Historical Journal to Write a Review of the Book “Can’t stop Won’t stop” Essays

Historical Journal to Write a Review of the Book â€Å"Can’t stop Won’t stop† Essays Historical Journal to Write a Review of the Book â€Å"Can’t stop Won’t stop† Essay Historical Journal to Write a Review of the Book â€Å"Can’t stop Won’t stop† Essay Name: Lecturer: Course: Date: Historical Journal to Write a Review of the Book â€Å"Can’t stop Won’t stop† The historical content of the book â€Å"Can’t stop Won’t stop† by Jeff Chang has been argued as the most valuable in terms of addressing the hip-hop music that has risen to become an American art. The book makes a generous recount of the origin of hip-hop, which has shown its beginning from a generation of neglected children from Bronx who changed their world through dancing, art, music, speech and fashion as well. Although the book has mainly focused on hip-hop, it has also provided an account of a people’s history. The book has tackled diverse areas that include relationships between races, globalization, media studies, multicultural as well as polycultural issues, containment politics and issues of abandonment. The book provides the best case of hip-hop history as a complete American art. The book starts with an exploration of the social conditions of New York, largely focusing on the South Bronx during the years that led to the birth of hip-hop. Although this part is not directly related to hip-hop, it is among the most important parts towards understanding the history of hip-hop as well as what makes it a special art in America. The social history of Bronx where it started provides a good account of the historical background leading to the birth of hip-hop. Chang describes the most important event leading to birth of hip-hop as the construction of the cross-Bronx Expressway that forced people to change where they lived (Chang 12). Blacks were forced to move to South Bronx where social housing was available but limited jobs. The economic condition of South Bronx had been worsening where about 80% of youth were unemployed. Because of unemployment, many gangs formed in self-defense efforts as well as affiliation depending on races. This had affected racial interaction where white youths formed their gangs as blacks and Latinos formed theirs as well. Hip-hop came as music for party from these gangs. It included graffiti, arts, dancing such as break dancing and a mixture of several arts that included black, Hispanic and several others (Chang 42). Clearly, it was a way of expressing themselves as well as defining an identity with which to associate. The social history provides a deeper understanding of the historical content surrounding the rise of hip-hop as well as its purpose. After addressing the historical events leading to hip-hop, Chang now turns to expansion of hip-hop where it was used as a medium of commenting on politics through rap. It was seen as the voice of those who were not supposed to be heard within the society. Recounting its evolution such as the political rap provides a historical purpose of hip-hop art. He describes the hip-hop generation from its heights to its lows. This way, he is able to provide a historical account of its origin as well as what influences this art. For instance, the 1980s saw the emergence of political rap, due to the political events of slashing budget meant to support the poor at the time. This allows the reader to have a clear view of its purpose and trend over the years (Chang 312). It is clear that hip-hop is a art in America, a art that is influenced by the greater change within the national level, as well as global realm. Hip-hop generation has continued to evolve with the changing times. While it was rising up during its birth, it was out of poverty and lack of employment. It went on to address political issues within the society and currently addresses issues within the broader society. This has been easy to realize after reading the book. Its flow, as well as arrangement of chapters from a social background to its rise provides a rich knowledge of hip-hop generation as a art that is not going to end. It provides a good historical account, which explains its purpose of existence as well as events leading up to its birth, which provide strong root for the hip-hop art. This makes the book quite a valuable literal work that tracks the emergence of a art that has risen from impoverished youths to influence people within United States, as well as the whole world . Work cited Chang Jeff. Can’t Stop Won’t Stop: A History of the Hip-Hop Generation. New York, N.Y: Ebury Publishing, 2011. Print.