Traditional Poets:
* Walt Whitman: His free verse style, emphasis on everyday life, and celebration of the common person resonate with hip hop's focus on storytelling and urban experiences.
* Langston Hughes: His powerful use of rhythm and rhyme, coupled with his exploration of African American themes, laid the groundwork for hip hop's lyrical approach.
* Maya Angelou: Her poetic voice, deeply rooted in personal experience and social commentary, echoes in hip hop's ability to express personal struggles and social injustices.
* Gil Scott-Heron: Although not a poet in the traditional sense, Scott-Heron's "spoken word" performances with their lyrical content and rhythmic delivery are considered a major influence on early hip hop.
Poetry Styles:
* Beat Poetry: The free verse style of poets like Allen Ginsberg and Jack Kerouac resonated with early hip hop artists. Its focus on spontaneity, social commentary, and urban life influenced the lyrical form of hip hop.
* Spoken Word: The performance-oriented nature of spoken word poetry, its use of rhythm and rhyme, and its emphasis on social issues helped to shape the art of rapping.
Beyond Traditional Poetry:
* Black Arts Movement: This social and artistic movement emphasized Black identity, culture, and expression. The movement's focus on spoken word and political consciousness influenced hip hop's themes and lyrical content.
* The Blues: The rhythmic structure, poetic storytelling, and themes of struggle found in blues music are central to the development of hip hop.
It's important to note that these influences were not linear; rather, hip hop emerged as a synthesis of various cultural elements. It borrowed from poetry, music, and social movements to create a distinct artistic expression that resonated with urban communities and ultimately had a global impact.