Rapping

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Rapping is a musical form of vocal delivery that incorporates "rhyme, rhythmic speech, and street vernacular", which is performed or chanted in a variety of ways, usually over a backing beat or musical accompaniment. The components of rap include "content" (what is being said), "flow" (rhythm, rhyme), and "delivery" (cadence, tone). Rapping differs from spoken-word poetry in that it is usually performed in time to a beat. Rapping is often associated with and a primary ingredient of hip-hop music, but the origins of the phenomenon predate hip-hop culture by many years. Early precursors to rapping can be found in African-American music and ultimately African music, particularly that of the griots of West African culture.

History

The history of rapping can be traced back to its African roots. Centuries before hip-hop music existed, the griots of West Africa were delivering stories rhythmically, over drums and sparse instrumentation. Such connections have been acknowledged by many modern artists, modern day "griots", spoken word artists, mainstream news sources, and academics.

In the 1970s, rapping emerged in the United States as a component of the hip-hop movement in the Bronx, New York City. The early rappers and DJs in hip-hop were influenced by the Jamaican tradition of "toasting", which involved reciting improvised or composed poetry over beats. DJ Kool Herc is widely considered to be the founding father of hip-hop music and culture, and he was among the first to use the breakbeat, a key element of most rapping music, in his performances.

Styles

Rapping can be delivered over a beat or without accompaniment. Stylistically, rap occupies a gray area between speech, prose, poetry, and singing. The word, which predates the musical form, originally meant to lightly strike, and is now used to describe quick speech or repartee. The use of the word "rap" to describe quick and slangy verbal communication predates the musical form. The style's West African roots explain its use of rhythmic speech and its incorporation of proverbs, which is a hallmark of African and African-American oral tradition.

Flow

Flow is defined as the rhythms and rhymes of a hip-hop song's lyrics and how they interact. Flow can be broken down into rhyme, rhyme schemes, and rhythm (also known as cadence). The flow of a rapper is considered to be one of the most important elements of their vocal delivery.

Delivery

Delivery encompasses the tone, speed, and volume of the rapper's vocal performance. The delivery of a rap might vary from intensely rapid-fire and aggressive to a smooth, melodic cadence.

Influence

Rapping has had a significant influence on music worldwide. While often associated with hip-hop, it has influenced various music genres like R&B, pop, and electronic music. Rapping has also been used in different contexts, such as in educational settings to teach children and adults alike, demonstrating its versatility as a form of expression.

Cultural Impact

Rapping has transcended its musical origins to become a significant part of global culture. It has been a medium for voicing social grievances, celebrating achievements, and telling personal stories of struggle and triumph. The genre has given rise to a new generation of poets and has been a critical tool for social activism and commentary.