What’s New in Rap and Hip Hop Music

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Contributors: Andranick Tanguiane, Fred Lerdahl,

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Rap and Hip Hop History

Rap and hip hop music has been around for decades and has undergone many changes since its inception. Today, rap and hip hop are some of the most popular genres of music, with artists topping the charts and selling out concerts. But what’s new in rap and hip hop music? Let’s take a look.

Origins of rap and hip hop

Rap and hip hop are often used interchangeably, but there is a difference between the two genres. Rap is a type of music that consists of rhyming lyrics that are spoken rhythmically over a beat. Hip hop is a cultural movement that includes four elements: rapping, DJing, graffiti writing, and break dancing.

The origins of rap and hip hop can be traced back to the African American community in the Bronx, New York City in the 1970s. DJs would play records at block parties and people would dance. MCs would talk over the music, using rhyming lyrics to comment on what was happening at the party or to diss other gangs. This style of music gradually spread to other parts of the US and then to the rest of the world.

In the 1980s, rap music became more commercialized with artists like Run-DMC and LL Cool J releasing mainstream hits. In the 1990s, hip hop became more diverse with artists like Tupac Shakur and Snoop Dogg adding elements of R&B and funk to create their own unique sound. Today, rap and hip hop are two of the most popular genres in the world, with artists like Kendrick Lamar and Drake dominating the charts.

Early pioneers and influencers

The early 1990s saw the rise of a new generation of rappers, influenced by the East Coast hip hop sound that had dominated the genre in the 1980s. Artists such as Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, and Tupac Shakur became household names, and their music helped to define an entire generation.

In the late 1990s and early 2000s, a new wave of rappers emerged, led by Jay-Z and Eminem. These artists brought with them a new style of rap that was more personal and introspective than anything that had come before. They also helped to broaden the appeal of rap music beyond its traditional base of African-American listeners.

Today, rap music is one of the most popular genres in the world, with artists such as Kendrick Lamar, Drake, and Cardi B topping the charts. It has also become one of the most influential genres, with its sounds and styles often being assimilated into other forms of popular music.

The Current State of Rap and Hip Hop

Rap and Hip Hop music has come a long way since its humble beginnings in the late 1970s. What started out as a way for African American youths to express themselves has now become a worldwide phenomenon. While the music has evolved over the years, the message remains the same: to give a voice to the voiceless.

Mainstream vs. underground

In recent years, there has been a growing divide between mainstream rap and hip hop, and underground rap and hip hop. Mainstream rap and hip hop is the kind of music that you hear on the radio, while underground rap and hip hop is the kind of music that you might hear on college radio stations or online.

Mainstream rap and hip hop is often more focused on commercial success than underground rap and hip hop. This can mean that mainstream rappers are more willing to compromise their art in order to sell records. For example, mainstream rappers might make music that is more pop-oriented or that has a sound that is more palatable to a wider audience.

Underground rappers, on the other hand, are often more focused on making music that is true to their own artistic vision. This can mean that underground rappers are less concerned with making music that will be commercially successful. Instead, they might make music that is more experimental or that appeals to a narrower audience.

The divide between mainstream and underground rap and hip hop can be seen as a struggle between those who are interested in making money and those who are interested in making art. There is no right or wrong answer as to which side is better. It ultimately comes down to what you as a listener are looking for in your music.

The commercialization of rap and hip hop

Over the last few decades, rap and hip hop music have become increasingly popular and mainstream. With the success of artists like Eminem, Jay-Z, and Kendrick Lamar, many people now consider rap and hip hop to be some of the most influential and important music of our time.

However, some fans believe that rap and hip hop have become too commercialized and watered down in recent years. They argue that the music doesn’t have the same immediacy or urgency that it once did, and that many of today’s Rappers are more concerned with making money than making good music.

Whether you love or hate today’s rap and hip hop music, there’s no denying that it has come a long way from its humble beginnings in the South Bronx. And who knows what the future holds for this ever-evolving genre?

The Future of Rap and Hip Hop

Rap and hip hop music have always been at the forefront of popular culture. With the rise of social media, there has been a resurgence in the popularity of these genres. What’s new in rap and hip hop music? Let’s take a look.

Where is rap and hip hop headed?

There is no doubt that rap and hip hop have undergone a major transformation since they first emerged in the late 1970s and early 1980s. What started out as underground music genres have now become mainstream, with rappers and hip hop artists achieving commercial success and widespread popularity. But what does the future hold for rap and hip hop?

There are a few possible directions that rap and hip hop could go in the future. One possibility is that the genres could continue to grow in popularity, with more artists achieving mainstream success. Another possibility is that the genres could become more niche, with a smaller group of dedicated fans.

It’s also possible that rap and hip hop could see a resurgence in popularity of older, classic styles. This has already begun to happen to some extent, with artists like Kendrick Lamar and J Cole reintroducing elements of ’90s-style rap into their music.

No one knows for sure what the future will hold for rap and hip hop, but one thing is certain: these genres have had a major impact on popular culture and they show no signs of slowing down anytime soon.

New artists to watch

In recent years, the rap and hip hop industry has seen a surge in new artists. This is thanks in part to the rise of social media, which has made it easier for unsigned artists to gain a following. While the music industry is still dominated by a few major labels, there is more room than ever for independent artists to make a name for themselves.

One of the most promising new artists in rap and hip hop is J. Cole. Born Jermaine Cole, he was raised in North Carolina and first gained attention with his mixtapes The Come Up (2007) and The Warm Up (2009). In 2011, he released his debut album Cole World: The Sideline Story, which entered the Billboard 200 at number one. Since then, he has released two more albums, 2014 Forest Hills Drive (2014) and 4 Your Eyez Only (2016), both of which were certified platinum by the RIAA.

another artist who is making waves in the rap and hip hop world is Chance the Rapper. Born Chancellor Bennett, he was raised on the South Side of Chicago and first gained attention with his mixtape 10 Day (2012). He followed this up with two more mixtapes, Acid Rap (2013) and Coloring Book (2016), both of which were widely acclaimed by critics. In addition to his work as a solo artist, Chance has also collaborated with a number of other rappers, including Lil Wayne, Kendrick Lamar, and Childish Gambino.

With so many talented new artists emerging in rap and hip hop, it’s an exciting time for fans of this genre of music.

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