In Baz Luhrmann’s 2022 film Elvis, the legendary rock and roll icon’s life story is told in a vibrant, fast-paced narrative, blending historical facts with artistic liberties. One of the most striking features of the film is the unexpected presence of rap music, an element not traditionally associated with Elvis Presley or his era. This surprising choice has generated much discussion among fans, critics, and music enthusiasts. So why is there rap music in a film about Elvis, and what does it signify? In this article, we’ll explore the reasons behind this unconventional decision, delving into the relationship between Elvis and modern music genres, the creative direction of the film, and how rap helps to bridge the generational gap in storytelling.
Elvis: A Legacy of Musical Innovation
Before examining why rap music was included in the film Elvis, it’s essential to understand Elvis Presley’s own groundbreaking relationship with music. Elvis, the King of Rock and Roll, was known for blending various musical styles—such as gospel, blues, and country—into something distinctly his own. His sound was revolutionary in the 1950s, capturing the hearts of millions and helping to shape the modern music landscape.
Elvis was a genre-defying artist who transcended boundaries, so it’s fitting that a modern film about his life would reflect the fluidity and adaptability of his influence. His ability to blend genres wasn’t just a hallmark of his music; it also speaks to his cultural impact, which still resonates across various musical genres today, including rap and hip-hop.
The Role of Rap in Elvis
Rap, as a genre, is known for its poetic lyricism, rhythmic flow, and deep connection to African American culture. In many ways, it is a genre that embodies the struggle for social and cultural recognition, much like the early roots of rock and roll. The use of rap in Elvis is not just a random artistic choice but a deliberate narrative tool. It serves several purposes, including emphasizing the film’s themes, creating a link between past and present, and highlighting the ways in which Elvis’s legacy continues to influence contemporary artists.
1. Bridging Generational Gaps
One of the primary reasons rap music was introduced in Elvis is to bridge the generational gap between Elvis’s era and today’s music scene. In the film, rap music functions as a tool to make Elvis’s story relatable to a modern audience, many of whom may not have a deep understanding of his cultural impact. By integrating rap into the soundtrack, Luhrmann connects Elvis’s musical innovations to a genre that has become one of the most popular and influential forms of music in the 21st century.
Rap, like rock and roll, has transcended racial, cultural, and geographical boundaries to become a global phenomenon. The addition of rap in Elvis creates a link between the two musical worlds, allowing younger generations to see the throughline from the birth of rock and roll to the evolution of modern music. This helps contemporary audiences understand the lasting significance of Elvis, whose musical fusion laid the groundwork for future generations of artists, including those in the hip-hop and rap scenes.
2. The Influence of African American Culture
Elvis Presley is often credited with bringing African American musical styles, such as blues and gospel, into the mainstream. However, throughout his career, Elvis was frequently criticized for appropriating black culture without giving due recognition to its origins. The inclusion of rap in Elvis may serve as a way to acknowledge this complex relationship between Elvis and African American music.
Rap music, with its origins in African American communities, is another example of how Elvis’s legacy intersects with black musical traditions. By using rap in the film, Luhrmann might be drawing attention to the ways in which Elvis helped popularize African American musical styles while also participating in a broader cultural exchange that has shaped the modern music landscape. The choice to use rap as part of the film’s soundtrack highlights the ongoing evolution of African American influence on music and the arts, a legacy that continues in genres such as hip-hop, soul, and R&B.
3. Hip-Hop Artists Who Have Cited Elvis as an Influence
Rap music and hip-hop culture are built on the concept of sampling and remixing existing sounds and ideas. In this context, many contemporary rap artists have cited Elvis as an influence in some form, whether directly or indirectly. By incorporating rap into the Elvis film, the filmmakers may be acknowledging how Elvis’s musical innovation laid the groundwork for future genres, including hip-hop.
One notable example is the artist Post Malone, who has mentioned Elvis as a key influence on his musical style. Malone, who blends elements of rap, rock, and pop, is just one example of how modern artists fuse genres in ways that Elvis would have likely appreciated. By including rap in Elvis, the film acknowledges the cyclical nature of musical influence and how artists from different backgrounds and eras can borrow from and transform one another’s sounds.
4. Artistic Freedom and Creative Expression
Baz Luhrmann is known for his bold, imaginative filmmaking style, often blending various genres and visual techniques to create a heightened, immersive experience for audiences. His approach to Elvis was no different, with the use of rap music playing a significant role in shaping the film’s unique tone. The rap elements are often placed in key moments of the film, particularly when focusing on the turbulent relationship between Elvis and his manager, Colonel Tom Parker.
Incorporating rap into these scenes highlights the inner conflict and struggles that both characters face. The fast-paced, aggressive energy of rap contrasts with the more traditional sound of Elvis’s music, emphasizing the tension and contradictions that defined his career. The use of modern rap music allows Luhrmann to explore the more chaotic, rebellious aspects of Elvis’s story, creating a dynamic juxtaposition between the man and the myth.
5. Representing the Film’s Broader Themes
Another reason for the presence of rap in Elvis is the thematic connection between the struggles of modern-day artists and those faced by Elvis during his rise to fame. Both genres share a common thread of resistance against societal norms, an ongoing battle for creative freedom, and a push to redefine cultural boundaries. Elvis’s own experiences with the constraints placed upon him by the music industry and society at large resonate with the struggles of contemporary artists, particularly those in the rap community.
Rap, as a genre, has often been a platform for addressing social justice issues, inequality, and resistance to authority. Similarly, Elvis’s music was a form of rebellion against the cultural norms of the time, which sought to suppress his unconventional style and the way it challenged traditional values. By incorporating rap music into the film, the filmmakers are emphasizing these themes of rebellion and transformation that are central to both Elvis’s legacy and the culture of hip-hop.
6. A Modern Take on Elvis’s Musical Influence
Finally, the rap elements in Elvis reflect a more modern and inclusive view of musical legacy. In today’s interconnected, globalized world, musical boundaries are increasingly blurred, and genres frequently intersect in innovative ways. By including rap in a film about Elvis, the filmmakers not only acknowledge the lasting influence of his music but also recognize that music evolves in response to social, cultural, and technological changes.
Elvis’s legacy is far from static, and the incorporation of rap in Elvis illustrates how his influence continues to reverberate through new generations of artists who reimagine the sounds and ideas he helped popularize. The film’s use of rap music serves as a testament to the timelessness of Elvis’s creative spirit, as well as a celebration of the ways in which music continues to evolve and inspire.
Conclusion
The inclusion of rap music in Elvis is a thoughtful, purposeful choice that speaks to the broader themes of the film, as well as the cultural and musical legacies of both Elvis Presley and the rap genre. By incorporating rap, the filmmakers are not only bridging the generational divide between Elvis’s time and today but also highlighting the ongoing influence of Elvis on modern music. The film’s artistic liberties reflect how music, much like culture itself, is ever-evolving and interconnected. Rap in Elvis serves as a creative tool to honor the King of Rock and Roll while also connecting his story to the vibrant, diverse world of contemporary music.
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