Heart of Darkness, a novella by Joseph Conrad, is a story about blatant racism and exploitation of “inferior” races to the benefit of “superior” races. There are many other issues that present themselves in the story that include sexism, racism, the issue of humanity, and the battle between civilization and savagery. One thing that is important to note is that the story emphasizes the “good” aspects about civilization and the word itself has a positive connotation, while savagery is used to push the “evil” connotation. However, Marlow, the main character of the novella, bypasses most of the stereotypes that manage to take hold of the rest of the characters. He is affected by his environment, but he also feels that way because of the pressures of another character, the manager, who is Marlow’s boss.
Marlow adapts very easily to his environments and when he makes decisions, he surprises everybody else. He is a sailor but is different from other sailors in that he is the only one out of the introductory characters who still “followed the sea” and doesn’t represent the normal stereotypical version of a sailor. He is described as a wanderer who travels across land and sea, unlike most sailors, who are described as sedentary since their home is the sea and the ocean is their country. (Conrad 3-5) A great example of a hip hop artist that can be compared to Marlow is Kanye West in his ability to produce albums with such varying themes. West is described as a musical genius – not a lyrical genius, don’t worry – because he began to produce music at such a young age and his music career is one of the most unique in that he has been a producer, rapper, and singer. His albums have evolved each time with a new theme as West adapts to the hip hop environment and the style of the day. For example, West’s first album (The College Dropout) was a sample frenzy, meaning almost every song took parts from other songs in the final production. West has also put out albums that used string accompaniments and live instrumentals(Late Registration & So Help Me God), electronic and house samples (Graduation & Yeezus), autotune (808s & Heartbreak), extensive features (My Beautiful Dark Fantasy, and collaboration projects (Watch the Throne & G.O.O.D. Music Presents Cruel Summer). Also, Kanye West has started other business ventures with shoes, clothing, and a Fatburger chain, defying the limits of music artists.
Marlow and Kanye West both defy the limits of their stereotypes, and it makes the readers of Heart of Darkness and the listeners of Kanye West wonder how steroetypes form when we have characters and people who so easily defy them.
Hip-Hop Maharaj 