Over the last twenty-five years the urban music and dance style known as Hip-hop has become a widespread form of communication carried out and enjoyed by people throughout the world. However it has grown from its original roots in rap music and break dancing in many different directions. On the one hand it represents a multi-billion dollar industry of big-time, best-selling artists who market songs that focus on wealth, possessions and crime, often with a misogynistic attitude. But on the other it is a way of life for many young people with a political awareness that is intricately woven into every aspect of their daily lives. The present chapter explores some dimensions of the creativity of Hip-hop. In particular the critical potential and transformative capacity of these activities are discussed.
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