Hip Hop

Introduction to Hip Hop

• Originating from the South Bronx in the 1970s, Hip Hop is a cultural movement principally involving rap music, beatboxing, breakdancing, and graffiti art.
• It is synonymous with the Afro-American and Latino communities that were instrumental in its inception.

Key Features of Hip Hop

• Characterised by rapping, a vocal style where the artist speaks rhythmically and in rhyme.
• Rap tracks often use looping segments of other songs, known as samples, coupled with heavy bass lines and rhythmic beats.
• The genre incorporates a strong rhythm and beats focus, commonly using drum machines, synthesizers and turntables.

Recognisable Artists

• Pioneers of the genre include DJ Kool Herc, Afrika Bambaataa and Grandmaster Flash.
• Contemporary artists making significant contributions include Jay-Z, Kanye West, and Kendrick Lamar.

Technical Aspects

• Scratching is a key technique, created by moving a vinyl record back and forth on the turntable.
• Advanced digital audio workstations (DAWs) are used in the genre to assist with sampling, composing beats and mixing tracks.
• The use of Auto-Tune and pitch correction techniques has been adopted by certain artists and producers in the genre.

Role of Technology

• The advent of digital music creation tools such as MP3s and DAWs has helped democratise music making and spread hip hop culture.
• Commercial and underground hip hop artists alike often release their music via online platforms such as SoundCloud or Bandcamp.

Impact on Society

• Hip Hop’s thematic elements often reflect the socio-economical conditions of the originators, dealing with social issues.
• The rise of Hip Hop accompanied the civil rights movement in the United States, giving voice to experiences of racism, discrimination, and social disadvantage.
• Hip Hop culture has a strong influence on fashion, language, and lifestyle worldwide.