Hip hop

Template:Hip hop Hip hop is a cultural movement and music genre that originated in the United States during the late 1970s in African American communities. It is characterized by four key elements: MCing or rapping, DJing, breakdancing, and graffiti art. Over the decades, hip hop has grown to influence global music, fashion, language, and culture, evolving from its roots in street parties to a dominant global youth phenomenon.

History

Hip hop music originated in the Bronx borough of New York City in the 1970s. DJ Kool Herc is widely considered the founding father of hip hop. He developed the technique of break beat DJing, which involves isolating and extending the break portion of songs to create a continuous beat for the crowd to dance to. This style was further developed by artists like Grandmaster Flash and Afrika Bambaataa, who were pioneers in the genre.

Elements

MCing/Rapping

Rapping is the rhythmic vocal delivery of rhymes and wordplay, one of the central elements of hip hop music and culture. It allows artists to express their individuality and is often used to comment on social issues, tell stories, or boast about skills.

DJing

DJing involves the manipulation of sounds and beats using turntables and a mixer. Early hip hop DJs like Grandmaster Flash developed innovative techniques such as scratching and beat mixing that have become standard in the genre.

Breakdancing

Also known as breaking, breakdancing is an athletic style of street dance from hip hop culture. It consists of four primary moves: toprock, downrock, power moves, and freezes. Breakdancing is typically performed to hip hop music, or those genres that have evolved as part of hip hop culture.

Graffiti Art

Graffiti is a form of visual expression and a way for artists to engage in social and political commentary. It has been closely linked with the hip hop scene since the early days, with graffiti artists often decorating urban spaces with their elaborate designs and tags.

Influence and Expansion

Since its inception, hip hop has had a profound impact on music, fashion, language, and technology. It has transcended its roots to influence mainstream fashion and media around the world. The genre has also been a platform for social activism and commentary, addressing issues such as poverty, racism, and police brutality.

Subgenres and Fusion Genres

Hip hop has diversified into numerous subgenres and has influenced many other genres creating fusion genres such as rap rock, trap music, and jazz rap. Each subgenre has its own distinct characteristics and cultural influences.

Global Impact

Hip hop culture has spread globally and has developed unique regional scenes in countries such as Japan, France, South Africa, and Brazil. Each scene adapts the core elements of hip hop to its local context, creating a rich global tapestry of music and culture.

See Also

• List of hip hop musicians
• Hip hop production
• Hip hop dance