How many people in this room like rap or hip-hop music? Does everybody know where rap music originated? Do you believe that rap is more than three hundred years old? The words rhythmically recited, chanted, or sung over music by the likes of Jay-z, Missy Elliot, Jurassic 5, and many more represent a sense of identity and belonging for young people in America and throughout the world. Rap is the voice of a population that has been ignored by mainstream leaders and institutions, until now. Within the past couple of years rap has began to emerge into the pulse, thoughts, values, and experiences of youth worldwide. A type of music that emerged on the scene in the late 70's has now transformed in a cultural art form. I would like to explain the derivation, the present phenomenon, and the future of rap and hip-hop music. Lets begin with the origin.
             Rap was around long before it was actually called rap.
             Even though the future of rap is unforeseeable at the rate its going there is high chance that it will only grow in popularity and will become more mainstream as a not only a form of music but as a cultural art form. There are more rappers acting on the silver screen such as Ice Cube, L.L. Cool J., and DMX, and there are television shows that use rap lyrics as its script and dialogue such as the lyricist lounge Show, and the Def Jam poetry show. There are also early teen rappers who may make a huge impact in a few years who go by the names Lil Romeo, and Lil Bow Wow. However nothing is certain when it comes to the music world and the audiences taste.
             In conclusion, Hip-hop has served to be the common force that holds together people of different races, cultures, political backgrounds, and even different genders. I believe that hip-hop will follow its precedent and become even more popular than it is now. The history of rap is still in the making, and someday there will be college courses on the subject.
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