PLAYGROUND TO PROSCENIUM: A Hip Hop Enquiry on Authenticity in the 21st Century / Matthew Harding (2019)

Hip Hop. A culture, a movement and for some a way of life; is continually moving forward and evolving. ‘Hip’ being a word of the now and ‘Hop’ which indicates movement. Playground to Proscenium looks at Hip Hops hybrid choreographic transition from its roots and foundations to the stage, live and media performance. This research project encompasses a documentation of a live and media performance, contextualized and framed within a theoretical analysis of Hip Hop’s development. I am particularly interested in looking at key aspects within Hip Hop performance and culture including but not limited to; costume, music, technology and proximity of the audience.

My key enquiry therefore within this research is the authenticity of Hip Hop culture and form; and as mentioned above the implications when Hip Hop is relocated contextually both physically and through media. If authenticity as defined by ‘Oxford Dictionaries’ is directly in relation to Hip Hop is the making or doing in a traditional way and therefore resembling the original (Lexico, 2019). A key aspect then within my own practice and my investigation is in how authenticity is affected in the work and additionally if this has any impact, on the authenticity of the form. My research will look at areas which are inclusive but not limited to, culture, politics and gender within Hip Hop and how this directly relates to my work. Initially within my research my artistic work I continue to explore the relationship between authenticity and origins of Hip Hop form and knowledge. In my
initial research, I believe that there is a direct relationship between the authenticity of the culture of Hip Hop form, and knowledge from my own artistic perspective and from existing investigations. Authenticity and Knowledge throughout my research.

I will also be analysing all aspects interrogating throughout in-depth within this research project including of challenges and how I overcome these. This is key to my enquiry of authenticity in this research, allowing me an opportunity to explore and challenge in my own work.

As a Hip Hop practitioner and artist, I believe this research is crucial when looking at the documentation of the style and culture and includes interviews from individuals who have been influential within the UK Hip Hop scene and internationally. This research not only speaks about the potential future of Hip Hop culture but always builds on the foundations which have expanded it to what we see today. This therefore is a document which informed by the past, present and an insight into the potential developments.