Behraam Khan

MEDIA RESEARCH ON RNB/HIP HOP MAGAZINES.

History Rhythm an Blues (R&B).

- In the beginning before hip-hop. R&B was a genre formed in the early 1940 to a full establishment throughout the 1950s. This genre was revolved around Afro-Caribbean listeners in the urban industrial areas such as Chicago, Detroit, Los Angeles and New York etc.

- In the 1940 to 1960s R&B was mainly just a mix of jazz, piano, guitars, base and drums etc. this was revolved around a style of gospel and soul music.

- Towards the 1970s, R&B was a term to cover music such as soul and funk.

- Finally in the 1980s the new style of R&B was formed. This is the R&B you would hear today, as this was called the ‘contemporary R&B’ where a mix of hip hop was introduced. This combined the different elements such as soul, funk, hip hop and dance. For example Michael Jackson, Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey and Stevie Wonder.

Did you know?The term R&B was

used by record companies market the

recordings predominantly to urban

African Americans

Contemporary R&B Lead To Hip Hop

in the 1980s Hip hop was formed underneath the genre of R&B. This included a different style of music such as synthesizer, drum machine, turntable and rap/vocals. This was main instruments of hip hop as as of the this time the technology became more available and affordable.

- Although this was originated in the 1970s in the Bronx New York city. It was more diverse and developed into a complex style in the 1980s.

- Turntables techniques developed along with the breaks and the Jamaican toasting vocal style was used. Rapping was then shaped as a vocal style in which the rappers would speak with an instruments or synthesized beat.

- Before the 1980s, hip hop music was more familiar with the the united states. However during the 1980s it spread and became a part of music in many different countries.

Modern magazines representations of RnB and Hip-Hop.

Modern day magazines such as VIBE, XXL portray the hip hop image through different ways. For example the example below shows a woman posing in a explicit way, this promotes the new hip hop culture which is revolved around sex, drugs and money. This is the modern day adaption of hip hop conveyed through media.

For example music videos would represent woman in a negative way. For instance they would be refereed to as ‘bitches’ and ‘hoes’ in the lyrics. This is also seen on the magazine covers which will usually display a half naked woman/man, with a provocative message. The typical media conventions on this magazines are the text, barcode and use of language. For example “sexy issue” “raw and uncut”.This same convention of big bold use of language is seen in similar magazines. For example XXL. As seen below.

As seen here, it shows two males artists, both dressed in a way which can come across aggressive. One being half naked, while the other with a balaclava around his face. This suggests violence which is a result of the modern day hip-hop ‘ghetto’ culture. This is followed up by media conventions such as the language. For example “worst nightmare” this is a negative use of language, promoting the danger of the two artists. Moreover the jewellery and tattoos suggest a larger than life lifestyle, this overall promotes that they have money and are successful in the genre (hip hop).

Modern magazines representations of RnB and Hip-Hop.

VIBE magazine also portrays the modern day hip-hop culture. For instance such as the intimidating and macho appearance. This has developed a fashion trend for the audiences who listen to hip-hop/rap. This includes products such as clothing, jewellery, perfume and bags. This sets a trend which everyone would follow, hence making VIBE a platform which advertises this. For example their front covers/content page and double page spread present the clothing/jewellery.

In essence the modern hip-hop genre has developed into a flashy, designer brand, “fast life” culture. This has added a

another dimension to hip-hop music in comparison to the 80’s, 90’s and today (2000’s and 2010’s).

According to vibe, their audience in total are “2,400,000” “55%” of which are male which “82%” are “21+”. This is good evidence to show which part of their audience they attract the most. From this they can adapt and present content that fits that market specifically. This gives us an example of how many people read VIBE magazine, which can potentially have an impact on them.