History: This section taps into the origins and influences that shape Hip-Hop culture.
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Evolution
: The Technology Impact Rap has evolved since its “birth” over 30 years ago. Once only a phenomenon in the parks of NYC, rap music is global now. One major reason is the emergence of the internet. Modern technology has advanced hip-hop culture many times. In the late 70s and early 80s, looping machines, drum machines, synthesizers and other new audio technology allowed DJs/producers/MCs to create sounds and sonic dynamics that previously did not exist. When the internet began to grow in the late 90s, web sites with streaming or downloadable shows could broadcast to anyone in the world with an internet connection. Napster and other peer-to-peer file sharing programs allowed people to share MP3 files electronically. Who could have ever imagined this? This new development sent shockwaves through the established music industry. It was too late. The evolution was already in motion.
I would argue that the internet has benefitted new and/or independent artists more than established acts. While artists who have been around have been wise to embrace the new music distribution system, others have cried foul over copyright infringement, bootlegging and loss of record sales. iTunes and other digital music stores have developed the $0.99 or less “pay per song” buying system. No longer do you have to commit to buying an entire album on CD for $10-18. MP3s have revolutionalized the distribution of music globally.
I feel that had it not been for the evolution of internet technologies I probably would not have discovered many of the artists I currently listen to. Perhaps I would have heard about them from word of mouth, radio shows, mixtapes or elsewhere. If it was not for web sites like UndergroundHipHop.com, online radio shows such as Basementalism or social networking sites such as Myspace, most unsigned and/or independent artists would only be known locally or regionally. Now they are potentially known nationally or internationally. -Dogmatic |
Napster
2.0 
iPod
Classic Past
Articles
Evolution
Lyricist
Lounge 1998: A Look Back
The
Ustream Effect
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From DJ Revolution's In 12s We Trust : "Evolution"
featuring Evidence of Dilated Peoples
Words of Brother
J of the immortal X-Clan