The history of rap music or hip hop music begins
in the early '70s. Most music buffs know hip hop music history has a rich
past with its roots in several related music styles. If you look at history
rap music, it clearly shows its origins and influences in the popular
African American and Latino street culture of New York City and surrounding
areas.
In the '70s, hip hop music history began with the highly original and
innovative approach New York DJs started using to highlight the amazing
percussion riffs and other rhythmic drum breaks in popular funk and disco
music played in clubs. At this point in history rap music and the growing
club scene started recognizing the power and importance of big name DJs
in their ability to draw big crowds. The rise of the DJ clearly parallels
the rise of rap music in both the past and present history of rap music.
The history of rap music, as hip hop music history students know all too
well, also saw the birth of a new expanded function for the MC. One of
the jobs of the MC (or emcee) was to introduce the DJ and the performing
rap artists to the audience. Keeping the guests happy and excited also
fell upon the shoulders of the MC. Clearly, talented MCs with cool, charismatic
stage presence became instrumental to the growing popularity of hip hop
music and rap artists. The better MCs entertained the audience before,
during and after the performers came on stage.
Without a doubt, the history of rap music or hip hop music can be seen
in these humble beginnings of the DJ and MC - along with the rise of rap
artists, breakdancers and taggers (graffiti artists) - all part of the
New York City scene in the early '70s.
Interestingly, it wasn't until the late 1970s before the history of rap
music showed its extraordinary and expanding commercial power and started
its meteoric rise as a popular music style in America and soon throughout
the world. By the '90s, a sub-genre known as gangsta rap took America
by storm. Its controversial lyrics, with its focus on street violence,
sex and drugs, all increased its allure to America's youth and quickly
crossed over into all socio-economic groups. Despite its controversial
aspects, or possibly because of it, rap music (as hip hop music history
will show) continued its run away rise into the new millenium. In fact,
today hip hop music is one of the fastest growing and most popular forms
of music in America or the world.
The history of rap music would not be complete without a look at the performers
who make it all possible - the rap artists. Most rap music typically includes
one or more rappers who often rap about their own personal life stories,
important events in their lives, or social problems they wish to make
a public statement about. Rap songs can also represent romanticized or
fictional themes. The sky is the limit. Musically, rap songs usually have
a strong rhythmic aspect with the spoken lyrics emulating the intense
rhythm of the beat. Rap songs are known to make use of many poetic techniques
including simple word rhymes and alliteration.
The history of rap music also shows that the instrumental track or beat
performed by the DJ often includes the rhythms and beat "samplings"
from popular and/or well-known funk, rock, or soul songs. These sampled
sounds and rhythms are synthesized, integrated, and reinvented with original
twists by the performers.
Two other highly popular aspects of rap music that saw their rapid growth
into the American mainstream are breakdancing and tagging (graffiti).
Breakdancers and taggers are now stars in their own right with loyal followers
and fans throughout the world. Annual breakdancing competitions are now
very popular even in countries throughout Europe and Asia. The history
of rap music can be considered relatively new, yet it is clearly a powerful
influence in today's music world. Indeed, the musical influence of New
York City African American and Latino culture is now as pervasive worldwide
as fast food hamburger chains.
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