James WilliamRappers express ideas and perspectives through their lyrics. They use slang and other poetic devices like similes to communicate a message artistically. The best MCs are accomplished formal poets with complex rhyme schemes built on a rock-solid rhythm. They often surprise audiences with techniques like syncopation. The jive talk style of the Black-appeal radio era has influenced their vocal delivery.
Origins
موزیک رپ, or hip-hop, began at block parties in the early 1970s in New York City. DJs such as Kool Herc isolated and extended the percussion breaks in funk, soul and disco records, which also inspired breakdancing. MCs (master of ceremonies) were introduced to introduce the DJs and keep crowds energized. They would talk between songs, joking and interacting with the audience. Their ad-libs became the basis of rapping.
Rap artists often draw from their own experiences and the experience of people in their communities. They portray a recurrent message of hope and resilience. The rhythm-message combination of rap and hip-hop is similar to that of spoken word poetry, the griot tradition in African music, and jazz poetry.
Unlike most other musical genres, rap and hip hop are usually performed over a beat. This beat is provided by a DJ or turntablist, although rappers can decide to perform without a producer’s beat. Rappers can also choose to rhyme, chant or speak over the beat.
Styles
Many different rap styles have developed over the genre’s five decade history. Gangsta rap is a particularly important subgenre, either an honest document of street life or an obscene glamourisation of morally dubious lifestyle choices. It also influenced southern rap styles like crunk, which combines high-pitched synthesizers with speedy trap hi-hat production and crunchy horn samples.
Jazz hip hop is a fusion of two of America’s original music styles – jazz and hip hop – often featuring live instruments alongside MCs, with producers using jazz time signatures and progressions to guide the production. It can be dark and dramatic, such as in the gothic early material of Brooklyn trio Three 6 Mafia, or playfully silly, as with scat rapping by Geto Boys member Bushwick Bill.
Conscious hip hop is a broad term, referring to rappers who use their craft to raise socio-political awareness. It was launched by the likes of Public Enemy and A Tribe Called Quest in the ’90s, and continues today with artists such as Kendrick Lamar.
Influences
Rappers have a wide variety of influences. These can be cultural, musical or social. They can also be political or philosophical. Many rappers use a large vocabulary, and their words can convey different meanings depending on the context in which they are used. This phenomenon is often explored through the theory of semiotics, developed by French literary theorist Roland Barthes. He argues that every word has both its literal meaning, and a mythical or symbolic understanding that is heavily dependent on the socio-cultural context in which it is used.
The flow of a rapper’s speech is essential to his or her performance. It can be fluid and soothing to communicate romance, or staccato and harsh to show anger or conflict. Hip hop music can be influenced by spoken word poetry, which traces its roots back to the Black Arts Movement of the 1960s. Many rappers incorporate this style into their performances by participating in poetry slams.
Significance
Rappers often speak about their experiences in life, especially the difficulties that they face. These problems can include violence, drug addiction and poverty. They may talk about how they have overcome these issues and rise to success. This can give hope to those who may be facing similar situations as the rappers.
The music itself is very appealing as well. The rhythms and beats are fast and catchy, making it easy to dance to. The lyrics can also be meaningful and emotional. There are many different styles of rap, from the serious and thought-provoking to the braggadocios and energetic.
Overall, rap music is important because it represents the voice of urban culture in America. It has been influential in influencing the language and vocabulary of young people. It has also influenced modern vernacular, as exemplified by the term “rat”. In addition, the genre of rap has helped to bring awareness to social issues and injustices that are prevalent in society.
The Bottom Lines
Rap is delivered over a beat, often provided by a DJ or turntablist. It does not abide by the equal-tempered tuning system. It was born of block parties as MCs livened up crowds between DJ dance songs with energy, word play and rhyming. Today, a rapper’s delivery and thematic content can be a fusion of culture and politics.
