They’re Coming ‘Straight Outta Compton’
One of the most controversial game-changers in the 90’s, transformed the conversation and the trajectory of Hip-Hop in pop culture forever.
NWA’s sound and message pushed the label of ‘Gangsta Rap’ onto Hip-Hop and America didn’t want this form of revolution to be televised. But this was the age of MTV and NWA were addictive and angry. What resonated most was the socio-political message of their music contrasted in some ways to Public Enemy but still coming from the same plight of the ghetto experience.
Hip-Hop music is still regarded as the voice of an oppressed, alienated and frustrated generation of youth and although constantly subjected to criticism, it still remains the most powerful form of cultural expression. The issues of police brutality still taking place today have brought rise to a new generation of rappers like Kendrick Lamar also from Compton who’s brought with him an alternate positive rage through his music.
The ‘Black Lives Matter’ movement has mobilised and motivated a new age of black cultural activism and empowerment, and Hip-Hop will continue to bring a voice to the voiceless through the music. Recently CNN reported how Hip-Hop had been scientifically proven to be the most potent force in popular culture. Its crossed borders, cultures, race, class, age and gender barriers to connect with people and confront their own realities, ironic considering it was Chuck D who referred to it as the ‘Black CNN’.
The release of ‘Straight Outta Compton’ will reach fever-pitch as the promotion starts to run full throttle, expect no prisoners as Dre is expected to drop the soundtrack to the movie any minute now!
‘Straight Outta Compton’ will open in the U.K on the 28th of August Bank Holiday weekend.
