11.3 Hip Hop, Rap, and Electronic Dance Music

Hip hop and rap music emerged in the 1970s Bronx, revolutionizing popular culture. From DJing and breakdancing to graffiti and MCing, these art forms spread globally, influencing fashion, language, and media.

The genre evolved from early pioneers like Kool Herc to mainstream success with artists like Run-DMC and Tupac. Hip hop's impact on music production, lyrical content, and cultural expression continues to shape modern popular music.

Hip Hop's Evolution: 1970s to Today

Origins and Early Development

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• Hip hop and rap music originated in the Bronx, New York City, during the 1970s, primarily among African American and Latino youth
• The four foundational elements of hip hop culture are DJing, graffiti art, breakdancing, and rapping or MCing
• Early hip hop DJs, such as Kool Herc and Grandmaster Flash, developed techniques like breakbeat isolation and turntablism, which laid the groundwork for the genre's musical style
• The release of "Rapper's Delight" by the Sugarhill Gang in 1979 marked the first commercially successful rap song, bringing the genre to mainstream attention

Evolution and Diversification

• Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, hip hop and rap music evolved, with the emergence of influential artists like Run-DMC, Public Enemy, N.W.A, Tupac Shakur, and The Notorious B.I.G., each contributing to the genre's musical and lyrical development
• The rise of gangsta rap in the late 1980s and early 1990s, characterized by its gritty, street-oriented lyrics and themes, sparked controversy and brought attention to issues of race, poverty, and violence in inner-city communities (N.W.A's "Straight Outta Compton", Ice-T's "6 in the Mornin'")
• In the late 1990s and early 2000s, hip hop and rap music began to diversify, with the emergence of regional styles like Southern hip hop (OutKast, Ludacris), as well as alternative and conscious rap subgenres (Mos Def, Talib Kweli)
• The global influence of hip hop and rap music has grown significantly since the 2000s, with artists from various countries and cultures adopting and adapting the genre to their own experiences and musical traditions (Dizzee Rascal from the UK, Drake from Canada)

Hip Hop and Rap: Musical Elements

Sampling and Beat-Making

• Sampling, or the use of pre-existing recordings as the basis for new compositions, is a defining feature of hip hop and rap music production
  • Producers often sample from a wide range of sources, including funk, soul, jazz, and rock records, to create the instrumental backing for rap vocals (The Bomb Squad's production for Public Enemy, Kanye West's use of soul samples)
  • The use of sampling has led to legal and ethical debates surrounding copyright and intellectual property in the music industry
• Beat-making, or the creation of instrumental tracks, is another essential element of hip hop and rap music production
  • Producers use a combination of sampled and synthesized sounds, as well as drum machines and digital audio workstations, to create the rhythmic foundation of a song
  • The use of layered, syncopated, and often repetitive rhythms is a hallmark of hip hop and rap beats (Dr. Dre's G-funk style, Timbaland's innovative rhythms)

Lyrical Content and Flow

• Lyrical content in hip hop and rap music often focuses on themes of personal experience, social commentary, and cultural identity
  • Rappers employ a variety of lyrical techniques, such as wordplay, metaphor, and storytelling, to convey their messages and showcase their verbal skills (Nas' vivid narratives, Eminem's complex rhyme schemes)
  • The use of slang, vernacular, and regional dialects is common in hip hop and rap lyrics, reflecting the genre's roots in African American and urban culture (Snoop Dogg's laid-back West Coast drawl, Biggie's Brooklyn slang)
• The interplay between the rapper's flow, or their rhythmic delivery of lyrics, and the instrumental beat is a key aspect of hip hop and rap music's overall sound and style
  • Rappers adapt their flow to the beat, creating a synergistic relationship between the vocal and instrumental elements (Jay-Z's smooth, effortless flow, Kendrick Lamar's dynamic, multi-layered delivery)

Hip Hop's Impact on Culture

Fashion and Style

• Hip hop and rap music have had a significant influence on fashion trends, particularly in urban and youth culture
  • Clothing brands associated with hip hop, such as Rocawear, FUBU, and Sean John, have become major players in the fashion industry
  • Hip hop fashion often emphasizes oversized, loose-fitting clothing, sports jerseys, and designer sneakers, as well as accessories like gold chains and baseball caps (Run-DMC's Adidas sneakers, Kanye West's Yeezy line)

Language and Slang

• The language and slang used in hip hop and rap lyrics have permeated mainstream culture, shaping the way people communicate and express themselves
  • Terms and phrases originating from hip hop and rap, such as "bling," "diss," and "keep it real," have become widely used in everyday conversation and media
  • The use of hip hop language has also sparked debates about cultural appropriation and the commercialization of African American vernacular

Influence on Media and Entertainment

• Hip hop and rap music have become a dominant force in popular culture, influencing various forms of media and entertainment
  • Rap artists have achieved widespread commercial success, with many crossing over into acting, producing, and entrepreneurship (Will Smith, Queen Latifah, 50 Cent)
  • The influence of hip hop and rap can be seen in films, television shows, advertising, and social media, reflecting the genre's broad appeal and cultural significance ("8 Mile", "The Get Down", "Atlanta")
• The global spread of hip hop and rap music has led to the emergence of local scenes and subgenres in countries around the world, each adapting the genre to their own cultural contexts and experiences (Grime in the UK, K-hip hop in South Korea)

EDM Subgenres: House, Techno, Dubstep

House Music

• House music originated in Chicago in the early 1980s, combining elements of disco, soul, and electronic music
  • Key characteristics of house music include a steady 4/4 beat, prominent basslines, and the use of synthesizers and drum machines
  • Influential house music producers and DJs include Frankie Knuckles, Marshall Jefferson, and Daft Punk

Techno Music

• Techno music emerged in Detroit in the mid-1980s, drawing inspiration from house music, funk, and futuristic themes
  • Techno is characterized by a repetitive, mechanical sound, with emphasis on electronic instrumentation and minimal melodic content
  • Notable techno artists include Juan Atkins, Derrick May, and Jeff Mills

Dubstep and Other Subgenres

• Dubstep originated in London in the late 1990s and early 2000s, combining elements of garage, grime, and drum and bass
  • Dubstep is known for its heavy basslines, syncopated rhythms, and use of digital audio effects like wobble bass and filter sweeps (Skrillex's "Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites", Rusko's "Woo Boost")
  • Key dubstep producers include Skrillex, Rusko, and Bassnectar
• Other significant EDM subgenres include trance (Armin van Buuren), hardstyle (Headhunterz), drum and bass (Goldie), and trap (RL Grime), each with their own distinct musical characteristics and cultural influences
• The development of EDM subgenres has been closely tied to advancements in music technology, such as the increasing accessibility of digital audio workstations and the growth of online music distribution platforms

Technology's Role in Hip Hop, Rap, and EDM

Production and Creation

• Advances in music production technology, such as the widespread availability of digital audio workstations and software synthesizers, have democratized the creation of hip hop, rap, and EDM
  • Producers can now create professional-quality tracks using affordable, portable equipment, leading to a proliferation of home studios and independent artists
  • The use of digital sampling and sequencing has expanded the creative possibilities for producers, allowing them to manipulate and layer sounds in innovative ways (Madlib's sample-based production, Deadmau5's complex electronic arrangements)

Performance and Live Experience

• Technology has also transformed the performance and live experience of hip hop, rap, and EDM
  • DJs and producers use digital turntables, MIDI controllers, and live production software to create immersive, interactive performances (A-Trak's turntablism, Disclosure's live electronic sets)
  • The rise of music festivals and large-scale EDM events has been facilitated by advances in sound systems, lighting, and visual effects technology (Electric Daisy Carnival, Ultra Music Festival)

Distribution and Consumption

• The internet and digital music platforms have revolutionized the distribution and consumption of hip hop, rap, and EDM
  • Streaming services like Spotify and Apple Music have made it easier for listeners to discover and access a wide range of genres and artists
  • Social media and online video platforms have allowed artists to connect directly with fans, share their music, and build their brands independently of traditional music industry structures (Chance the Rapper's independent success, Lil Nas X's viral hit "Old Town Road")
• The increasing globalization of hip hop, rap, and EDM can be attributed in part to the ability of technology to facilitate cultural exchange and collaboration across borders
  • Online communities and platforms enable artists from different regions to connect, share ideas, and create music together, leading to the emergence of new, hybrid genres and styles (88rising's promotion of Asian hip hop artists, the Afrobeats and dancehall-influenced sound of Drake's "One Dance")