Why Does if Feel Important to Like Rap (As a Jazz Fan)
I recently read the article “Why does it feel Important to Like Rap? (As a Jazz Fan)” On NPR’S A Blog Supreme Written by Patrick Jarenwattananon where he analyzes the influence that hip-hop and R& B have on modern jazz music. Jarenwattananon became interested in this topic after reading a list of the Top 100 Eclectic Albums of the Year. This list did not include one Hip-Hop album. After scanning through the list myself, which include albums from jazz saxophonist Joshua Redman to rock musician Eddie Vedder, I too found myself asking the same question as Jarenwattananon, how can anyone, despite their musical tastes, ignore today’s hip-hop?
Jarenwattananon then decided to focus on hip-hop’s influence on modern jazz—two genres that have always been regarded as almost polar opposites. The writer, however, convincingly points out that there are many similarities between the two styles of music. Both are blues based, and they are both forms of African-American popular music. Additionally, many of today’s hip-hop artists incorporate elements of jazz in their music. I witnessed this first hand when I saw rapper Mos Def play at the Newport Jazz Festival with an entire horn section and several improvised solos interspersed in his songs. One of the main points that Jarenwattananon stresses in the article is that the majority of modern jazz musicians under the age of 40 grew up when hip-hop was everywhere. Therefore, whether these musicians actually appreciate the music and acknowledge its impact, it has influenced them and their own music in some way.
Additionally, Jarenwattananon seems to place the future of on the jazz musician’s ability to embrace hip-hop. He states that if these musicians want to develop a larger audience, they must make their music more accessible. They must provide a bridge from hip-hop to jazz.
I found this article personally informative because I have never thought of the connections between hip-hop and modern jazz. These two genres seem to constantly be at odds, but in reality they are very connected. I think through this article, Jarenwattananon begins to realize the “next phase” of jazz music. Just as the 60’s and 70’s brought about the fusion of jazz and rock, the 90’s to present will bring about a similar fusion between this improvisation based “academic” music and the more popular hip-hop of the time.
-Sean McGurl
Being a musician myself, I thoroughly enjoyed this article you wrote. In particular, I loved the use of musical terminology and the way you talked about and explained the origins of both seemingly polar opposite genre of music to show how closely related to the other each one is, but more so, how there couldn't be one without the other. You had very good voice and i liked your use and explanation of the eclecticism of the music and how we must understand that all music is in fact inter-connected. I enjoyed this review and believe you did an excellent job!!
ReplyDeleteThere are similarities in expression that can be drawn from both rap and jazz music. In rap, lyrical freedom is emphasized. I listen to rap in moderation, and generally what I make judgements based on is the quality of the lyrics. In a way it's like a jazz solo, where each line might reflect something different the soloist is trying to say. I enjoyed reading your article, my dude.
ReplyDeleteCullen
This is a very interesting article and it's a topic that as both a fan of hip-hop and jazz I had never really thought about. I think it's going to be interesting to see how many modern jazz artists in years to come start embracing this music and the impact it may have on the music industry as a whole.
ReplyDeleteCasey D'Eon