Dizzee Rascal

Hip hop and all of its elements are not limited to just the United States. Moreover, it is not only limited to African Americans or blacks. Several parts of the world has its own version of what it interprets as hip hop. They have similarities and can be immediately tied together in the same genre. Hip hop, or more specifically rap, is a worldwide concept and an example I'd like to bring up is an English MC/rapper and producer. His latest single I'm aware of is titled "Flex" and it was released November 19, 2007. The video and the content of the lyrics is just about the same as America's. It is basically talking about dancing in a club and its set to an extremely catchy beat that would make anyone bop along to the lyrics. The video is mostly set in a club type scene with attractive and slim females dancing behind and next to Dizzee Rascal himself. Compared to the videos and songs of America's rap artists, they are pretty similar. Also, the overall beat is how many American rap songs are: fast and catchy. However, there are some major differences. For instance, there is no demoralization of women in Dizzee's song. Nor is there any violence, money, or drugs mentioned and/or glorified. Don't get me wrong, Dizzee Rascal has penty of other songs that DO have those things in them, i.e."I Luv You," but calling women names, and glorifying drugs and violence seems to be a standard for rap songs nowadays in America. Back to the similarities though, Dizzee's hand movements and all the settings, including the one with him leaning against the car and in the club, is so typical rap style. Dizzee Rascal himself, born Dylan Mills, started out with a troubled childhood. He partook in several illegal activities and got kicked out of four secondary schools. Several Americans rappers also stem from troubled backgrounds. Overall, the similarites are endless and even though there are also several differences, they are one and the same.