ Da Juiceman, Lisa "Left Eye" Lopes, and others were released in January too. Jermaine
Dupri left Def Jam in 2009. Eminem, 50 Cent, and Dr. Dre's Crack a Bottle song would later reach number
one on the charts. Soulja Boy and Bow wow had a short feud. This was the year when 50 Cent and Rick
Ross started to trade insults on various records. February 2009 saw Lil Wayne win 4 Grammy Awards at
the 2009 Grammy Awards, Kanye West won 2 awards, and Jay Z including T.I. won one award each. On
February 2009, albums from Zion I, B-Real, Grandmaster Flash (The Bridge-Concept of a Culture),
Havoc, Joe Budden, Project Pat, and O.S.T.R. were released. Flo Rida released his R.O.O.T.S. album in
March of 2009, TI was sentenced to jail for gun possessions, and other events happen. Relapse was released
in 2009 from Eminem. Asher Roth's Asleep in the Bread Aisle and Rick Ross' Deeper Than Rap were high
on the charts. By May of 2009, Ocean's 7 was formed. It was a supergroup made up of Jermaine Dupri,
Nelly, Usher, Bryan-Michael Cox, Johnta Austin, Trey Songz, and Tyrone Davis. That month saw Method
Man and Joe Budden having a dispute when Joe Budden falsely minimized Method Man's hip-hop talent.
Later, after being confronted, Joe Budden ended his feud. DJ Paul released his album. 50 Cent released
his War Angel LP mixtape on June of 2009. This was the time when Michael Jackson passed away. The
Game ended his feud with 50 Cent by June of 2009. Rakim made his comeback album of The Seventh
Seal by July of 2009. Chamillionaire released his last mixtape on August of 2009. On September 2009, Jay
Z and Alicia Keys performed Empire State of Mind at the 2009 MTV Video Music Award. Lil Mama
jumped on stage because of her emotional connection that she had with the Jay Z and Alicia Keys song
praising NYC. Lil Mama felt the emotion of New York City being celebrated, so she came on the stage to
celebrate the power of her hometown. Lil Mama is a rapper and actress in her own right. DJ and producer
Roc Raida died on September 19, 2009.

DJ Mr. Magic passed away. Jamala "Shyne" Barrow was released from prison in October 2009 after almost
9 years in prison. Beanie Sigel had a beef with Jay Z over money and influence, but they end it later on.
Young Jeezy ended his beef with DJ Drama and Gucci Mane in December of 2009. T.I. was released early
from prison. By 2009, Rick Ross's Deeper Than Rap and Tech N9ne's Sicology 101 were very popular in
the hip hop world. Gucci Mane shown his music along with Cam'ron, and Paul Wall. Method Man and
Redman made Blackout! 2 on May 19, 2009. AZ made the album of Legendary. AZ is one of the few older
artists that never lost his flow or lyricism at any circumstance. New artists and older artists made music
like Hussein Fatal, Juicy J, Mos Def, Willy Northpole, Grand Puba, Maino, Yukmouth, Slaughterhouse,
Killer Mike, Raekwon, Esoteric, Young Money, Kid Cudi, Mack 10, Royce da 5'9, Wale, 50 Cent (with
Before I Self Destruct), and other people. The year of 2009 saw singles like Empire State of Mind, Best I Ever
Had (from Drake, who was a newcomer back then), Keri Hilson ft. Kanye West plus Ne-Yo with Knock
You Down, Forever (with Drake, Lil Wayne, Kanye West, and Eminem), Brother Ali's Good Lord, Nipsey
Hussle's Hussle in the House, J Cole's Lights Please, Jay Z's Death of Autotune, and Jay Electronica's
Exhibit C. Back then, autotune was controversial, so that is why Jay Z made that record.

Sister Lil' Mo (or Cynthia Karen

Loving) is known by people from
my generation as a rapper, a singer,
a songwriter, and a TV personality.
She was born in Long Island, NY. As
being part of a military family, he
lived in Texas, Georgia, and North
Carolina. Later, she lived in

Lil Mo’s Baltimore. When she was grown,

she moved into Manhattan, NYC to
start her music career. People have
called her the Godmother of Hip

Story
Hop and R&B. She worked with
Nicole Wray and Missy Elliot. Her
debut single of 5 Minutes was in
1998 being part of the Why Do
Fools Fall in Love film soundtrack
(which was about the life of Frankie
Lymon). She worked with many hip
hop artists her famous songs are
Superwoman Pt. II, etc. She has
won many awards too.

NYC is the origin of modern-day hip hop.

 Nas’ album “Hip Hop is
Dead” from 2006
causes controversy and
excitement from his fans
on its content.
Bun B's third solo album,
"Trill OG," becomes the
first album in five years to
receive The Source
magazine 5-mic award.
Also, Gang Starr co-
founder and hip-hop
legend Guru passed
away on April 19, 2010
after a battle with cancer.
“I think it’s great to set goals for yourself and stop at nothing until you’ve made it happen
In 2007, KRS-One and Jay Z was the first rapper
Marley Marl unite to to headline Glastonbury,
collaborate on an album the largest greenfield
called “Hip-Hop Lives.” music and performing arts
festival in the world.
G-Funk pioneer and On January 7, 2012, Jay Z
legendary artist Nat and Beyonce welcome
Dogg passed away at the Blue Ivy to the world. Jay Z
age of 41 years old in dedicates a song to her.
2011. Jasiri X and many other
rappers honor the life of
the murdered black
teenager Trayvon Martin
via their music.
though good energy and positivity.”
-MC Lyte.
In 2009, the supergroup
of Slaughterhouse is
formed among Royce da
5’9, Crooked I, Joe
Budden, and Joel Ortiz.
Kendrick Lamar and his
TDE cohorts ink a deal
with
Aftermath/Interscope in
2012.
In 2010, new developments existed in hip hop. DMX released his best songs in an album in January of
2010 along with Maino. Game signed a new record contract and returned to Aftermath Entertainment on
February of 2010. The rapper Nujabes died on February 26, aged 36 in a traffic accident. On February 8,
2010, Canibus released the album of Melatonin Magik where he works with many underground artists to
outline some of the most lyrical songs of all time. Ludacris in March of 2010 was the first rapper in 2010 to
be featured on 3 top 10 Billboard Hot 100 charted songs. TI works on his new album after being released
from prison. O.S.T.R. released its album. Lil Wayne's of Rebirth reached gold with 505,000 copies by
April of 2010. Guru died of multiple myeloma on April 19, 2010 at the age of 47 years old. He was a legend
in hip hop with talent, skills, and a humble spirit. B.o.B's Nothin' on You was very popular. It would be
platinum featuring Bruno Mars. B.o.B.'s album of B.o.B. Presents: The Adventures of Bobby Ray was
released on May of 2010. Gucci Mane was released from prison in the same month. Eminem's single of Not
Afraid debuts at number one in the Billboard Hot 100. The album of We Are Young from Young Money
was Gold in May of 2010. Drake released the album of Thank Me Later, and Eminem released Recovery
in June of 2010. Hip hop pioneer Rammellzee died on June 29, 2010. Recovery would be over 1,000,000
copies in its 2nd week. Drake hosted the August first annual Ovo (October's Very own) Festival having Jay
Z, Eminem, Rick Ross, Young Jezzy, Bun B, and Fabolous. Kanye West's music video of Power is highly
influential and shows that Kanye West will make music for a long time. The video of Power have
symbolism, images of women, and a message of the burden of artists in the music industry.

DJ Khaled's All I do Is Win is popular. In the same month, Kanye West released Dark Twisted Fantasy
and Nicki Minaj's Pink Friday were released. By this time, Nicki Minaj was already established as one of
the best hip hop artists of this generation. She fought companies trying to blackball her, and she has both
the lyricism and the flow. Huddy 6 (from Harlem's own Harlem World) died in a car accident at the
George Washington Bridge in NYC at the age of 34. Lil Wayne was released from prison in November
2010. Dr. Dre released Kush from November 2010 featuring Snoop Dogg and Akon. Kid Cudi's debut
album of Man on the Moon: The End of the Day was certified Gold by November of 2010. Waka Flocka
Flame (born in NYC, but he is based in Atlanta) had his first gold single of No Hands. By December 2010,
Lil Wayne released his song 6 Foot 7 Foot" as part of his Tha Carter IV album. Lil Wayne, being from New
Orleans, is one of the most influential, talented artists in hip hop music. Hip hop artist Magnolia Shorty
died as being murdered on December 20. Also, G-Dep in the same month admitted to committing murder
in 1993. 2010 have albums from Brotha Lynch Hung, Snoop, Freeway, Beanie Sigel, The Outlawz,
Inspectah Deck, Wiz Khalifa, Kurupt, Bone Thugs N Harmony, Trina, Nas and Damian Marley,
Common, plies, Rhymefest, Juvenile, Rick Ross, and Lil' Flip. Many underground artists made music like
Planet Asia, Sha Stimuli, Cyssero, Large Professor, Copywrite, Bronze Nazareth, Yelawolf, and other people.

2011 saw tons of new events. By January of 2011, Shady Records signed Slaughterhouse and Yelawolf (who
is known to glamorize the Confederate flag which I don't agree with). Jay Z and Eminem won Grammy
Awards in February of 2011. Nate Dogg died on March 15, 2011. Nate Dogg could rap and harmonize in
hooks among some of the best songs of hip hop. He worked with tons of people like Pharoah Monche, etc.
Lasers by Lupe Fiasco debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 selling 2014,000 copies its first week. It
was the first rap album to debut at number one on the Billboard 200 in 2011. Dr. Dre had 100 percent of
the digital royalty from the Chronic after a lawsuit from Death Row Records. Tupac's 40th years birthday
was celebrated in Atlanta and was hosted by Afeni Shakur. People there include Mike Epps, Erykah Badu,
Rick Ross, etc. Ironically, Jimmy Henchman would be arrested after a manhunt. U.S. Marshals and DEA
agents in NYC catch him. Later, he admitted to many crimes. A Tribe Called Quest documentary was
released, and Wiz Khalifa's Rolling Papers became gold in 2011.

Kanye West and Jay Z released Watch the Throne. It was the fastest selling album of 2011. Kanye West
proved to his older hip hop ally Jay Z that he was a worthy hip hop artist. It was the third album to be debut
at number one on the Billboard 200 in 2011. Jay Z and Lil Wayne have a rap battle over money and
influence with songs like HAM and It's Good. Pusha T makes more solo moves by signing with Def Jam
Records. Lil Wayne's Tha Carter IV sold 965,000 in its first week. It's the 5th album to debut at number
one. Ray J and Fabulous were involved in a verbal altercation by September 2011 in Las Vegas. This came
after the Floyd Mayweather and Victor Ortiz match. J. Cole released his album of Cole World: The Sideline
Story. It charts at number one on the Billboard 200. J. Cole is an artist respected by old-school hip-hop
people and new school hip hop fans. He is from North Carolina. He bridges the generational divide in hip
hop. Rapper Lola Monroe signed with Wiz Khalifa's label Taylor Gang. Lola Monroe is a model, rapper,
and actress of Ethiopian descent. RoseMo 700 was murdered in Los Angeles after he claimed to beat up
the rapper Game. Heavy D died in November of 2010 at Beverly Hills, CA in his home. Drake debuted at
number one with his album of Take Care. 1017 Brick Squard affiliate Slim Dunkin was killed in an Atlanta
studio. Waka Flocka Flame's 2nd album is Triple F: Friends, Fans, and Family was pushed to be released in
2012 because of Slim Dunkin's death. In 2011, hip hop artists like Lecrae, Schoolboy Q, Yukmouth, Keak
Da Sneak, Talib Kweli, Paul Wall, Big K.R.I.T., Lil Kim, Saigon, Joel Ortiz, Layzie Bone, WC, Planet Asia,
E-40, Mac Miller, Max B, Ab Soul, Bizzy Bones, Layzie Bone, Pete Rock, Ace Hood, and other artists made
music.
 The Story of the
Hip Hop
She was a pioneer in hip hop who gave future women hip
Pioneer,
hop stars more confidence in their own self-expression. She
also was a battle rapper who held her own against some of Roxanne Shante
the greatest rap musicians of all time. She is Sister Roxanne
Shante, and she is now 51 years old, and she was born plus
raised in Queensbridge, NYC at Queens. A movie that
details her own life is called Roxanne Roxanne that came
out in 2018. She worked with the Juice Crew and DJ
Marley Marl. She started to rap in 1979 when she was 9
years old. She worked with many legends during the start
of her career. He early songs were responses to U.T.F.O.
Then, she battled Sparky D and other people in lyrical,
controversial songs. After her music career, Roxanne made
a cameo appearance at Ms. Rap Supreme. It is difficult for
women M.C.s then and now. Yet, Roxanne Shante proved
that talented women artists have the right to be respected
and heard concretely. Now, Roxanne Shante is a mentor
and a woman who is moving forward in her life. Today,
artists like Jean Grae and Lady Leshurr all are influenced
by Roxanne Shante's confidence and honesty. I wish Sister
Roxanne Shante more blessings.
 The Younger Generation Asserts
Itself (2012)
Hip hop in 2012 same some of the greatest hip hop albums of the 2010's. In January of 2012, Azealia Banks
signed to Universal Music. The paradox of Azealia Banks is that she is a great MC. She knows how to rap
with excellent lyricism. Her issue is her contradictory statements. She claims to be for black women, but
she disrespected black women with colorist slurs. She claims to be against racism, but she constantly prone
to make hurtful statements about others along with once promoting bleaching creams. On February 2012,
Kanye West won four Grammy Awards for Best Rap Song, Best Rap Album, Best Rap Performance, and
Best Rap/Sung Collaboration, while Jay-Z and Kid Cudi have won one each. This year saw many D12
members leaving the group. On March 2012, T.I. announces he signed Iggy Azalea, Chip and Trae Tha
Truth to Grand Hustle Records. This was controversial as Iggy Azalea (who is from Australia) is known
for her cultural appropriation, and Iggy disrespected hip hop legends like Q-Tip. In the same month, MTV
announces that Top Dawg Entertainment, a Los Angeles-based independent record label, have closed a
joint venture deal with Interscope Records and Aftermath Entertainment. Under the new deal, Black
Hippy member Kendrick Lamar's debut studio album, good kid, m.A.A.d city will be jointly released via
Top Dawg/Interscope/Aftermath while releases from the rest of Black Hippy (Ab-Soul, Jay Rock and
Schoolboy Q) will be distributed via Top Dawg/Interscope. Tyga made music too. Kendrick Lamar came
on the scene to be a voice of a generation from Compton.

On April 2012, Q-Tip has announced his signing to Kanye West's G.O.O.D. Music/Def Jam, Coachella
Music Festival, Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg surprised the audience with a performance from 2Pac via
hologram image, and Former D12 member Mr. Porter announced his debut album. Adam Yauch (known
as MCA), one of the founding members of Beastie Boys, died on May 4, 2012, aged 47. Young Buck and 2
Chainz were arrested on various charges. By May of 2012, In the song "Exodus 23:1", Pusha T insulted Cash
Money Records, igniting a beef between him and Lil Wayne. Shawn Chrystopher signs to Timbaland
Productions. On June 2012, Nicki Minaj was pulled from performing at New York's Hot 97 Summer Jam
after on-air DJ Peter Rosenberg called her song "Starships “wack and corny.” This was the start of some
trying to blackball Nicki Minaj in the industry. Regardless of how people feel, Nicki Minaj knows how to
rap. Her early freestyles and later music prove that she does have bars. Lil Phat died on June 7 after he was
shot multiple times in Atlanta.

On August 2012, Hip Hop executive Chris Lighty, founder of Violator and who managed and worked with
artists like 50 Cent and Busta Rhymes, was found dead due to possible suicide. On September 2012, 50
Cent and Fat Joe have ended their feud, appearing on stage together at the 2012 BET Hip Hop Awards.
Also on BET Hip Hop Awards, 50 Cent and his crew G-Unit have been involved into a fight with Maybach
Music Group's member Gunplay. On October of 2012, P. Diddy had a car accident, Lil Wayne has seizures,
and 50 Cent plus French Montana had a feud. Both Jay-Z and Kanye West each have six Grammy
nominations for the 2013 Grammy Awards, Nas has four, Drake and 2 Chainz each have three, Andre 3000,
Big Sean, Pusha T, Lil Wayne, and Wiz Khalifa each have two (on December 2012). On December 24,
2012, it was announced that Capital STEEZ, a close friend of Joey Bad__ and founder of Pro Era, died from
a suspected suicide. In 2012, Kendrick Lamar released the Good Kid, M.A.A.D city album. Life is God from
Nas was released in the same year. It was his most lyrical album at that time since Stillmatic. Killer Mike
released R.A.P. Music. Killer Mike is an artist who doesn’t just talk about social and political issues (he
once supported Bernie Sanders for President). Killer Mike works in his own community to cause change
and runs many institutions in Georgia. Schoolboy Q released Habits and Contradictions. Nicki Minaj
released Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded. Ab Soul, Rick Ross, Big K.R.I.T., 2 Chainz, Future, Meek Mills,
Lupe Fiasco, Aesop Rock, Frank Ocean, Macklemore, Currne$y, T.I., Brother Ali, O.C., Public Enemy,
Freeway, DMX, Wiz Khalifa, Lecrae, Slaughterhouse, Sean Price, The Coup, E-40, La Coka Nostra, and
other artists released songs and music in 2012.
Andre Leon Talley passed away at the age of 73 too. He was a fashion
icon who was the first black male creative director of Vogue magazine.
His maternal grandmother raised him. Living in Jim Crow South was
brutal for him, but it never crushed his spirit. He was out to not only
study fashion. He wanted to inspire creativity. Talley worked by going
up the ranks from being a fashion designer to being an editor. He gave
critiques on clothing, gave political statements, and was courageous. He
wrote tons of book, worshipped at a church in Harlem, and remains one
of the greatest scholars of fashion.

Rest in Power Brother Andre Leon Talley.

Sister Renee Elise Goldsberry is 51 years old. As one of the
most talented actresses and singers of this generation, she is
a prominent person of Broadway. She had the role of
Angelica Schuyler in the Broadway musical of Hamilton. That
is why she won the 2016 Tony Award for Best Featured
Actress in a Musical. She was born in San Jose, California. She
was later raised in Houston and Detroit. When she was on
summer camp when she was 8, she was introduced to
theater. That is why she was at the HITA Theater in Houston
being taught by Carolyn Franklin. She graduated from
Cranbrook Kingswood School in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan.
She graduated from Carnegie Mellon University with a
Bachelor of Fine Arts in theater by 1993. She earned a Master
of Music in jazz studies from the University of Southern
California's Thorton School of Music in 1997.
She worked on shows like Ally McBeal, the ABC soap opera
One Life to Live, the Good Wife, Star Trek: Enterprise, etc. She
starred as Henrietta Lacks in the HBO TV film of The Immortal
Life of Henrietta Lacks (based on Rebecca Skloot's nonfiction
work with the same title). She was on the Netflix science
fiction series of Altered Carbon as Quellcrist Falconer. She
has been on plays for decades, even winning a Grammy
Awards for Best Musical Theater Album in 2016. She sings
music and did a BET Hip Hop Awards Cypher in October of
2015. She loves her husband NY attorney Alexi Johnson and
their 2 children. In 2022, she will play in the series called She-
Hulk. Renee Elise Goldsberry is an example of human
excellence indeed.
Sister Ava DuVernay is 49 years old. She is world famous black
American filmmaker. She has worked hard. She has directed
films like Middle of Nowhere, Selma in 2014, and the
documentary 13th in 2016 (about the 13th Amendment and
the prison industrial complex). She was born in Long Beach,
California. She grew up in Lynwood, California which is near
Compton. She would travel to Selma as a child on summer
vacations. This inspired her to film Selma, as her father
witnessed the 1965 Selma to Montgomery marches. She
graduated in 1990 from Saint Joseph High School in
Lakewood. At the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA),
she had a double BA major in English literature and African
American studies. She was a journalist, a hip hop artist, and a
scholar. She worked on short films. She did documentaries too.
Her first narrative feature film was I Will Follow, which was
drama starring Salli Richardson-Whitfield. Ava DuVernay grew
to be one of the greatest filmmakers of our generation.
DuVernay is part of the new generation of black filmmakers
who are unapologetic in their Blackness and show universal
messages at the same time. She was involved in the film of A
Wrinkle in Time in 2018. She continues to work. Her upcoming
work of Colin in Black and White is to come on Netflix in
October of 2021. She is our legend of this time. Ava DuVernay
is a genius in her work.
 Rah Digga or Rashia Tashan
Fisher is one of the greatest lyricists
of all time. She was born in Newark,
New Jersey on December 18, 1974.
Rah Digga and Carmen (2001) is the Busta Rhymes, Rah Digga, and
Lauryn Hill are movie about a tragedy Swizz Beatz all contributed
She has been on awards shows, TV
friends, great filled with hip hop their work in hip hop culture. shows, and movies like Carmen
artists, and they artists. Rah Digga was Bushta Rhymes worked with (with Beyonce). Being a writer and
worked on music in the project. Rah Digga in the Flipmode
before too. Squad movement.
activist is part of her career too. She
has worked with Busta Rhymes, the
Outsidaz, Young Zee, Q-Tip, and
other legendary artists. By 2001, she
performed with Deborah Cox,
Monica, Tamia, and Mya at the
Michael Jackson: 30th Anniversary
Celebration with a rap verse to “heal
the World.” She made albums for
over 20 years now. In 2003 and
2009, she was featured in the
documentary films Queens of Hip
Hop (with Salt-N-Pepa) and Say
My Name (with Erykah Badu, Jean
Grae, Miz Korona, Remy Ma, and
MC Lyte, among others).
Additionally, Digga has appeared as
a guest star on The Mo'Nique
Show. She loves her daughter too.
Honoring Sidney Poitier (February 20, 1927 – January 6, 2022)
He gave us (as black people) a light in the sense to witness
that strength plus dignity expressed in our daily lives is
always a valuable asset in the building up of our black
community. He was the first black man on film to slap a
white man in self-defense in the 1967 classic movie of In
the Heat of the Night. He showed his comedic side in the
Uptown Saturday Night film and A Preacher named
Buck. Sidney Poitier loved all his children, and he won
many awards for his accomplishments. Movies like
Blackboard Jungle, A Raisin in the Sun, Porgy and Bess,
To Sir with Love, Guess Who's Coming to Dinner, Paris
Blues, and Love with Ivy outlined his diversity of talent.
Legends are abundant in our society, and he was a true
icon of acting plus activism. Sidney Poitier recently
passed away at the age of 94 years old at the Bahamas.
For decades, he was a prominent actor who broke down
many barriers and inspired future legends like Lou
Gossert Jr., Denzel Washington, Oprah Winfrey, and
Morgan Freeman. Like many of us (who are black
people), he was born in a family all about love and
camaraderie. He was poor financially growing up, but he
was never poor in spirit. From joining African American
theater groups to supporting the Civil Rights Movement,
Poitier lived a full life. From the start of his career, he One of his unsung movies was the romance called A
wanted to show non-stereotypical images of black people Warm December. Historically, Poitier won the Academy
on film and in other arenas. Standing on the foundation Award and praised the younger generations for their
of huge leaders like Paul Robeson, Canada Lee, and continued works detailing excellence and magnitude of
others, he was stoic and confident. Long before the respect for the ancestors. Now, he is an ancestor, and his
1960's, he was on movies like No Way Out to condemn path shall never be omitted from our cherished
racism, Cry Freedom to oppose apartheid, and Edge of memories.
the City to expose economic corruption. These socio-
political movies were decades ahead of his time. Black Famous Films from Sidney Poitier
women supported him like his mother, Juanita Hardy,
Ruby Dee, and other human beings.

No Way Out Paris Blues For Love of A Warm

(1950) (1961) Ivy (1968) December
(1973)

Rest in Power Brother Sidney Poitier

 Some of the Many Songs that RECORD
Timbaland Produced
PRODUCER
Aaliyah’s We The Way I Are ft.
RAPPER
Need a Keri Hilson and
Resolution
(2001)
D.O.E. (2007)
SINGER
SONGWRITER
He is one of the best
hip hop producers in RECORD
history. EXECUTIVE

Changing the game forever is an accurate description of this legendary person. Timbaland changed
hip hop and R&B culture forever with his innovative beats and other contributions to music. His
production work and distinctive rhythmic style are years ahead of its time. A large percentage of late
90s and 21st century music has been produced, created, or influenced by him. He was born in Norfolk,
Virginia and raised in Virginia Beach, Virginia. His cousin is the artist Pharrell. Timbaland worked
with his friends to produce classic music like Ginuwine (in his 1996 album of Ginuwine…the Bachelor),
Missy Elliot (with her 1997 album of Supa Dupa Fly), and the late Aaliyah (in her album of One in a
Million from 1996. He helped to contribute on many songs from Aaliyah like We Ned a Resolution,
More than a Woman, and I Care 4 U). Working with pop artists, R&B artists, and rock and roll artists
(like Jennifer Hudson, Teairra Mari, Nicole Scherzinger, OneRepublic, Usher, Jay Z, Rihanna,
Esthero, Keri Hilson, Flo Rida, Latoya Luckett, etc.) have been part of his legacy too. He and Swizz
Beatz invented the Verzuz challenge among DJs and artists that continues to this day. Shock Value I
in 2007 and Shock Value II in 2009 (with music like Morning After Dark) took his music into another
level. Winning 1 BET Hip Hop Award, 1 Vibe Award, 4 Grammy Awards, 3 ASCAP Pop Music Awards
(for Songwriter of the Year in 2001, 2003, and in 2008), etc. show that he has immense talent. He loves
his children too.
 Hip Hop's Future Continues to
Evolve (Conclusion)
The start and the end of the era of hip hop from 2006 to 2012 started with new changes. Napster was
over in 2006. Myspace, Facebook, and YouTube during this time increased the power of grassroots artists
to show their voices. These social media platforms helped grassroots people and unsung artists to not only
gain resources. Many of these musicians became internationally famous. Soujah Boy had his career from
the Internet in part. This time period saw the growth of more alternative hip hop artists from Kid Cudi to
Kanye West influenced by electronic beats and a unique sound. Gangster rap in the modern sense ended
by this time. Legendary artists continued to make
classics like Nas, Jay Z, Public Enemy, etc. The
younger generation of musicians like Meek Mill, J.
Cole, Def Loaf, Tink, Vince Staples, Drake, Hopsin,
Machine Gun Kelly, Azealea Banks, Logic,
Kendrick Lamar, Mac Miller, Nipsey Hussle, and
others showed their range of talent, their
experiences, their skills, and their life stories. Many Big K.R.I.T. is one of the The hip hop artist Eve by
of these hip hop artists grew to high acclaim by greatest rappers of our 2012 was already one of
2020. By 2012 to the present, there is the modern generation with style and the best and influential
history of hip hop music. That era is about lyricism. He was born in musicians of our time.
contemporary hip hop. During this era (of hip hop Meridian, Mississippi. He She has a long career of
played the cello when he making music and
music found from 2012 to the present) hip hop is was in junior high school. representing Philly to the
dominated by a combination of lyrical artists and a fullest.
new wave of artists who show trap, drill music, and
mumble rap.

Mumble rap is probably the most controversial form of hip hop in our generation of the 21st century. Many
people love it or hate. Some mumble rap is difficult to understand, lacks lyrical content, and is redundant.
One of the most disrespectful, lacking in talent mumble rappers is Lil Xan. He is the person who said
that Tupac's music is boring. Another one, named Lil Pump is a Trump supporter, when we know that
Trump is a sexist and a racist. Some (not all) of these mumble rap/soundcloud disrespect older legendary
rappers who laid the foundation for them to be on the stage in the first place.

Brother Pharrell Williams, and he is 49 years old. He is a

Some of Pharrell’s
Prominent Music Videos
Happy (2013) Frontin’ ft. Jay
Z (2007)
famous producer, singer, songwriter, hip hop artist, and
entrepreneur. He was part of the production team called
the Neptunes with Chad Hugo (during the 1990's and
the 2000's). Pharrell is one of the most influential music
producers of the 21st century. He influenced heavily the
sound of modern popular music. Pharrell Williams was
born and raised at Virginia Beach, Virginia. His mother
was a teacher, and his father was a handyman. In school,
Pharrell Williams played drums, the saxophone, and
other instruments. He graduated from high school in
1991 from Princess Anne High School. He attended
Northwestern University for 2 years before dropping
out. He worked with Hugo, Timbaland, Missy, Magoo,
and others for years including Shay Haley. Teddy Riley
helped his career too. The Neptunes helped to usher in
a new era of hip hop/R&B sounds by working with
Noriega, Jay Z, the Clipse, Nelly, Kelis, and other people.
Pharrell made his own songs and albums too. He worked
with rock, pop, and other artists. He even composed and
produced the music for the 84th Academy Awards
alongside Hans Zimmer. Happy is one of his most
famous songs. Williams worked with Daft Punk and
Azealia Banks. Pharrell made the historic Something in
the Water music celebration in Virginia Beach. The
legendary Pharrell has recorded music for movies. J Dila,
Stevie Wonder, Donny Hathaway, and other legends
Universal Mind inspired him. As a human being who has invested his
Control ft. community for years, Pharrell loves his wife plus 4
Common (2008) children.

Beautiful ft. Excuse Me I’m Good ft. The

Snoop (2003) Miss ft. Jay Z Clipse (2009)
(2003)
 The Somalian Canadian poet Lady Leshurr is an Afro- Shingo Annen is the Japanese
K’naan is a very gifted hip British hip hop artist who is American hip hop artist who
hop artist with songs and one of the greatest lyricists of has shown topics on many
albums that has motivated our generation. She is very things for years. He was born
many people in their daily underrated with tons of in Tokyo, Japan on October
lives. music and her Queen’s 18, 1975, being 46 years old.
Speech freestyles.
I am from an older generation being almost 40 years old. Other parts of mumble rap do have a great
musical quality and have words that mean something. Yet, mumble rap, emo rap, and soundcloud rap are
still part of hip hop whether we like it or not. Soundcloud rap is part of the hip hop lexicon. I don't agree
with the types of mumble rap that degrades women, glorifies drug abuse, and glorifies violence (as done
by the worst mumble rapper of all time 6IX9INE. In the near future, I will expose this racist, hypocrite
really strongly. The fact of a person named Wack100 doing business with this racist informant shows
Wack 100 to be a hypocrite just like DJ Akademiks. So, these culture vulture, these colorists, and these
agitators will be fully exposed in an upcoming series on contemporary hip hop). Modern hip hop, like old
school hip hop, has been praised, debated, and analyzed. One of the biggest tragedies in modern day hip
hop is the murder of Nipsey Hussle. He was murdered by Eric Ronald Holder Jr. Some want to blame
corporations alone, and others want to blame artists alone for the situation of music glorifying evil. The
truth is that we must both condemn murder and realize that large corporate interests in many cases
promote nihilism in music. The artists still have the responsibility to do right too. The years of 2012 and
beyond outline what hip hop is today with its numerous changes. The journey continues.

By Timothy
 Various Hip Hop Albums of the Era

TI’s King (2006) Canibus’ For Whom The Carter III (2008) KRS One’s and
the Beat Tolls (2007) Buckshot’s Survival
Skills (2009)

Nicki Minaj’s Pink Lupe Fiasco’s Lasers Common’s Finding Nas’ Life is Good
Friday (2010) (2011) Forever (2007) (2012)

What You Know Good Life by Live Your Life by TT Empire State of Nothin’ on Ya by
by TI (2006) Kanye West ft. T- ft. Rihanna (2008) Mind by Jay Z Bruno Mars ft.
Pain (2007) ft. Alicia Keys B.o.B. (2010)
(2009)

Kendrick Lamar’s Rapsody - The

A.D.H.D. (2011) Drums ft. Heather
Victoria, The Soul
Council (2012)