In African-American music, melody refers to the main sequence of notes that forms the tune, while rhythm is the pattern of beats that gives music its timing and flow. Texture describes how different musical elements like melody, harmony, and rhythm are combined, creating a sound that can be simple or complex. Dynamics involve the variations in loudness throughout a piece, adding emotional intensity. Lyrics are the words sung or spoken, often conveying deep cultural and social messages. Form is the structure or organization of a piece, determining how it unfolds. Influences include the various cultural and historical elements that shape the music, such as African traditions, spirituals, and the blues. Genre refers to a specific style of music, like jazz or gospel, with its own unique characteristics. Call and response is a musical dialogue where one phrase is followed by a responding phrase, fostering interaction. Harmony is the combination of different notes played together, enriching the sound and adding depth to the music.