How Hip-Hop and Rap Music Have Changed Over the Years
How Hip-Hop and Rap Music Have Changed Over the Years
The hip-hop and rap music industry has undergone a lot of changes since it first started in the late 1970s. From the early days of pioneers like DJ Kool Herc and Afrika Bambaataa to the more recent rise of artists like Kendrick Lamar and J. Cole, the sound and style of the music has evolved significantly. In this blog post, we take a look at how hip-hop and
1970s and earlier
The first hip-hop and rap songs were created in the 1970s. They were mostly party songs or anthems. The lyrics were simple and often repeated. The music was created by sampling disco or funk songs.
Origins in the African-American community
Hip-hop and rap music have their origins in the African-American community in the 1970s. DJ Kool Herc is credited as being the first hip-hop DJ, and his style of mixing party music with rhyming toasts over the beats became the foundation of the genre. Hip-hop and rap music were originally underground styles, but they began to gain mainstream traction in the late 1970s and early 1980s with the release of songs like “Rapper’s Delight” by The Sugarhill Gang and “Planet Rock” by Afrika Bambaataa.
In the 1980s, hip-hop and rap music continued to evolve, with artists like grandmaster Flash, Run DMC, and public enemy bringing a more politicized edge to the genre. In the 1990s, artists like Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, and Tupac Shakur helped to bring gangsta rap into the mainstream, with its tales of inner-city violence and drug use. In the 2000s and 2010s, hip-hop and rap have become one of the most popular genres of music in the world, with artists like Jay-Z, Eminem, Kanye West, and Kendrick Lamar achieving global superstardom.
Spread to other demographics
In the 1970s, Hip-Hop and Rap music began to spread to other demographics outside of its African American roots. This was in part due to the growing influence of Latino culture in the United States, as well as the increasing popularity of Disco music. Hip-Hop and Rap music began to appear on mainstream radio stations and in popular culture, becoming one of the most popular genres of music in the country.
1980s
Hip-hop music first emerged in the Bronx in New York City in the early 1970s. It was a blend of African-American music styles, such as soul, funk, and disco. In the 1980s, hip-hop music became more popular with the release of rap records. Rap music is a type of hip-hop music that contains rhyming lyrics that are spoken instead of sung.
Increased popularity
In the 1980s, rap music became more mainstream due to increased popularity. This was partially due to the release of the film “Beat Street” in 1984, which helped to increase the visibility of rap music. The film helped to increase the popularity of rap music by featuring it prominently, and also by introducing it to new audiences who may not have otherwise been exposed to it. Additionally, rap music became more popular due to the success of artists like Run-D.M.C. and LL Cool J. These artists helped to bring rap music into the mainstream by releasing successful albums and singles that were able to crossover into the pop charts.
Rise of gangsta rap
In the late 1980s, gangsta rap became the dominant subgenre of hip hop. The genre is typified by its aggressive lyrics and attitude, which often glorify drugs, violence, and criminal activity. The popularization of gangsta rap in the mainstream is often credited to N.W.A., whose debut album Straight Outta Compton was released in 1988 to critical acclaim and commercial success.
1990s
Hip-hop and rap music have changed a lot since they first became popular in the 1970s. The music has become more mainstream and the lyrics are often more explicit. In the 1990s, hip-hop and rap music became more popular with the release of several mainstream albums. The genre has continued to evolve since then with the help of technology.
Increased popularity and mainstream success
In the early 1990s, hip-hop and rap music experienced a surge in popularity. The genre began to branch out, with artists exploring different styles and subjects. By the mid-1990s, hip-hop and rap had become one of the most popular genres of music in the United States. Mainstream success continued into the 2000s, with hip-hop and rap artists achieving commercial success and critical acclaim.
In the 1990s, rappers such as Public Enemy and Boogie Down Productions began to address social issues such as racism, police brutality, and poverty. In 1992, Dr. Dre released “The Chronic”, which tackled the issue of inner-city violence. Tupac Shakur’s “All Eyez on Me” album also addressed social issues, including racism and police brutality. In 1996, Puff Daddy released “No Way Out”, an album that included the song “I’ll Be Missing You”, a tribute to Tupac Shakur who had been murdered in Las Vegas the year before.
2000s
The 2000s marked a new era for hip-hop and rap music. Rappers began to experiment with new sounds and styles, resulting in a more diverse range of music. Hip-hop and rap music also became more mainstream in the 2000s, as it became more popular with a wider audience. This decade also saw the rise of some new and iconic rappers, such as Jay-Z and Eminem.
Increased popularity and mainstream success
In the early 2000s, hip-hop and rap began to achieve greater mainstream success. This was in part due to the increased popularity of rap music on radio and television. In addition, major labels began to invest more heavily in rap artists, and the genre became more commercially viable. As a result, many rap artists achieved mainstream success and became household names. Some of the most successful rap artists of the early 2000s include Eminem, 50 Cent, Nelly, and Outkast.
Increased focus on personal issues
One of the biggest changes that hip-hop and rap music underwent in the 2000s was an increased focus on personal issues. In the 1990s, the genre had become increasingly focused on materialistic issues, such as drugs, violence, and sex. However, in the 2000s, many artists began to rap about their personal struggles with poverty, racism, and other social issues. This change was likely due to the increasing popularity of rap music among middle- and upper-class Americans. As more people from these groups began to listen to rap music, they began to demand that it reflect their own experiences and concerns.
2010s
The 2010s have seen a huge change in hip-hop and rap music. artist such as Drake, Kendrick Lamar, and J. Cole have all brought something new to the table and have taken the genre to new heights. The 2010s have also seen the rise of trap music, which has become one of the most popular sub-genres of hip-hop.
Increased popularity
As the 2010s went on, hip-hop and rap continued to grow in popularity both in the United States and around the world. The genre became one of the most popular music genres in the world, with artists like Drake, Kendrick Lamar, and J. Cole becoming some of the biggest names in music. The 2010s also saw the rise of trap music, a subgenre of hip-hop that became extremely popular in the latter half of the decade.
In the past decade, hip-hop and rap music have seen a shift in focus from the typical party anthems to songs that tackle social issues. Artists like Kendrick Lamar, J. Cole, and Chance the Rapper have all become known for their meaningful and often political lyrics. This change is likely due to the increased social consciousness of young people in recent years. With the rise of movements like Black Lives Matter and #MeToo, it’s no wonder that hip-hop artists are using their platform to address these important issues.
However, not all hip-hop artists have embraced this change. Many older artists, such as Snoop Dogg and Dr. Dre, have criticized the new generation of rappers for being too “preachy.” While they do have a point – it can be easy for artists to get lost in their message and forget about making good music – it’s important to remember that art is always going to be reflective of the times we live in. And right now, there are a lot of big issues that need to be addressed.
