Rap music is a form of popular music that is generally spoken or chanted at a fast pace rather than sung. Rap is performed over musical accompaniment that emphasizes rhythm rather than melody. Often, this accompaniment consists of short segments of previously recorded music combined in new patterns. Rap music often features clever rhymes, word play, and lyrics that are made up on the spot.
The term rap is frequently used to mean hip-hop, but the second term includes more than just music. Hip-hop is part of a modern urban lifestyle. The term is used to describe a culture with both visual and audio elements, such as clothing, rapping, disc jockeying, break dancing, language, and graffiti. Hip-hop music often is more melodic than pure rap.
The biggest inspiration for rap came from disc jockeys in Jamaica, who would toast (talk) over recorded music they played in clubs. The style, known as dub, produced popular records that featured disc jockeys talking over instrumental backgrounds and electronic effects. The disc jockey used records on two turntables, switching rapidly between them to mix and match beats. This style was introduced into New York City clubs and became a part of the music more regularly heard in the clubs.
American rap music developed in the mid-1970’s in New York City. It soon spread to other urban areas, primarily among African American teenagers. Rap grew rapidly in popularity in dance clubs in the late 1970’s as disco music began to lose its following among dancers. The style soon spread throughout the United States and much of the world.
As with rock music before it, the lyrics of rap and hip-hop music have often been controversial. Some critics see a recurring theme of violence toward women in the songs. The videos of rap and hip-hop artists also have been criticized for violence and strong sexual content.
The first rap hit was “Rapper’s Delight” (1979) by the Sugar Hill Gang. “The Breaks” (1980) by Kurtis Blow helped spread rap among a wider audience. Much of early rap expressed a party spirit. But such performers as Public Enemy looked harder at social issues and were often angry and aggressive. A style known as gangster rap or gangsta rap emphasized gunplay and other outlaw aspects of urban life.
In some variations of rap and hip-hop, artists have returned to the reggae music of Jamaica for inspiration. Mainstream rock artists have tried to incorporate elements of rap into their music by inviting rappers to perform on their records. Popular rap performers have included Bad Bunny, the Beastie Boys, Cardi B, Chance the Rapper, Drake, Dr. Dre, Missy Elliott, Eminem, 50 Cent, Ice-T, Jay-Z, Lil Wayne, Lizzo, Megan Thee Stallion, Nicki Minaj, Queen Latifah, Run-D.M.C., Snoop Dogg, and Kanye West.
