Hip hop music

Afrika Bambaataa and DJ Yutaka (2004)

Dj Kool Herc-03

1520 Sedwick Ave., Bronx, New York1

DJ Hypnotize and Baby Cee

Sugarhill Gang Tour, 2016 (2)

Hip hop music, also known as rap music, is a genre of popular music that originated in the United States in the 1970s. It consists of a stylized rhythmic music that commonly accompanies rapping, a rhythmic and rhyming speech that is chanted. It developed as part of hip hop culture, a subculture defined by four key stylistic elements: MCing/rapping, DJing/Scratching, break dancing, and graffiti writing. Other elements include sampling (or synthesis), and beatboxing.

History

Hip hop music has its roots in the late 60s and early 70s in the Bronx, New York City. It emerged when DJ Kool Herc, a Jamaican immigrant, began hosting block parties that became popular among African American and Latino youth. Herc's experiments with making music with record players became hip hop's first DJing. He extended breaks in funk records, creating a continuous dance rhythm, which led to the development of breakdancing. MCs, inspired by Herc's interactions with the crowd, began speaking over the beats in a rhythmic manner, which evolved into rapping.

Subgenres

Hip hop music has diversified into numerous subgenres over the decades. Some of the notable ones include:

• Gangsta rap: Focuses on the violent lifestyles and impoverished conditions of inner-city youths.
• Trap music: Originated in the early 2000s in the Southern United States, it is known for its aggressive lyrical content and sound.
• Conscious hip hop: Seeks to impart knowledge and awareness, often with a focus on social issues.
• Alternative hip hop: Moves away from the violence and materialism prevalent in mainstream hip hop.

Culture and Influence

Hip hop extends beyond music to an entire cultural movement, including art, dance, fashion, and language. It has been a medium for social and political commentary, with artists using the platform to speak out on issues such as poverty, racism, and police brutality. Hip hop has also had a significant influence on marketing, film, and politics.

Global Impact

Originally a phenomenon of African American and Latino communities in New York City, hip hop has since spread around the world. International scenes have developed, each with its own characteristics and influences, from the United Kingdom to South Africa, France, Russia, and Japan.

Criticism and Controversy

Hip hop has been the subject of criticism and controversy. Critics argue that some aspects of the culture glorify violence, misogyny, and drug use. However, proponents highlight its role in giving a voice to marginalized communities and addressing social issues.

See Also

• Music of the United States
• African-American culture
• DJing
• Rapping

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