Which Hip Hop Artist’s Music Crosses Over Into Alternative Rap and Rhythm and Blues

Hip hop is a genre that has produced some of the most popular and influential artists of our time. But what happens when an artist’s music crosses over into other genres? In this blog post, we take a look at which hip hop artist’s music has crossed over into alternative rap and rhythm and blues.

What is alternative rap?

Alternative rap is a subgenre of hip hop music that includes artists who fuse elements of traditional hip hop with other genres, such as rock, electronica, reggae, Gospel or jazz. With its roots in the independent underground hip hop scene of the late 1980s and early 1990s, alternative rap acts typically eschew the commercial trappings of mainstream hip hop culture in favor of an experimental or idiosyncratic sound.

What is rhythm and blues?

Rhythm and blues, often abbreviated as R&B or RnB, is a genre of popular African-American music that originated in the 1940s. The term was originally used by record companies to describe recordings marketed predominantly to urban African Americans, at a time when “urbane, rocking, jazz based music with a heavy, insistent beat” was becoming more popular. In the commercial rhythm and blues music typical of the 1950s through the 1970s, the bands usually consisted of piano, one or two guitars, drums, and saxophone. The chord progressions are inspired by African-American work songs and blues.

The term “rhythm and blues” has been used in the United States since at least the late 1930s when jumper cord manufacturers named their product “Rhythm and Blues Cords”.

What hip hop artists’ music crosses over into alternative rap and rhythm and blues?

While there are many talented Hip Hop artists out there, not all of them have music that crosses over into Alternative Rap and Rhythm and Blues. Some artists who have made this crossover include Kendrick Lamar, Childish Gambino, and Chance the Rapper. These artists have been able to appeal to a wider range of listeners by incorporating elements of both genres into their music.

Kendrick Lamar is one of the most successful crossover artists in recent years. His critically acclaimed album “To Pimp a Butterfly” blended Hip Hop with elements of Jazz and Funk to create a unique sound that resonated with both Hip Hop fans and those outside of the genre. Childish Gambino, aka Donald Glover, is another artist who has found success in crossing over into Alternative Rap and Rhythm and Blues. His albums “Camp” and “Because the Internet” both incorporated R&B sounds into his usual Hip Hop style, resulting in two very different but equally successful albums. Chance the Rapper is another artist who has experimented with incorporating other genres into his music, with his mixtape “Coloring Book” featuring a wide range of sounds including Gospel, Jazz, and Soul.

While not every Hip Hop artist will find success in crossover appeal, those who are able to successfully blend genres can reach a wider audience and find critical acclaim.

Why does this music cross over?

There are a number of reasons why certain hip hop artists’ music might cross over into alternative rap and rhythm and blues. It could be because the artist has a unique sound that appeals to fans of both genres, or because the artist is skilled at incorporating elements of both genres into their music. In some cases, it may also be because the artist is simply popular enough that their music is able to reach a wider range of listeners. Whatever the reason, it is clear that there are a number of hip hop artists who have managed to find success in both the alternative rap and rhythm and blues genres.

What are the benefits of this type of music crossing over?

There are a few benefits of this type of music crossing over. First, it helps to broaden the appeal of hip hop. Second, it can introduce new listeners to the genre who might not have otherwise been exposed to it. Third, it can help to break down barriers between different musical styles and subgenres.