Street music is a vibrant form of artistic expression found at the heart of cities around the world. It belongs to a broader range of urban cultures, alongside hip-hop, graffiti, urban dance, and action sports. Discover this fascinating world through exhibitions, performances, demonstrations, and shows. Immerse yourself in this rich and varied urban culture, which emerged in France in the 1980s with the arrival of hip-hop.
Whether you are already a fan of street music or would like to discover this urban culture, there is much to explore and no shortage of talented artists to encounter in the world of urban performance.
Table of Contents
Urban cultures and the Urban Focus event
The Urban Focus event, held from September to December 2016, was a major cultural event devoted to urban cultures. Organized by the Department of Culture, the Créteil Soleil shopping center, the Maison des Arts, and the MPT community centers of Les Bleuets and La Haye-aux-Moines, the event celebrated hip-hop, graffiti, urban dance, and action sports.
Throughout the event, visitors attended a series of exhibitions, artistic performances, demonstrations, shows, and gatherings that highlighted the diversity and creativity of urban cultures. Many talented urban artists were invited to share their art and passion with the public.
Highlights of Urban Focus included urban dance demonstrations, during which talented dancers impressed audiences with their distinctive styles and command of movement. You can learn more about this scene. Graffiti performances also took place, giving artists an opportunity to showcase their skills and create visually striking works live.
The Urban Focus event also showcased urban action sports such as skateboarding, rollerblading, and BMX. Demonstrations and competitions were organized to celebrate the athletes and their impressive performances.
“Urban Focus was a unique opportunity to celebrate the richness and diversity of urban cultures. The event brought the urban community together and showcased the talents of street artists. I was fascinated by the energy and creativity radiating from every performance. It was truly inspiring!”
The following video features an urban dance performance connected with the world of Urban Focus:
The Urban Focus event was a resounding success, attracting a large audience and bringing fans of hip-hop, graffiti, dance, and action sports together to share their passion. It highlighted the vitality and importance of urban cultures in our society.
| Discipline | Date | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| Exhibitions | September to December 2016 | Maison des Arts |
| Artistic performances | September to December 2016 | Créteil Soleil shopping center |
| Demonstrations | September to December 2016 | Créteil Soleil shopping center |
| Shows | September to December 2016 | MPT community centers of Les Bleuets and La Haye-aux-Moines |
| Gatherings | September to December 2016 | MPT community centers of Les Bleuets and La Haye-aux-Moines |
Exhibitions and street-art trails
During the Urban Focus event, urban-art enthusiasts could discover numerous captivating exhibitions and follow exciting street-art trails. One must-see venue was the Créteil Soleil shopping center, which hosted a group exhibition showcasing the talents of graffiti artists.
Visitors admired works by local and international artists, discovering the diversity and creativity of this urban art. Graffiti demonstrations also offered a glimpse into the artists’ distinctive techniques and styles.
In addition to the group exhibition, murals were created in the Mont-Mesly neighborhood by artists Nubs and Henry Hang in collaboration with children from local activity centers and neighborhood residents. These colorful, expressive murals helped beautify the public space and reveal the artistic richness of urban culture.
A walking trail was organized so that visitors could fully appreciate these urban artworks. It led them past the murals of Mont-Mesly and the Sarrazins school, offering complete immersion in the world of street art.
Some examples of the murals created:
“The Dance of the City” by Nubs:
- Dimensions: 4 meters high by 6 meters wide
- Location: Place du Mont-Mesly
“The Child of the Street” by Henry Hang:
- Dimensions: 5 meters high by 8 meters wide
- Location: Rue des Sarrazins
These murals are compelling expressions of urban creativity. They celebrate both the artists’ talent and the city of Créteil. Through these exhibitions and street-art trails, visitors could appreciate the richness and diversity of urban art while discovering the stories and messages conveyed by the works.
Urban music: the category’s origins and implications
Urban music has been developing as a category within the music industry since the mid-2000s. Although some artists dispute this classification and the media have criticized it, the term remains in use. Its origins lie in the US music industry of the 1980s, which was marked by explicit racial segregation. The urban music category sought to move beyond that segregation by grouping genres such as hip-hop, R&B, and ragga. However, it raises aesthetic, sociological, technical, and commercial issues.
The classification of urban music within the music industry continues to prompt debate and criticism. Some artists question the relevance of the category, arguing that it encourages musical segregation and perpetuates stereotypes. The media also bear some responsibility for reinforcing this classification and limiting the visibility of certain artists.
“Urban music is often reduced to clichés and stereotypes. It is seen as music made by young people from working-class neighborhoods, when in reality it is much richer and more diverse.” — Anonymous urban artist
Nevertheless, the urban-music category also has positive aspects. It can showcase artists from working-class neighborhoods and bring visibility to musical genres that were marginalized for many years. This classification can also encourage networks and collaborations among artists.
Beyond its social, aesthetic, and sociological implications, the classification of urban music also presents technical and commercial challenges. The genres grouped under the label have distinct approaches to production, sound, and target audiences. Record labels and streaming platforms must find suitable strategies for promoting this music while reaching a broad audience.
Racial segregation and urban music
The classification of urban music originated in the US music industry, which was marked by explicit racial segregation. During the 1980s, hip-hop, R&B, and ragga emerged as forms of artistic expression within Black urban communities.
“The urban-music category is the product of a history marked by racial segregation. It reflects a desire to move beyond that segregation by bringing together genres from different communities and propelling them onto the music scene.” — Music sociologist Jean-Pierre Dubois
Some critics, however, believe that the classification reproduces a form of segregation by emphasizing artists’ ethnic backgrounds rather than their artistic creativity. That segregation may also be reflected in commercial practices and radio airplay, where urban music sometimes receives less exposure and fewer promotional opportunities than other musical genres.
Over the years, the urban-music category has evolved and continues to redefine itself. It now encompasses a wide variety of styles and trends, becoming a space where urban artists of all backgrounds can express themselves.
The implications of classifying urban music
The classification of urban music raises aesthetic, sociological, technical, and commercial questions. From an aesthetic standpoint, grouping genres as varied as hip-hop, R&B, and ragga can seem reductive because each has its own characteristics and conventions.
From a sociological standpoint, classifying urban music can be seen as an attempt to move beyond racial segregation and promote artistic diversity. However, the label must be used carefully to avoid reproducing stereotypes and ethnoracial divisions.
From a technical standpoint, the urban-music category presents challenges involving production, sound, and target audiences. Artists and producers must strike a balance between the defining features of their musical genre and their desire to reach a broad audience.
From a commercial standpoint, the urban-music classification can help promote the artists and musical genres it encompasses. It is important, however, to ensure that the label does not restrict their visibility or opportunities for exposure.
Urban music in France: between desegregation and stereotypes
The French music industry adopted the urban-music category beginning in the 1990s. It was shaped by the economically dominant US cultural industries. The category brought together music and artists from different cultures in an attempt to move beyond racial divisions. Yet it also reproduced stereotypes and ethnoracial divisions, particularly in commercial practices and radio airplay.
Urban music in France has undergone a complex and paradoxical evolution. On the one hand, it contributed to cultural desegregation by bringing together artists from diverse communities. On the other, it also fueled stereotypes and prejudices associated with artists’ ethnic backgrounds.
This classification of urban music in France was influenced by the recording formats favored by the music industry. Record labels and media outlets sought to promote and market the music by associating it with stereotypes surrounding urban identity and racial segregation that were often already present in society. As a result, some urban-music artists and groups found themselves trapped within these representations and struggled to break free from them.
| Recording formats | Racial segregation | Stereotypes |
|---|---|---|
| Studio albums | Discrimination in the music industry | Violence, crime |
| Mixtapes | Selective radio airplay | Sexualization of women |
| Singles | Limited access to career opportunities | Negative portrayals of neighborhoods |
Despite these stereotypes and the persistent racial divisions within the French music industry, some urban-music artists have managed to overcome these barriers and gain recognition for their talent and creativity. They have used the conventions of urban music to express their identities and personal experiences while pushing the boundaries of French urban music.
Urban music in France continues to evolve and reinvent itself as new artists push boundaries and break down stereotypes. It is essential to recognize the diversity and richness of this form of artistic expression while working to reduce the stereotypes and divisions that persist.
Exploring urban art through music
Urban art is not limited to hip-hop; it extends into other artistic fields. New musical perspectives can be found by exploring the connections between traditional music and hip-hop through samples. The Musée du Quai Branly created a Deezer playlist pairing famous samples of traditional music with the rap tracks that use them. The project reveals unexpected connections between different musical worlds and highlights the creativity of beatmakers.
Samples allow excerpts from existing tracks to be incorporated into new musical compositions. Hip-hop artists use sampling to create distinctive beats and add another dimension to their tracks. Sampling can also pay tribute to other artists or place sounds from different musical cultures in a new context.
“Samples are an essential tool for beatmakers and hip-hop producers. They allow us to draw from an immense reservoir of sounds and create something new and original. It is an art form in its own right.” — DJ Scratch
Through sampling, artists can explore a wide range of musical territory by combining hip-hop with elements of traditional music, jazz, soul, funk, and many other genres. This creates a fusion of cultural and musical influences that contributes to the genre’s constant evolution.
Examples of famous samples:
| Sample | Original artist | Hip-hop artist |
|---|---|---|
| I Can’t Go for That (No Can Do) | Hall & Oates | De La Soul – Say No Go |
| Funky Drummer | James Brown | Public Enemy – Fight the Power |
| Impeach the President | The Honey Drippers | Dr. Dre – Let Me Ride |
These examples illustrate how hip-hop artists use samples to create new sounds by reworking tracks from different musical genres. Sampling offers a way to explore urban art through music and discover unexpected connections between artistic worlds.
Conclusion
Street music is a fascinating world shaped by influences from the many artistic disciplines of urban culture. Urban artists express themselves through music, street art, dance, and many other forms. This dynamic and vibrant cultural exploration showcases tremendous artistic diversity while capturing the energy and rhythm of cities around the globe.
Whether you are already a street-music enthusiast or would like to discover this urban culture, you will find countless talented artists to explore in the world of urban performance. Each artist contributes a distinctive voice, making street music an immersive and inspiring experience.
Urban artists push boundaries and transform city spaces into stages for creative expression. Their boundless creativity reflects their passion and commitment to their art. By immersing yourself in this dynamic culture, you will discover a fresh perspective on art and music through the spontaneity and authenticity of live performance.
FAQ
What is street music?
Street music is a vibrant form of artistic expression found at the heart of cities around the world. It forms part of urban culture alongside hip-hop, graffiti, urban dance, and action sports.
What was the Urban Focus event?
Urban Focus featured a series of exhibitions, artistic performances, demonstrations, shows, and gatherings celebrating urban cultures. Held from September to December 2016, it showcased street arts including hip-hop, graffiti, urban dance, and action sports.
What kinds of exhibitions were presented during Urban Focus?
Several exhibitions and street-art trails were offered during Urban Focus. The Créteil Soleil shopping center hosted a group exhibition as well as graffiti demonstrations. Artists Nubs and Henry Hang also created murals in the Mont-Mesly neighborhood in collaboration with children from local activity centers and neighborhood residents. A walking trail was also organized to introduce visitors to the murals of Mont-Mesly and the Sarrazins school.
What is the urban-music category?
Urban music is a category that has developed within the music industry since the mid-2000s. It groups genres such as hip-hop, R&B, and ragga. The classification emerged in the United States during the 1980s, a period marked by explicit racial segregation. Despite disputes and criticism, it continues to be used to group these musical genres.
How was the urban-music category received in France?
The French music industry adopted the urban-music category beginning in the 1990s and was heavily influenced economically by US cultural industries. The category brought together music and artists from different cultures in an attempt to move beyond racial divisions. However, it also reproduced stereotypes and ethnoracial divisions, particularly in commercial practices and radio airplay.
How is urban art connected with music?
Urban art is not limited to hip-hop; it extends into other artistic fields. New musical perspectives can be discovered by exploring the connections between traditional music and hip-hop through samples. The Musée du Quai Branly created a Deezer playlist pairing famous samples of traditional music with the rap tracks that use them. The project reveals unexpected connections between different musical worlds and highlights the creativity of beatmakers.
What does street music represent?
Street music represents a dynamic and vibrant cultural exploration in which urban artists express themselves through music, street art, dance, and many other forms. It offers tremendous artistic diversity and a unique way to experience the energy and rhythm of cities around the world. Whether you are already a street-music enthusiast or would like to discover this urban culture, there is much to explore and no shortage of talented artists to encounter in the world of urban performance.