Rap and hip-hop have a rich history in American culture. Rap music began setting it’s roots into society in the late 70’s and early 80’s. If you look closely at the history of rap music, you’ll see that it began it’s origins and became uniquely popular in well known Latino and African American street cultures in and around the New York City area.
Rap began when New York City DJ’s started using rhythmic drum beats and percussion riffs to stir up and mix into popular disco and funk songs that were mainly played in nightclub settings. During this time, people realized the power these DJ’s had at attracting large crowds to their unique and wonderfully rhythmic music. The rise of the disc jockey closely parallels rap because rap, at the time, was created through the use of DJ equipment. New rap music can incorporate many other forms of instrumental music and is now primarily focused on fast paced vocals.
By the 90’s, a sub genre of rap music took America by storm and was known as gangsta rap. This type of music was focused on controversial lyrics and explicit content. This music also gave way to the fast paced and rhythmic vocals that new rap music is so well known for. Break dancing is also a popular sub culture that is conjoined with rap. Many break dancers perform their stunts to the hypnotic beats of rap. Rap has been compared to the ancient music of Africa with it’s drum beats and wild chants. While this may be so, rap has evolved greatly since that era.
New rap music contains all of the old traditional qualities with modern ones. Some would say that the creator of a certain rap song’s beat is the true hero to certain rap songs that make it big. However, others would say that the glory should be given to the actual singer of the rap song. Many men as well as women have devoted their lives to contributing to the rap genre of music.
Rap can be found virtually anywhere, whether you’re looking on store shelves or browsing through the multitudes of websites that are dedicated to rap. Music downloads for popular and age-old rap songs are as rampant today as they have ever been. Downloading music is a great way to listen to your favorite rap on your computer, on your portable mp3 device, or as a CD in your car. Listening to your favorite rap songs can be a fantastic way to feel closer to the generation of African American music innovators.
The popularity of rap has grown considerably since it was first introduced into our amazingly dynamic society and will continue to grow over time. Rap can be a perfect addition to any nightclub or party setting as well as being ideal as the right music for a relaxing night. And with the possibilities of the Internet, listening to your favorite rap is just a click away.