by Masingita Mazibuko. ‘Just when you think you know hip hop, it surprises you and reminds you why you fell in love with it in the first place’ is a line from one of my all-time favourite movies, Brown Sugar, from the early 2000s.
And not because of Taye Diggs, but rather it takes me back to my younger days, and the likes of Chronic and NWA by way of the influence of younger brother and friends.
It took me back to the heart and soul of hip hop. Now I was never what you would call a ‘Hip Hop Head’, but the words that were uttered by emcees and unexpected accompanying beats seems to evoke and draw me in.
What is it about hip hop? Is it a sense of pride about what it is about and who it is targeting? That sense of clarity that taps into commonalities and sharpness in being in tune with the social environment that evokes emotions?
Hip hop has managed to transverse the boundaries of origins in the US and appeal to many across the globe, without compromising its essence, evoking shared desire in many, pulling them into its world. It is through this power of focus that ensures that it never dies and continues to rear its head.
Shift to present day, and hip hop is rearing its head again in an unexpected way via a brand, Sprite.