Bebop and Hip-Hop: A Response to Racism

Abstract

In the 1940's bebop grew to be the most popular jazz subgenre. It was created in Harlem but gained popular among the mainstream on 52nd Street in New York City. Musicians such as Dizzy Gillespie and Miles Davis were among the most popular beboppers during this time. There was much racial tension surrounding bebop, which led to bebop being a rebellious genre of music that fought racism and brought down racial barriers. Similar to bebop, hip-hop was a rebellious genre of music that fought racism in an aggressively expressive manner. Hip-hop grew out of the cultural diversity, social instability, economic disparity, and divisions in the U.S, during the 1970's. Hip-hop opposed racism in a more radical and extreme way compared to bebop; artists such as KRS One, N.W.A, and Public Enemy are examples of hip-hop artists who did this. In the end both were able to break down racial barriers and bring black and white audiences together, while providing a voice for the black community. This paper contains some strong language.