Rap and Hip Hop Music in 2012

2012 was a big year for rap and hip hop music. Here are some of the biggest hits and biggest moments of the year.

The History of Rap and Hip Hop

Rap and Hip Hop is a music genre that originated in the United States in the 1970s. It is a genre of African-American origin that consists of a stylized rhythmic music that commonly accompanies rapping, a rhythmic and rhyming speech that is chanted. The communication of rap music is often done over the beats of an instrumental track.

The Origins of Rap and Hip Hop

The origins of rap and hip hop can be traced back to the African American oral tradition, which uses call and response to communicate. In this tradition, one person says something and then the next person responds. This back-and-forth communication is a key element of rap and hip hop music.

The first recorded use of the term “rap” was in a song called “Rapper’s Delight” by the Sugarhill Gang in 1979. This song was based on an earlier song called “Good Times” by Chic. “Rapper’s Delight” was a hit, and it helped to popularize rap music.

Hip hop is a broader term that can be used to describe both the music and the culture surrounding it. The term “hip hop” is often used to refer to rapping, DJing, graffiti, and break dancing. Hip hop originated in New York City in the 1970s. African American and Latino youths created this new form of music by combining elements of other genres, such as jazz, funk, and soul.

Rap and hip hop have since become hugely popular genres of music, with artists like Jay-Z, Eminem, Tupac Shakur, Biggie Smalls, Missy Elliott, Outkast, and Kendrick Lamar achieving mainstream success. Rap and hip hop have also been influential in other genres of music, such as pop (e.g., Rihanna), rock (e.g., Linkin Park), and country (e.g., Florida Georgia Line).

The Evolution of Rap and Hip Hop

Rap and hip hop have their roots in African American music, but they have also been influenced by other genres, including rock, pop, and Latin music. Rap first gained popularity in the United States in the 1970s, with artists such as Sugarhill Gang and Grandmaster Flash. In the 1980s, rappers such as Run-D.M.C. and LL Cool J became mainstream stars, and in the 1990s, hip hop reached a wider audience with artists such as Tupac Shakur and Notorious B.I.G. In the 2000s, rap continued to evolve with the rise of artists such as Jay-Z and Kanye West. Today, rap and hip hop are some of the most popular genres of music in the world.

The Popularity of Rap and Hip Hop

In 2012, rap and hip hop music was more popular than ever before. This was due in part to the popularity of artists like Drake and Lil Wayne, but also to the increasing popularity of the genre as a whole. More people than ever before were listening to rap and hip hop music, and it was no longer just a niche genre.

The Mainstreaming of Rap and Hip Hop

In recent years, rap and hip hop music have become increasingly popular, crossing over into the mainstream. In 2012, hip hop was the most popular genre of music in the United States, with rap accounting for a large portion of that. This increase in popularity has been driven by a number of factors, including the rise of social media and streaming services such as Spotify and Apple Music.

There are a number of reasons why rap and hip hop have become so popular in recent years. One of the most important is the increasing accessibility of the music. In the past, rap and hip hop were primarily heard on underground radio stations or through word-of-mouth. However, with the rise of streaming services and social media, more people are exposed to the music than ever before.

Another reason for the popularity of rap and hip hop is the increasing diversity within the genre. In the past, rap and hip hop were often associated with African American culture. However, in recent years, there has been a significant increase in the number of Latino and Asian American rappers and hip hop artists. This diversity has made the genre more appealing to a wider range of people.

Finally, another reason for the popularity of rap and hip hop is that it is simply good music. In recent years, there has been a surge in quality rap and hip hop albums, with many artists putting out critically acclaimed records. This has helped to increase interest in the genre even among people who are not typically fans of rap or hip hop.

The Commercialization of Rap and Hip Hop

Some critics argue that rap and hip hop music have become too commercialized in recent years. They say that the values and messages promoted by these genres are often focused on materialism, violence, and sexual conquest, rather than on positive messages or important social issues.

Others counter that rap and hip hop can be used to promote positive messages and important social issues. They point to the success of artists like Kendrick Lamar, who won five Grammy Awards in 2016 for his album To Pimp a Butterfly, which addresses numerous social and political issues.

The Criticism of Rap and Hip Hop

There has been a lot of criticism of rap and hip hop music in recent years. Some people say that the music is too violent and promotes crime. Others say that it is misogynistic and sexist. However, many people believe that rap and hip hop can be positive and empowering.

The Negative Portrayal of Rap and Hip Hop

In recent years, rap and hip hop music has come under fire for the negative portrayal of women, violence, and drug use in its lyrics. Some critics argue that the music is a bad influence on young people, and that it promotes criminal behavior. Others say that rap and hip hop are a reflection of the problems in society, and that the music is simply a way to express the frustrations of inner-city life.

Whatever your opinion on rap and hip hop music, there is no denying that it has become one of the most popular genres in the world. In 2012, rap and hip hop artists dominated the Billboard charts, with Lil Wayne, Drake, and Nicki Minaj leading the way. And while some people may not like the messages in rap and hip hop songs, there is no denying that they have become an important part of our culture.

The Violence in Rap and Hip Hop

Since the late 1980s, rap and hip hop music have come under increasing criticism for their depiction of violence. In particular, the sub-genre of gangsta rap has been blamed for glamorizing the lifestyle of gangs and encouraging violence. Critics argue that the music videos and lyrics often glorify the use of drugs and alcohol, gun culture, promiscuity, and crime.

In response to the criticism, many artists have tried to distance themselves from the gangsta rap image. Some have even gone so far as to speak out against violence in their music. However, critics argue that this is not enough to offset the harmful effects of the music. They believe that more needs to be done to make sure that young people are not influenced by the violent images and messages in rap and hip hop music.

The Future of Rap and Hip Hop

The rap and hip hop music industry has been through a lot of changes in the last few years. From the death of some of the most influential artists to the rise of new genres, the industry has been through a lot. So, what does the future hold for rap and hip hop music?

The Changing Face of Rap and Hip Hop

Rap and hip hop have come a long way since their humble beginnings in the South Bronx in the late 1970s. What was once a music genre that was largely ignored by the mainstream has now become one of the most popular and commercially successful music genres in the world. In 2012, rap and hip hop are more popular than ever, and their influence can be seen in all areas of popular culture.

One of the biggest changes that has taken place in rap and hip hop over the past few years is the increasing popularity of so-called ” conscious” or socially-conscious rap. This type of rap focuses on positive messages and uplifting themes, and is in contrast to the more gangster-themed rap that dominated the genre in its early days. While conscious rap has always been around, it has only recently begun to gain mainstream attention and commercial success.

One of the most successful conscious rappers is Macklemore, who had a breakout year in 2012 with his album The Heist. Macklemore’s success proves that there is a large audience for this type of music, and that rappers can achieve commercial success without resorting to explicit lyrics or violence.

It remains to be seen what direction rap and hip hop will take in the future, but it is clear that it is a genre that is here to stay. As long as there are talented artists making positive, meaningful music, rap and hip hop will continue to thrive.

The New Directions of Rap and Hip Hop

In 2012, rap and hip hop music are both experiencing a renewed interest from listeners and artists alike. The energy and excitement around the genres has led to a number of new directions in music, from the use of new technologies to the exploration of new sounds and styles. Here are some of the most exciting developments in rap and hip hop music in 2012.

One of the most significant changes in rap and hip hop music in recent years has been the rise of digital production. With the advent of affordable, high-quality digital audio tools, more and more artists are choosing to produce their music themselves, rather than relying on expensive studio time. This has led to a proliferation of new voices and styles, as well as a renewed interest in old-school techniques like sampling.

Another major trend in rap and hip hop music in 2012 is the increasing popularity of so-called “mixtape” releases. these releases, which are often available for free or very low cost online, allow artists to bypass the traditional record label system and get their music directly to fans. This has led to a boom in underground and independent rap and hip hop, as well as a renewed interest in classic styles like old-school New York rap.

Finally, 2012 has seen the rise of a new generation of rap and hip hop artists who are taking the music in exciting new directions. Artists like Kendrick Lamar, Chance The Rapper, and A$AP Rocky are pushing the boundaries of what rap and hip hop can be, creating music that is both innovative and commercially successful. With this new wave of talent, it’s clear that rap and hip hop are poised for continued success in the years to come.