In the 1970s and '80s, hip-hop faced attacks from political and cultural leaders who decried it as immoral. Despite this, defenders like Richard Goldstein emerged to highlight its artistic value.
Melle Mel's 1982 song 'The Message' became a pivotal work in which he articulated the socio-political realities of urban life, shifting perceptions of rap as mere entertainment to a form of social reporting.
Rakim's emergence as a lyrical innovator in 1986 not only showcased rap's artistic merit but also provided a powerful figure for those advocating for hip-hop's legitimacy in art and culture.
The transformation of hip-hop during 1986-87, with Rakim at the forefront, signified a radical shift in how it was perceived and celebrated, moving it from the fringes to the mainstream.
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