(AllHipHop News) Any true student of the history of Hip Hop knows that the genre is essentially a cousin of Jazz. Both musical styles were born out of African-American youth culture and both include similar elements like improvisation or freestyling.
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But according to a poll conducted by 60 Minutes/Vanity Fair, Jazz is seen as “more important” than Hip Hop.
It should be noted the CBS news program and pop culture magazine do not share the demographics of those surveyed, but the answers somewhat shed a light on certain Americans’ thoughts about music (or at least those Americans that watch 60 Minutes and read Vanity Fair).
According to the poll, 73% of those who answered feel jazz is a more important type of American music compared to 19% who selected Hip Hop. A majority – 50% – also said Hip Hop has reached its peak. Country totaled 20%, Rock 10%, Pop 9%, and R&B 7% in that tally.
Also, 42% chose this decade’s music as the worst, and when asked to select which artist they would like to see their child study 33% picked The Beatles, 32% picked Mozart, 14% picked Michael Jackson, 9% picked Billie Holiday, and 5% picked Jay Z.
While the 60 Minutes poll separates Jazz and Hip Hop, many acts including A Tribe Called Quest, Common, Pete Rock & CL Smooth, Robert Glasper, and Kris Bowers have blended the two styles together.
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