Hip-hop is one of the most notable genres in the world. Despite being the most recent genre to emerge in contemporary music, it has experienced significant growth and has evolved into a widely recognized element of popular culture. It has transcended its status as a mere genre, transforming into a multifaceted culture with numerous interconnected branches.
Today, it has become one with black culture and has influenced the way people walk, talk, and dress. What makes hip-hop so unique is that it has become a home for many POCs, and each person brings a piece of their culture to broaden the culture and genre. This genre stands out as the most impactful, particularly in the contemporary landscape, where its slang, fashion, and music pervade the online realm.
The Music
When people hear hip-hop, most times they jump to music. Rap music started in the Bronx in the 70s. It used to be called Disco Rap because it stems from sampling, and it mainly sampled Disco. The genre went from rappers relying on DJs to producers rising, and that’s how we got Boom Bap. Today, Boom Bap rappers are mainly underground.
Hip-hop’s most commercial rap style today is trap. Trap has successfully infiltrated pop culture and its stars are dominating the charts. Trap rappers, also called mumble rappers, are the opposite of Boom Bap rappers. These rappers lyrically focus on partying and lifestyle. They recite lines in catchy flows, over heavy 808, hi-hats, and synth beats.
The youngest hip-hop subgenre is Drill. Popularized by artists like Lil Durk and Chief Keef, Drill originated in Chicago around the early 10s. Many mainstream rappers dabbled in this genre. Cardi B featured in a few Drill songs, but her featured verse in ‘Shake It’ has helped introduce the genre to mainstream music listeners.
Hip-hop Dance Style
Break-dancing is probably the most popular hip-hop dance style. The style of dance emerged on the streets of New York in the early 1980s. Dancers can perform break-dancing in different genres during drum breaks, although it is most commonly associated with funk, soul, and hip-hop. The reason it’s tied more closely to hip-hop is because hip-hop DJs developed rhythmic breaks for dancers. DJ Kool Herc, the founding father of the culture we love so much, is also responsible for the popularization of Break-dancing by isolating all the instrumentals but the drums and extending it.
Other Hip Hop Mentions
Never has there been a genre or movement in this world that has influenced as much Hip-hop. Many Gen Z and Gen Alpha today keep up with the latest slang, many not even knowing where it stems from. Cultural fashion is more relevant as the youth is taking inspiration from old fashion trends and reinventing them. Though some celebs have faced accusations of cultural appropriation, many have taken the time to learn the origins of all these elements of black culture.
In Conclusion
Hip-hop is one of the most diverse cultures out there, and one of the most important factors surrounding the culture is its activism. From the beginning of the rap scene, driving home important and hard-hitting messages has always been at the core of it all. Speaking up against injustice, corruption, and poverty has been a driving force in this community.
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