The Intersection of Hip-hop and Hollywood: MC Lyte and Indian Rappers Call Out Discrimination

Hip-hop as a Tool Against Caste Discrimination

In India, a new wave of Dalit hip-hop artists is using the genre as a platform to stand up against one of the world's oldest forms of discrimination: caste. Similar to Black rappers in the US, these artists are using their music to call out prejudice and injustice. However, mainstream audiences are still far from accepting anti-caste rap, and for now, these artists are carving out their own space on social media.

Despite the obstacles, top artists like Arivu have more than 1.5 million monthly listeners on Spotify, and some of Vipin Tatad’s songs have more than 200,000 views on YouTube. For Tatad, however, his music is more of a responsibility than a career. Although anti-caste rap is still gaining momentum, it has the potential to spark important conversations and bring about social change.

MC Lyte: Pioneering Female Rapper and Hollywood Icon

Born during a time when Brooklyn was truly a melting pot of cultures, MC Lyte began her music career in the late 1980s, heavily influenced by her native New York City borough. MC Lyte made history as the first female solo rapper to be nominated for a Grammy, and her music often tackled social issues such as racism, sexism, and inner-city struggles.

MC Lyte used her platform to give voice to marginalized communities and address important societal issues. Her impact extends beyond music and acting - partnering with Drs. Felicia Shaw and Lynn Richardson, Lyte launched the Hip-Hop Sisters Foundation, which has given over $1 million in scholarships to young students to date.

MC Lyte's legacy as a trailblazer for women in hip-hop continues to inspire new generations of artists. Her impact on Hollywood and pop culture is also significant, having appeared in hit TV shows such as Power and films like Girls Trip. MC Lyte's influence on both hip-hop and Hollywood is undeniable.

The Future of Hip-hop and its Role in Celebrity Culture

Hip-hop has become a pop culture phenomenon, with artists like Drake, Cardi B, and Kendrick Lamar dominating the charts and the media. As hip-hop continues to evolve and adapt to changing societal norms, it is clear that its influence on celebrity culture will only continue to grow.

Celebrities like Kanye West and Jay-Z have used their platforms to advocate for social justice causes, and hip-hop artists are increasingly becoming involved in politics. As hip-hop continues to break down barriers and bring important issues to the forefront, it will undoubtedly remain a powerful force in celebrity culture and beyond.

References

The World. (June 15, 2023). Hip-hop artists in India call out caste discrimination . theworld.org.
Chelsea Felin. (June 15, 2023). High Frequency: Meet hip-hop legend MC Lyte. thegrio.com.

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