Hip-Hop Culture in Los Angeles, California

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The term “Ethnomusicology” is defined as “the study of music in its cultural context.” Ethnomusicologists focus and study music in order to not only interpret its literal meaning but also to figure out its importance to its listeners and artists along with the way its purpose is communicated to its audience. . Ethnomusicology is highly versatile and multidisciplinary. People working in this sector could have solid foundations and basics of music ,dance, folklore and other different aspects related to music ,yet all ethnomusicologists share a meaningful and coherent foundation in approaches and methods followed. My music culture will be covering the hip-hop culture here in Los Angeles. Hip-hop originated around the late 60’s and stormed the nation with its catchy beats and the ability to creates new dances with it. Although it is agreed that hip hop was given its name in New York, some say a culture that closely mirrored the East Coast hip-hop culture had emerged in the West, existing from Los Angeles to the San Francisco Bay Area during the same period. The culture is widely believed to have been a mutual creation which evolved from interaction between people who identified with elements from their respective coasts. Hip hop style was invented and presented because of the fame of block parties in New York which was highly needed by the public, to listen to music in order to relax their minds.. Through my research about this certain music culture I used many things to conduct my research. I first of all attended a concert performed by one of my classmate’s close friend Caleb Mak which was performed at the The Short Stop venue. After that later on I interviewed him by phone about different things related to his view of his... ... middle of paper ... ...to the show, he doesn’t like to eat anything before the show for fear that he will throw up but usually has a big meal after the show. This music culture of hip-hop also influences other cultures as well as being overhelmed by those cultures as well. That is why artists from hip-hop tend to collaborate and interact with musicians from other music cultures. Caleb told me that Kayne West was his biggest influence because not only does he like his music in general but he also likes the fact that he collaborates with so many people that are not in his music Genre. Caleb tries to emulate him as well by collaborating with people outside his genre and has even started singing acoustic and electronica, both forms of music he says will be in his next album. Hip-hop with its catchy beats and meaningful lyrics is one of the more popular genres in the country.

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