The central question of this article is whether or not hip hop belongs to a specific culture based on its origins stemming from a particular race. The paper aims to debunk the misconceptions of cultural imitation in this music genre. On a wider scope, we can extend this question of legitimacy and authenticity to all groups that participate in hip hop and DJing that are not involved in its foundation.
Media has a very powerful influence on the portrayal of culture. Originally, hip hop was considered "low culture", meaning it belonged to those of lower status. However, over time the meanings and ideas associated with hip hop changed, forming what we now think of as hip hop, mainstream culture.
The issue with this idea, that Filipino youths and those that engage in DJing or turn-tabling are unauthentic or imitating another's culture, is that it can also be said of other groups. Filipino youths are criticized for they do not have a historical connection to the emergence of this musical genre. However, there is not equal treatment in regards to mainstream music when judged solely on the premise of race and skin color.
The media stigmatizes those that do not fit the image of what a hip hop artist looks like, misconstruing the portrayal and story of Filipino descent. Furthermore, there is not the same incorrect representation with other DJ artists. For example, The Chainsmokers are a very prominent American DJ group, yet they receive little to no backlash in society. The group makes no claim to prove their authenticity. They don't need to have a connection to the African American political struggles that stem from the music in the making. The illustrated inequalities of this comparison demonstrates that not one single race should have claims on "hip hop".
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