Quote

“Hip Hop is the bigger picture, rap is just a brushstroke.”

– Common

Introduction to the Global Myth

Do you ever wonder about the difference between hip hop and rap?

Let let me tell you Shawdy, there is much more to these genres than meets the eye!

Hip Hop is the first of its kind and it is the Dream of Mother Hip Hop.

She has come to this world and endowed Humanity with several gifts, but always, in the very back of her mind, she has envisioned a Global Mythology.

And this idea is tough to envision, so we’ll discuss it in stages.

Stage 1 – The Environment and its Benefactor

At its basic level, Mythology is a Language and it is shared through oral tradition by the Indigenous.

At a higher level, it is a Cultural Gift shared between its members to maintain their Heritage.

But, you ask, what allows this “elastic” behavior?

It is built on one foundation:

• Truth

TRUTH is the Invisible Benefactor that “powers” Hip Hop.

It is the foundation for our “Environment” and this is why Hip Hop has become the first of its kind.

A Global Mythology.

Stage 2 – The Global Myth Matures

At its basic level, Mythology is how we share our Cultural Identity.

At a higher level, it is an “Electromagnetic Hum” that powers each Generation to “Express” Hip Hop in their Individual Ways.

But, you ask, how does it mature?

The Culture “matures” through four foundational elements:

• Personal Development
• Preservation
• Scholarship
• Cultural Studies

Personal Development is how “Hip Hop” powers the Indigenous.

Preservation is how we maintain “Order.”

Scholarship is how we provide “Learning.”

Cultural Studies is how we “birth new ideas” and “define new futures.”

Stage 3 – The Global Myth reaches an Apex

Like all things, Hip Hop Culture reaches an Apex.

At its apex, it “showcases” to all those within view, the ultimate act of Spiritual Expression.

Those OUTSIDE the Culture are in Awe.

They are convinced they can partake of its gifts.

Those INSIDE the Culture absorb the Lessons Learned from their uphill marathon on the front lines.

They KNOW True Hip Hop will be INTERNALIZED and may lie dormant for awhile.

Conclusion

Now, let’s review the question.

Hip Hop vs. Rap, what’s the difference?

Now that you know Hip Hop is a Global Myth, a Culture, an Indigenous Superpower, Spiritual Expression, and the artifact of High Culture, how could you possibly mistake this for a Musical Genre known as Rap?

Homework Questions

What is a Global Myth?

Why is Hip Hop the first Global Myth?

Why is Culture always positive?

Who are the Indigenous in Hip Hop?

When did Hip Hop reach its apex?

What does Scholarship do?

What does Preservation do?

What is the purpose of Cultural Studies?