Hip-Hop

Hip-Hop

Hip-Hop originated in the 1970’s in the South Bronx, New York. The genre was very popular with inner-city African Americans during this time period, and has become increasingly popular throughout the United States. The genre of hip-hop consists of many elements: rapping, MC-ing, DJ-ing, scratching turntables, breakdancing, and graffiti writing. These unique elements of hip-hop are what makes it special, setting it a part from all other genres of music. To this day, hip-hop continues to be a game changer in the music industry.

Although it originated in the 70’s, hip-hop truly emerged in the 80’s and 90’s. Hip-Hop’s “Golden Age” is where rappers expressed what it meant and felt like to be a Black person in America. Artists like RUN DMC, NWA, Ice Cube, Tupac, and The Notorious B.I.G. used their voices to address the oppression, drugs, gangs, violence, and other issues that were faced in African American communities during those times.

As hip-hop evolved throughout the decades, the sound changed. In the 2000’s, trap music began to emerge. This sub-genre of hip-hop, influenced by gangster rap, included more references of drugs, money, sex and women. Common trap artists are Fetty Wap, 21 Savage, Future, Young Thug Lil Baby, and the Migos.