U.S. Senate Unanimously Decides That November Is 'Hip-Hop History Month' And August 11th Is 'National Hip-Hop Day'

Yesterday, the U.S. Senate voted unanimously to designate the month of November as "Hip-Hop History Month." This designation also included the provisioning of August 11th as "National Hip-Hop Day."

Originally known as "hip-hop," most today know the musical genre as "rap," though the style of rap has changed over the decades with new sub-genres continuously evolving. Originally conceived in the Bronx, hip-hop spread and continued to morph in phases to get where it is today.

S.Res.331 – 117th Congress (2021-2022): A resolution designating August 11, 2021, as "Hip Hop Celebration Day", designating August 2021 as " Hip Hop Recognition Month", and designating November 2021 as "Hip Hop History Month". ⁦@HipHopCaucus⁩ #HipHop https://t.co/zC6dVSY0LC

— rev yearwood ✊🏾 (@RevYearwood) August 11, 2021

Happy Birthday Hip Hop! 🎈Delve into secret history the greatest albums, starting with PublicEnemyFTP</a>&#39;s &#39;Yo! Bum Rush the Show.&#39; <a href="https://t.co/DyzUSQUvYZ">https://t.co/DyzUSQUvYZ</a><br><br>🖋: <a href="https://twitter.com/JLBarrow?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">JLBarrow. pic.twitter.com/ayBP8aN7VG

— Okayplayer (@okayplayer) August 11, 2021

Though some were happy for this designation, there were also plenty upset by the news, as some on Twitter clearly expressed. In particular, the neo-soul artist SZA, a stylized name based on the Wu-Tang Clan, went as far as calling the designation "disrespectful."

This line of reasoning stems from the banning of Critical Race Theory in the core curriculum in schools across the nation, making acts like this seem performative and without the intent of actively solving current problems. This sentiment was echoed by others who mentioned more pressing issues needing to be addressed instead of a "hip-hop history month."

#TSRPolitics: Oop! SZA is not here for a hip-hop holiday! As previously reported, the Senate passed a bill designating August 11th as “Hip-Hop Celebration Day” and November as “Hip-Hop History Month.” Thoughts, Roommates? pic.twitter.com/XBH7gigJAx

— TheShadeRoom (@TheShadeRoom) August 8, 2021

I for one did not ask for a Hip Hop Celebration Day, Hip Hop History Month, or a Hip Hop moment of silence. Can our congressmen/women work on extending the eviction ban? Why is this happening now? pic.twitter.com/efJh0KW7Mi

— Colony Little (@CultureShockArt) August 12, 2021

Legit just saw that the Senate made November Hip Hop History Month. They will kneel in Congress, sing Lift Every Voice and Sing, and give us a month to celebrate rap, but actual change? Forget it lol

— mr. comfortable (@morelikemensa) August 4, 2021

While not exactly asking for change or solutions to the problems plaguing their communities, there were still a lot of people simply asking the questions: Why? Who Asked? For What Purpose? And why is Hip-Hop Day not in Hip-Hop History Month?

Why would hip hop day not be in hip hop history month?

— Symphonic blank stare (@BrianBerlin4) August 4, 2021

The senate has made August 11 National Hip Hop day and the entire month of November Hip Hop History Month.. this raises a very important question… pic.twitter.com/R1P4ggQeWU

— Derek Lane (@Dereks_Lane) August 9, 2021

Now who tf asked for a Hip Hop History Month?? pic.twitter.com/H7BUAVl7EC

— Who dropped DaBaby? (@CharleyBravoJr) August 3, 2021