For the last 30 years, hip-hop culture has played a major role in shaping my life.  I have actively participated in its original five elements (clothes, language, graffiti, music and dance) while admirably watching it grow into a world economic powerhouse.  Being that I grew up in New York City in the 70’s and 80’s and remember when hip-hop was “just a local thing us New York City kids did”, sometimes I can’t help to feel like a proud parent whose watched their kid grow from a new born infant to a respected citizen of the world.

One of the elements I believe hip-hop should be noted for is the evolution of the urban “hustle”. The “hustle” was mostly about doing what one could do to create a cash flow. Whether it was selling CDs on the street corner, or opening upa sneaker store, or creating and managing a local hip-hop group, this thing we now call hip-hop, helped form a nation of entrepreneurs and high ranking professionals.

The ideal of rebellion is deep rooted in hip-hop.  Breaking the rules and a “F**k the system” attitude is what propelled many Urban Americans into the higher education and economic status.  We were not supposed to win with the cards we were dealt.  Call it arrogance, defiant, or whatever. I call it American.  For middle class Americans who aspire to be rich, it’s imperative (more…)