Start with the history of the genre. If you're writing a paper about the impact that hip-hop music has had on social activism in Third World countries, discuss the roots of hip-hop in New York City and how it focused on telling stories of urban poverty, racism in America and everyday lives of working-class populations. Or if you're writing about the rise of samba music as a national dance in Brazil, discuss its' roots in the Afro-Brazilian communities.
Mention the contributions of key musicians in the genre. If you're writing a paper about roots reggae music in the 1970s and early 80s, discuss the role that artists such as Bob Marley, Third World and Steel Pause have played in bringing awareness of social injustices to larger audiences. Also discuss the political and cultural events that inspired these artists at the time.
Discuss innovations in the genre today. For example, if you're writing a paper about Latin American genres, discuss how nowadays Latin styles of music have blended with other genres such as hip-hop, techno, funk and rock. Also mention the role that immigration, globalization and intermarriage between Hispanics and those of other races contributed to this trend in Latin music.