Native American hip hop is popular among Native Americans in the United States and the First Nations of Canada. The influence of hip hop within the Native American community grew as many people returned home or visited from relocation and public works projects in urban areas. This initial contact, alongside the ever burgeoning media force that mainstream hip hop became, served as the conduits in which Native American Hip Hop was born. Native American rappers began performing in the 1980s and '90s, drawing on the influence of the world around them, young rappers began to spit and ink rhymes that were a portrait of their communities pains, triumphs and dreams. Others found influence from other native artists such as John Trudell's spoken word poetry. Litefoot (winner of the Native American Music Award), Without Rezervation, and Robby Bee & the Boyz From the Rez are the most well-known Native American hip hop musicians.^[1]

The majority of Native American hip hop is to be found in the underground scene. Rarely have many artists gained exposure beyond regional hits. The internet has allowed Native American hip hop to enter an era in which for the first time groups and individuals can reach a niche market across the country using peer to peer sites to promote and sell their music.

Other recent groups include Redcloud & DJ Wise, The Iconz, and Tha Tribe, who all use elements of powwow music in their recordings,^[2] and War Party, a Canadian crew who became the first native performers to host RapCity.^[3] War Party is one of a number of Canadian groups to gain some chart success, including Tru Rez Crew and Slangblossom.^[4] Hatchet Warrior, the second album by Native American hip hop artist Anybody Killa,^[5] was released in 2003, and peaked at #4 on the Billboard Top Independent Albums chart, #42 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart, and #98 on the Billboard 200.^[6] More recently, Reddnation, a group from Alberta has become decorated - having received awards for 'Best Rap/Hip Hop CD' and 'Best Duo/Group'^[7] at the Aboriginal Peoples Choice Music Awards for their second album Now or Never, Best Rap or Hip-Hop Album at the 2006 Canadian Aboriginal Music Awards, 'Best Group or Duo' & 'Best Rap or Hip-Hop Album' at the 2007 Alberta Aboriginal Music Awards, and 'Best Group or Duo' at the 2007 Aboriginal Peoples Choice Music Awards.^[8] As a struggling genre, Native American hip hop has made significant gains in the US and Canada's music industry.

[edit] Early Pioneering

Stretching back as early as October 17 2000^[9], one of the main websites promoting Native hip hop performers has been 'NativeHipHop.net' a collective effort with submissions from various artists and members of the public . Offering a wealth of website links, artist reviews and MP3 downloads - NativeHipHop.net was, in the early days, instrumental in giving native hip-hop and rap artists a voice online.

[edit] External links

• Native Hip Hop The original showcase for Native American and Aboriginal Canadian hip hop and rap artists.

• Movement Music: Hip Hop and Aboriginal Youth Activism Interview with Manik of the Native Youth Movement and Skeena Reece

[edit] References