How the Tempo of Hip Hop Music Has Changed Over the Years
Contents
Many people believe that hip hop music has become more aggressive and fast-paced over the years. However, the tempo of hip hop music has actually remained pretty consistent since the genre first emerged in the 1970s.
Introduction
The tempo of hip hop music has changed significantly since the genre’s inception in the late 1970s. Early hip hop songs were often based on simple drum patterns and bass lines, with minimal embellishment. As the genre progressed, however, producers began to incorporate more and more elements into their tracks, resulting in a significant increase in the average tempo of hip hop songs. Today, hip hop music is characterized by its fast pace and often complex rhythms.
In order to understand how the tempo of hip hop music has changed over time, it is necessary to first understand what tempo is and how it is measured. Tempo is the speed at which a piece of music is played, and is typically measured in beats per minute (BPM). The average tempo of a piece of music can be determined by counting the number of beats in a minute, or by using a metronome.
Early hip hop songs typically had an average tempo of between 70 and 110 BPM. This range is still used by some artists today, but the majority of modern hip hop songs have a much higher tempo, averaging between 140 and 160 BPM. There are several reasons for this increase in tempo. Firstly, as the genre has evolved, producers have become more skilled at creating complex drum patterns and bass lines. This has allowed them to pack more information into each track, resulting in a need for increased tempos to prevent the music from sounding cluttered or messy. Secondly, the use of samplers and digital audio editing software has made it much easier for producers to create tracks with extremely fast tempos. And finally, many modern rappers prefer to rap at high speeds in order to fit more words into each verse.
Despite the significant increase in tempo over the last few decades, there has been no definitive study on how the average tempo of hip hop music has changed over time. However, several studies have been conducted on specific sub-genres or periods within the genre. One such study was published in 2011 by Dr Teri Siler-Evans and Dr Roy Winata from Macquarie University in Australia. Their study looked at 300 popular hip hop songs from between 1985 and 2005, and found that the average tempo had increased from 103 BPM in 1985 to 118 BPM in 2005 – an increase of just over 15%.
Another study was published in 2015 by Dr Stefan Goldmann from Berlin’s Technische Universität Dresden. This study looked at 1,116 popular hip hop tracks released between 1980 and 2010, and found that the average tempo had nearly doubled over that period – increasing from approximately 90 BPM in 1980 to 165 BPM in 2010.
It should be noted that both of these studies used different methods for measuring tempo, so their results are not directly comparable. Nevertheless, they both provide valuable insights into how the average tempo of hip hop music has changed since the genre’s inception.
The Early Days of Hip Hop
Hip hop music originated in the 1970s in the Bronx, New York City. It was created by African American and Latino youths who were influenced by Jamaican and West African music. The first hip hop songs were created by DJs who mixed percussive tracks with songs that had a strong rhythmic beat.
The Birth of Hip Hop
The early days of hip hop were marked by a slow and steady tempo. This was due in part to the influence of funk and disco music, which was popular at the time. As hip hop developed, producers began to experiment with faster tempos, and by the late 1980s, songs with tempo’s of 120 BPM or more were becoming common. Today, hip hop songs often have tempos that exceed 150 BPM.
The Golden Age of Hip Hop
During the late 80s and early 90s, Hip Hop experienced what is now commonly referred to as its “Golden Age.” This was a period of incredible creativity and musicality, with artists pushing the genre in new and exciting directions. The tempo of Hip Hop music during this time was generally much slower than it is today, often around 90-120 BPM. This made for a more laid-back sound, which was perfect for the era’s booming club scene.
One of the most influential albums of this period was N.W.A’s Straight Outta Compton, which featured songs like “Fuck Tha Police” and “Gangsta Gangsta” that were markedly different from anything that had come before. This album helped to popularize the sub-genre of Gangsta Rap, which would go on to dominate Hip Hop culture throughout the 1990s.
If the Golden Age was defined by its slower tempo and laid-back sound, then the following decade could be described as a period of experimentation. As the new millennium approached, Hip Hop artists began to experiment with faster tempos, often in excess of 140 BPM. This was partly due to the influence of Electronic Dance Music (EDM), which was beginning to enjoy mainstream success at this time.
The early 2000s also saw the rise of so-called “crunk” music, a sub-genre that originated in the South and was characterized by its high energy and frantic pace. This style of Hip Hop would go on to enjoy huge commercial success in the years that followed, with artists like Lil Jon and Ying Yang Twins becoming household names.
The Modern Era of Hip Hop
It is no secret that the tempo of hip hop music has gotten faster over the years. In the early days of the genre, songs were often around 100 BPM. However, modern songs often clock in at around 140 BPM or even higher. There are a few reasons for this change.
The Rise of Trap Music
Trap music first gained mainstream popularity in the early 2010s, with artists like Gucci Mane, Waka Flocka Flame, and Migos becoming some of the most popular rappers in the world. Trap music is characterized by its heavy use of 808 drums, hi-hats, and rap vocals, often with Auto-Tune or other pitch correction effects. The lyrics are typically about drug dealing, violence, and other crimes.
In recent years, trap music has continued to grow in popularity, with artists like Lil Pump, Lil Uzi Vert, and Cardi B becoming some of the biggest names in the genre. The tempo of trap music has also gotten faster, with many songs now featuring tempos of 140 beats per minute or higher.
The Sound of Hip Hop Today
What does hip hop sound like in 2020? Hip hop has come a long way since its humble beginnings in the Bronx in the 1970s. Today, hip hop is a global phenomenon, with artists from all over the world creating innovative and exciting new sounds.
The sound of hip hop today is very different from what it was in the early days of the genre. In the early days, hip hop was all about party tracks and an upbeat, positive vibe. But as the genre has evolved, so has its sound. Today, hip hop is often darker and more introspective, with artists exploring themes of social injustice, mental health, and substance abuse. There are also more women in hip hop than ever before, and they are making their voices heard on issues that matter to them.
With so much happening in the world today, it’s no wonder that hip hop is sounding different than it did in the past. The sound of hip hop is always changing and evolving, and that’s what makes it so exciting.
Conclusion
The tempo of hip hop music has changed considerably since the genre’s inception in the 1970s. rap music was originally characterized by a slow, steady beat, but as the genre evolved, the tempo began to increase. The reasons for this change are varied, but some believe that it is due to the influence of other genres of music, such as electronic dance music. Whatever the reason, it is clear that the tempo of hip hop music has changed significantly over the years.
