Did you guys know this about rap/ hip hop music?

Question

Rap/ hip hop may seem like a new music phenomenon but it is not. It started in West Africa centuries ago, in the regions of Togo and Benin. In these regions, there is a tribe of people where the men look very young and EVERY LAST WOMAN looks really old (like over 80 yrs old, and to show wrinkles on dark skin is very hard to do) But anyway, the women look so old because at the age of 13 they are sold into concubinage, start having kids, and build the homes, gather the food, and raise the children. The man does absolutely NOTHING. The men lie around and eat, talk, and play music. And the women do all the work.
In my opinion, this is a tradition that has been carried over from Togo and Benin.

During the Transatlantic slave trade, many of the people who were sold came from Togo and Benin. These people populated the U.S. Slaves also came from Nigeria. But they were sent to Brazil, Europe, and other places. Nigerians typically do not like Rap, and the descendants of Nigerians in other countries ALL OVER THE WORLD do not like the message or beat of rap or hip hop music. Neither do other people from other African nations.
But many people of Togolese and Benin descent do. That is why Rap is only popular in the U.S.A. It is not just a modern day cultural phenomenon. It is a passed on, generational thing.
If you don't believe me ask any person from Nigeria, Morocco, Egypt, Ethiopia, or Somalia (or anywhere else) and see if they dislike rap. 9 times out of 9, they will say that they hate it.

They usually prefer Ethiopian influenced music such as Old Gospel music (it sounds like "Man of Constant Sorrow" from O Brother Where art thou.), blues, jazz, or something with wind , percussions and string instruments (like harps, violins, or pianos). That is the kind of music most Africans who are not from Togo and Benin like.

Rap and hip hop have spread from Togo and Benin, much like Voodoo and Hoodoo.

To the poster who knows nothing about voodoo. It did actually originate in Togo and Benin, BEFORE spreading to the Carribbean. Do a little research first, before making accusations. The most practiced religions of both Togo and Benin are voodoo and hoodoo (over 75% of both populations practice it.)

You all should also try visiting Togo and Benin, talking with the inhabitants about history, music, etc. Unless you've been there, and seen what I have seen, then you cannot disagree.

This tribe still exists today, in 2007.

Oh yes. And before you call anyone ignorant. First get your degree at Oxford, then become part of an archaeological dig.

Answer 1

Been to Togo and Benin. Have done missionary work there.

The leading religion is Voodoo. There are tribes where the men do not work and make the women/ concubines do everything. And they do have a style of music that is sung that sounds just like American Rap and has the same message, only violence is directed at enemy tribes and not women like in America.

How is Kyle being racist?

Answer 2

Well, I don't have a degree from Oxford, but I know enough about Archaeology to know that you DON'T know, from archaeological research, that the men of this tribe traditionally did none of the work. Maybe they cut a few corners over there at Oxford, I don't know. I personally study with a few archaeologists who'd get a kick out of all this.

You might as well go ahead and label this RACIST PROPAGANDA (just like that, in big bold letters), because that's what it is. This line of thinking diverts attention from the real problems linked to rap music, and the sources of those problems. Hateful finger pointing gussied up in a gaudy historical perspective is still hateful finger pointing.

Speaking of Oxford, try looking up "tripe" in the OED.

Answer 3

I know of white women who are in their 60's now and they were married and started having children at age 14 and I have seen pictures of them when they were in their 20's and they do not look old at all. Instead the looked like a normal 20-30 year old would.

Answer 4

Wow, your ignorance is rather extraordinary.

Did you know that rap is SO POPULAR in in North Africa that they have THEIR OWN rap groups who sing in arabic and egyptian etc?

As for voodoo and hoodoo, it comes from the Carribbean, not from Togo or Benin.

Rap is completely home-grown, just like soul. Live with it.

Answer 5

Your theory is rich with information.(no citations ) yet assumes too much.....

The thing that flies in the face of your opinion is that it assumes ALL Africans or the majority dislike rap or hip - hop ..I would challenge that comment and welcome your research and citations of reference.......
From a sociological standpoint the question may be better answered by looking at the peoples and politics of Nigeria, Morocco, Ethiopia and Somalia....Where do the origins of their music lie ? The majority of them have musical references and attachments to Arabic music which is beautiful and sensual in it;s own realm...
These countries also have a reluctance to approve of anything American , so I am not surprised at your findings.
The music you refer to as "OLD Gospel" music as referenced in the "O BROTHER WHERE ART THOU " movie is referred to as "BLUEGRASS MUSIC "

Although I do not condone the language in most Rap or Hip Hop Music .I do enjoy the beat.......I invite you to listen to American Soul , Rhythm and Blues and Funk music From the !960's and !970's.......Check out the TEMPTATIONS, FOUR TOPS, CHAMBERS BROTHERS, SLY AND THE FAMILY STONE, DIANA ROSS AND THE SUPREMES, MARY WELLS AND OF COURSE THE GODFATHER HIMSELF JAMES BROWN.......

WE CAN ALL LEARN FROM EACH OTHER AND MUSIC IS A UNIVERSAL LANGUAGE, so lets promote more understanding of each other by sharing our music......

Peace My Brother..........

Answer 6

I heard about the african root of rap music including many music genre you mentioned. Nothing new under the sun.

Answer 7

Alternative. Electronic. Pop. R&B. Hip-pop. Jazz. No country, I loathe country music. Its nothing but whining about relationships and adding pitches to your "talking" voice. Oh, and adding an accent.

Answer 8

Nice essay, but it dose not hide your tone of hate very well. I think you would have better luck spouting this crap at inbred racists from Alabama.

Answer 9

It is a sad day when we have BET and rap, as something to be proud of.

Answer 10

Very interesting piece of info, thanks.