They didn't have musical instruments or formal training, but sought to express themselves and explain the world around them through music. The music came out of parties organised by rap artists in an effort to stop people from killing each other through gang warfare. The music they played was incredibly varied, including James Brown, Sly and Robbie, reggae, punk and even Pink Floyd. In five years rap had developed into a unique form of music. It carried the message of all aspects of life in the US ghettos.
Rap music is seen as being much more sexist and homophobic than other forms of music.
It is true that some rap music reflects the more backward elements of ghetto life, realities created by the establishment politicians who often criticise it. However, hip hop is no more sexist and homophobic than many heavy metal classics that festoon the pop charts. The Hip Hop Years shows both the waste of life under capitalism and the talent and potential that exist in the inner cities. The last episode of The Hip Hop Years is shown on Thursday 14 October, 11.05pm, C4. It looks at the media spin doctoring of the war.