A psychological and social analysis of the political manipulation in the Hip-Hop culture and its affect from an Afrocentric perspective of the incarcerated New Africans.

By Dr. Mutulu Shakur

On behalf of the

United States Penitentiary-Atlanta Hip Hop Summit

            It is agreed that the cultural expression of Hip-Hop is dominated by its lyrics more so than any other cultural expression associated with Hip-Hop. Also, that the lyrical expression has an impact in relation to the cause/effect of this Hip-Hop generation’s behavior. In fact, the Hip-Hop generation shapes the political landscape.

            We must review whether Hip-Hop is being singled out as a sub culture of America that is responsible for the base cause of crimes and therefore justifying the disproportionate level of the New Africans/Blacks that are relaying a natural and national expression of one’s individual environmental conditions. These are the questions that must be studied to determine if Hip-Hop is or is not cultural phenomenon of crime.

            The examination of Rap narratives by individuals that are currently incarcerated, who use Rap as an expressive tool, is a formula to analyze. This proposal required the review of the lyrical narratives of those incarcerated. As a direct response to the raised questions, what effect does Hip-Hop culture have on behavior? Does Hip-Hop solicit a specific subjective react8ion, which in anyway would be deemed to be responsible for imprisonment.

            It would be easy to accept what the media and the law enforcement establishments have projected and to agree whit the proposition that Rap creates crime. In the affirmative, we could conclude that the sole reason underground economy is purely the direct effect of rap lyrics. However, with due respect, I would have to

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