Music has transformed drastically in recent years and has emerged as a form of counterculture. Specifically, hip hop music, has been identified as a counterculture that has inspired social change through its message. Although many consider hip-hop controversial, it has become a global phenomena in its ability to unify races, classes and cultures. However, societies have argued that this art form is riddled with violent lyrics, degrades women and is uninspiring. This paper will examine four aspects of the hip-hop counterculture: the socio-political influences of this counterculture; the distinction between this art form and Rap music, society's unfriendly perceptions in regards to individuals whose art form has helped transform societies globally and its powerful message that has inspired a movement.
             Fashion as well as music have transformed society, and in time has become a significant part of our lives. In the past few years, we have witnessed the birth of pop culture music, Hip-Hop, grunge rock, etc. These musical art forms influenced fashion, attitudes, cultures and languages. For instance, in the 70's, the music scene exploded with the Beatles steadily on top of the charts as well as the Jackson Five who along with Michael Jackson helped transform the pop culture. Little did we know that in the future, the world would experience the decline or nonexistent of such artists and the emergence of a new era of music fashion and culture.
             Let it be a clear reminder that Hip Hop is NOT the same as Rap. It is often mistaken by many as the same art form and contains the same message. However, there are clear differences between the two art forms. Hip Hop concentrates on portraying a message of a peoples struggles, civil rights and social welfare, which is all summed up as a socio-political message. On the other hand, rap music contains no significant message other than a message that is full of materialistic bragg...