hip hop

hip hop
Name	hip hop
Stylistic origins	Funk, disco, soul, dub, reggae, toasting (Jamaican), scat singing, signifyin', the dozens, griot storytelling
Cultural origins	Early 1970s, The Bronx, New York City
Instruments	Turntable, sampler, drum machine, synthesizer, vocals, beatboxing
Derivatives	electro, breakbeat, old-school hip hop, new jack swing
Subgenres	Gangsta rap, conscious hip hop, trap, drill, mumble rap
Fusiongenres	Rap rock, crunk, hip hop soul, neo soul, country rap
Other topics	Breakdancing, DJing, graffiti

hip hop. Hip hop is a vibrant culture and artistic movement that originated in the 1970s within African American and Latino communities in The Bronx, New York City. It is built upon four foundational elements: DJing, rapping (or MCing), breakdancing, and graffiti art. The culture has since evolved into a dominant global force, profoundly influencing music, fashion, language, and social activism.

Introduction

Emerging from block parties and community gatherings, the culture provided a creative outlet and voice for marginalized urban youth. Pioneering figures like DJ Kool Herc are credited with developing the breakbeat technique, while Afrika Bambaataa founded the Universal Zulu Nation to promote its positive principles. The musical style is characterized by rhythmic spoken word delivery over backing beats, often created through sampling and innovative turntablism. Landmark early recordings include The Sugarhill Gang's "Rapper's Delight" and Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five's "The Message".

History

The formative years, known as the old-school hip hop era, were defined by party-oriented music and the work of early innovators. The late 1980s and early 1990s, often called the Golden age of hip hop, saw massive artistic diversification and the rise of seminal acts like Public Enemy, N.W.A, A Tribe Called Quest, and De La Soul. This period also witnessed the emergence of coastal rivalries, particularly between the East Coast hip hop scene centered in New York City and the West Coast hip hop sound emanating from Los Angeles. The tragic murders of Tupac Shakur and The Notorious B.I.G. marked a somber turning point. Subsequent decades saw the commercial dominance of the Dirty South with artists like OutKast and Lil Wayne, the rise of bling era aesthetics, and the internet-driven fragmentation of the modern landscape.

Subgenres

The musical style has spawned numerous distinct subgenres, each with its own thematic and sonic identity. Gangsta rap, pioneered by groups like N.W.A and soloists such as Ice-T, offered gritty narratives of street life. Conscious hip hop, exemplified by Kendrick Lamar and Common, focuses on social and political commentary. The 21st century popularized trap music, defined by its aggressive 808 drums and lyrical themes, with key architects including TI, Gucci Mane, and Future. Other significant offshoots include the abrasive drill music of Chief Keef, the melodic emo rap of Lil Peep, and the improvisational lo-fi hip hop movement.

Culture

Beyond music, the culture encompasses a wide array of artistic and social expressions. The competitive physical art of breakdancing and the visual art of graffiti writing are integral pillars. Fashion has been profoundly shaped, from the early adoption of Adidas tracksuits and Kangol hats to the luxury brand fetishism of the Sean "Diddy" Combs-led Bad Boy Records era and the contemporary streetwear dominance of brands like Supreme. Slang and vernacular from its lexicon constantly enter mainstream discourse. Furthermore, it has a strong tradition of entrepreneurship and brand building, seen in the empires of Jay-Z (Roc Nation) and Dr. Dre (Beats).

Global Influence

The culture's impact is truly worldwide, with local scenes adapting its forms to address regional issues. In France, artists like MC Solaar and IAM pioneered a distinct French hip hop scene. The United Kingdom developed UK drill and grime music, with stars like Stormzy and Skepta. South Korea's vibrant K-pop industry heavily incorporates its elements, while Korean hip hop has its own stars like Epik High. In Africa, genres like Afrobeats and South African hip hop show deep fusion, with global ambassadors such as Wizkid and Nasty C. Major international events like the Rock the Bells festival and BET Hip Hop Awards celebrate its global reach.

Notable Artists

The landscape is defined by iconic and influential figures across decades. Pioneering DJs and MCs include Grandmaster Flash, Afrika Bambaataa, and Run-DMC. Legendary MCs renowned for lyrical prowess include Rakim, Nas, and Eminem. Transformative commercial and cultural icons encompass Tupac Shakur, The Notorious B.I.G., Jay-Z, and Kanye West. Influential female artists have broken barriers, from Queen Latifah and MC Lyte to Missy Elliott, Lauryn Hill, and Nicki Minaj. Contemporary chart-dominating figures range from Drake and J. Cole to Travis Scott and Cardi B, ensuring the culture's continual evolution.

Category:Hip hop Category:American styles of music Category:African-American culture Category:1970s in music