Since the beginning of time people have been entertaining each other with verbal stories which eventually turned into written fables. This need for excitement inevitably lead to the creation of music. Starting with what we now know as Oldies the transformation of music has spawned many different areas of interest. In 1956 one man changed the face of what we use to know as music. Elvis Presley began his career as an international superstar with the newly founded Rock and Roll. Fought till the bitter end this style of expression was not accepted by the older generations. The younger crowds pushed rock and rolls popularity into the clouds. “Rock and Roll is here to stay!" Many different genres of music are alive and kicking today, however, some critics believe certain styles shouldn’t be considered a genre itself. The term “Crunk music" has surfaced in today’s main stream of music although many listeners do not understand what it is and where it came from. Thought to be more of a trend crunk music has been around for a while now and like rock and roll this new generation of music is definitely here to stay.
As early as the 1890’s a new type of music began to surface, Jazz was created in the basements and private rooms of many African American slaves. Jumping on the band wagon white musicians picked up the catchy new style and shoved it into the public’s eyes. Many extremely talented artists used jam sessions to create and develop their new hidden abilities. Louis Armstrong was a black Jazz instrument player who took Jazz music to new heights. Blowing up in the underground and coming into the main stream Jazz took our nation by storm producing a fresh movement in music’s history. The legendary Elvis took his knowledge of jazz and other types of music to create Rock and Roll in the main stream. This push for new and exciting developments was just the start in the history of music. Rock and Roll was originally not accept by the music industry and thought to be too sexual and too hard for the growing generations. Although many believed Rock and Roll was the end of talented, high-quality music we can obviously see it was just the start to a different movement in music’s history.
After the start of Rock and Roll several other types of music began to pop up in our culture. Disco, Dance, Country, Oldies, Rock, Pop, you name it and it came into the spot light. Following the 1960’s drive of Rock the 70’s produced all these different styles and types of music according to the area of the nation and the culture of the area. Disco and Dance music took over the nation in the 70’s dropping Jazz and Rock to the waist side. Even though Disco was one of the most popular movements in music at the time there were a number of individuals who walked a different path. Rebelling to this mainly white style of music hardcore Jazz and Rock musicians hit the books and created a new sound on the streets. Using smooth sounds and looping beets Hip-Hop was brought into the light. Fancy lyrics and continuous drum and high pitched sounds allowed artists to voice their opinions on life in the ghetto. Hip-Hop led strait to the faster and harder style we know today as rap. Russell Simmons, who is considered the godfather of Rap explains, "I think it was a lot of kids rebelling against Dance music, Disco music. Just as its predecessors Rap music was not accepted by the media but, thought more to be a street form of expression.
Jazz, Rock and Roll, Hip-hop, and Rap were all put down by the media at the first glance. What we now know as our foundation of music these styles are essential to understand our culture and the way in which talent is created. In 2005 there is a new movement hitting not only the streets, but the clubs and now the radio. Thought to be more expression then music critics of quality turn the other cheek when examining what is now called Crunk music. Many lovers of music and even of Rap music do not even know the style, the creation, or the definition of Crunk music. Starting in the deep roots of Atlanta Crunk music is defined by its fast pace, heavy bass, driving beats, and frenetic chanting. Like Punk music, which is a harder and faster sub-genre of Rock, Crunk music is the harder and faster sub-genre of Rap. Designed mainly for the clubs, Crunk music uses simple lyrics voiced over by a bunch of artists along with heavy bass to create a fanatical feeling of intense euphoria. This new wave of club style actions has exploded onto the main stage and is now dangerously comfortable in homes and cars across America. A different way of expressing anger and intense excitement, Crunk music has evolved into a new genre for a new century. Crunk music’s undisputed creator, Lil Jon, has been on the scene and on the charts for over two years strait. He started as a DJ where his love for Rap and Punk pushed him into stardom.
At this point there is no telling when this wave of Crunk will ever end. Not just a trend anymore Critics of Crunk have to recognize its strength in the main stream whoknows what’s next for this Atlanta based hardcore fight music. I personally love this style of music and wouldn’t trade it for any other type of hard hitting passionate art form. As long as there are listeners and supporters this new genre will be ingrained within our long and proud music history. Two physically powerful years of history has already been etched in stone. Many still believe that Crunk music is just a trend and will eventually fizzle out. However like its predecessors Crunk music is loud, strong, and here to stay. In the words of Lil Jon, “YEAAAAAAAAAAH!"
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