If you live in the United States, or have ever visited, you are probably aware of the fact that there are many different cultural segments.  One of the most popular segments is that of the hip-hop culture.  Over the past 10 to 15 years this cultural segment has taken off, and caught on with millions of people across the country.

Hip-hop has a different meaning to everybody.  Most people who identify it with rap music, baggy clothes, and in the earlier years, break dancing. 

The main reason that the hip-hop culture in the United States has taken off can be traced back to the music industry.  Back in the 1980's when there were not a lot of rappers around, the hip-hop culture was as good as dead.  But as rappers began to become more popular throughout the early 90’s, the number of people who became interested in this phenomenon began to grow.

Early on, hip-hop culture was only seen in the inner city; and was mainly seen in people of African American decent.  As the years passed, more and more people began to notice that hip-hop was here to stay, and that it was a new way of life.  This led to the spread of the culture to more areas throughout the country.  By the late 1990’s, hip-hop had spread nationwide; all in thanks to the rap music industry becoming popular.

Just because the hip-hop culture was born primarily from rap music does not mean that the music industry is the only place where this culture is imminent.  In fact, the entertainment industry is also a big contributor to this culture.  Over the years there have been many movies produced on the hip-hop culture.  Celebrities have also taken notice, which has led to the spread of its popularity.  Just like anything else in the United States, if celebrities are doing it, the mainstream population will want to join the crowd.

The sports industry has also given hip-hop culture a major boost that it would have otherwise never seen.  The National Basketball Association (NBA) has many players that endorse this culture and lifestyle.  Everything from the way that the player’s dress, to the music that they listen to is observed by their fans.  And just like other celebrities, professional athletes have a major impact on the lives of the public.

The hip-hop culture is most easily identified by the way that its members dress, and the music that they listen to.  These are the two factors that will help you to determine which individuals practice this culture.  That is not to say that these people should be stereotyped, because the music that you listen to and the clothes that you wear do not make who you are; but they can go a long way as far as culture is concerned.

Overall, hip-hop culture in the United States has taken off over the past 15 years.  This is evident by the large increase in the population of people who take part in this culture.  If things continue to progress at this pace, the hip-hop culture will surely make a larger worldwide impact in the years to come.