Do you consider yourself a Hip-Hop Head???

Question

What does it take to be a Head, and do you consider yourself one? In fact, what's your definition of a Hip-Hop head?

Answer 1

my definition of a head is basically somebody who loves the culture. one who appreciates all four elements of the culture, and has allowed the culture to emulate through them. a hip-hop head does not simply hear the music, but he/she pays attention to the music, and all aspects of it (lyrics, beats, rhyme scheme, wordplay, etc). a head is someone who loves underground, but doesnt bash the mainstream music simply because its mainstream. contrary to others, i dont think a hip-hop head necessarily needs to be heavy on the old school, because they tend not to dwell in the past but rather find new artists/songs that give hip-hop a good name, but thats just me.

as for me, i dont know if im a hip-hop head. i like old school, but i dont know as much old school as others (i still havent listened to paris), partly because im 16 and i still have a lot of learning to do...i do listen to a lot of new stuff though. oh yeah...i also bash mainstream occasionally, so i dont want to sound like a hypocrite

Answer 2

not to bash everyone in this answer but....hip hop isn't all about the music (old school or not), it's more a way of life. A hip hop head is someone who respects and understands the music. One who enjoys the beats, rhymes and message the artist is trying to get across. Sure Hip hop music was strong during the late 80's and throughout the 90's, but you don't have to know the EXACT history of the culture to be considered a head. That type of music still lives on today, you just need to listen for it: Murs 3:16, Atmosphere, Jedi Mind Tricks, Brother Ali, Immortal Technique, Dead Prez, Lupe Fiasco, Nas ...just to name a few! Not everything new is considered garbage because it's "mainstream", it's more about the message.
It's just about being real, having a strong sense of individualism and living life as you see fit. Hip hop is also about the graff, emcees and 1's and 2's which all work as tools to provoke this sense of creativity. Hip hop is about being yourself....and to answer your question....
hell yeah i'm a hip hop head

Answer 3

A hip-hop head.

Someone that doesn't "riff" on other styles of musics, but only listens generally to Hip-Hop/Rap. Someone that can list Top Ten Favorite Rappers that were back in the '90s. Someone that knows a lot about the non-mainstream hip-hop world.

No, I don't consider myself a Hip-Hop Head. I do like some hip-hop, but lots of it is mainstream (even though I dont like the lyrics). And I don't know a lot of non-mainstream rappers
at all.

Answer 4

To a point. I enjoy other genres just as much even though hip hop is my main hobby. I know alot about it. Listen to alot of stuff but im also very picky with my music. Open minded but picky. I don't study the culture i just watch documentaries and read things when i can but i don't go out of my way to learn things. Overall yeah i guess i am because i love it and its a major hobby but its not the only genre i enjoy. I don't know if their is an upside i guess finding out about different artists is good. I think there is an upside to knowing a hip hop head and getting recs from them :)

Answer 5

I'm a Hip Hop Head.

To me a Hip Hop Head don't need to be involved in the four elements, but, if at least one of them becomes passionate part of his life, then he can be considered a Hip Hop Head, because "Hip Hop" is in his "Head" on a daily basis.

I was introduced to hip hop back in '96 by a friend. Since then I didn't stop to listen to it. I started rappin' at '99 and since then I've been down with rap each and every day.

Brazilian rap is hella nice too, we have more social conscious rappers than gangstas. Gangsta rap here is way "softer" than the explicit ish that north american gangsta rap did. We are really more concerned about improving our lives. (best groups: Racionais MC's, MV Bill, Apocalipse 16 (christian rap), DMN, Expressão Ativa, Alvos da Lei, 509-E, GOG, and others)

But then I started listening some good north american rap. First fell in love with Bone Thugs-N-Harmony sound, then came 2Pac, Snoop Dogg, Outkast, Nas, and it went on and on...

So I started gettin' educated about Hip Hop... I went to its origins... DJ Kool Herc, The NY scenario (sugarhll gang, GRandmaster Flash & The Furious Five, , BDP, MC Shan, Kool Moe Dee, Busy Bee, Rakim... )Too $hort, and others.

I got mad love for the other elements too, but just like an expectator. Love Graffiti, DJing, and B-Boys breakin it down.

That's why I consider myself a Hip Hop Head.

Answer 6

I consider myself a Hip Hop Head,that would be someone who posses an understanding of the four elements, and the contributions and/or contributors from each one. A Hip Hop head should be able to elaborate on the historical origins of the Culture.A Hip Hop head understands that it's not a genera of Music, but an omni-genera because Rap borrows from other forms of music.It doesn't have a paticular sound itself like Classical,Jazz, Reggae, A Hip Hop head is informed by its advent and formadable years.

Answer 7

On the path of being one; I pretty much know the history of hip-hop from the beginning and al the essential artists from the beginning. Now I just have to listen to most of them(I haven't heard quite a few major/influential artists, so I don't consider my self a hip-hop head). Thats mainly becuase I'm focusing o nrock right now.

Answer 8

If you live and breathe the elements of the culture...Me, I'm an emcee and that's my contribution, but I love observing and engaging with the people who are actively contributing in the other elements (For example, I'm a great MC, but a horrible painter/drawer, so graffing is out. But I love taking pictures of throw-ups and pieces). My personal definition of a head is someone who studies the history and elements of Hip-Hop, the lessons being taught in the culture, gain knowledge from it, and apply it to everyday life. Also, being able to acquire knowledge and bring it back and inject it into the culture for others to learn from....Also, the desire to teach others about this culture whether they live it or are just curious. That's why I call myself a head.
...I knew I was a head when I got into a fist fight in the 4th grade with some kid who said rap sucked. lol

Answer 9

I concur with Holiday Dilla....

I have so much more knowledge in Hip Hop other than the "beats"...and I am still learning as I go. I have got to say that I have read almost every history of Hip Hop book ever made. (I'm a big book worm). Not only do I dance it, I breath it, it's music for my soul...

Answer 10

I do, some of the old stuff and current underground MCs are keeping this sh!t going, with creative rhymes and delivery, so I'll be a hip hop head for a while