Hip Hop culture has been making a Social, Political & Economical impact on North American soil since it’s inception in the 1970’s and now we’re beginning to see the impact it can have on our home turf, India.
From having the FBI chase down racially charged artists in 1988 to being paid homage in a Democratic Primary Speech in 2008 to being invited to the white house in 2018 – the culture is making it’s way across Politics and into Sports, Technology and Venture Capitalism.
Hip Hop empowers the lone voice in the corner to stand up and speak out about their present day situation. Without need for extensive training, professional equipment, overbearing resources – the lone voice can captivate audiences and create change. How many underrepresented and disenfranchised voices do you think are yearning to speak out in a population of over half a billion youth? A lot. We can already begin to see various Social, Political & Religious groups leveraging this medium to drive their agendas and connect with the youth.
Sadhguru launches app to connect with the youth and open up lines of communication on topics which might unsuitable to discuss with your parents. Up and coming artist Shizty participated in the Poochu Kya Rap Song was launched in 2018 under the #UnplugWithSadhGuru campaign banner, check it out here:
India’s Menstrual Hygiene Day 2018 was kicked off with a message brought to you by DeeMC. Might be an uncomfortable topic to talk about, but so was the color of your skin back in 1970’s. Check out #NoMoreLimits.
An initiative to promote the ‘Skilled in Odisha’ campaign of the State Government, the video starring actress Prakruti Mishra has been directed by award-winning director Nila Madhab Panda and sung by popular Odia rapper Samir Rishu Mohanty aka Big Deal who also penned the lyrics.
The 2019 elections are around the corner, and most parties are gearing up for election campaigns. In fact, political parties are going out of their way to promote their leaders. The Bhartiya Janata Party dropped a rap song to support the #ModiOnceMore campaign.
The Warli Revolt was a collaboration with Mumbai based Hip-Hop group Swadesi and tribal leader Prakash Bhoir to speak against the government threatening to cut down the forest and disturb the natural ecosystem and tribes living there.
As Brands and Platforms kick off projects & campaigns to spread their message, local up and coming artists should take a first-mover advantage and start pushing a Hip-Hop agenda. Create your own economy.