Hip Hop Research Paper

To the untrained ear, all rap can sound the same. This is because a rap song usually has an artist rhyming over a bass beat. However, rap/hip-hop has different sub categories and styles which are seen throughout different time periods. Hip-hop was born in the south Bronx in the early 80’s then spread to the west coast by the late 80’s. This hip-hop sweep quickly began the feud between the upbeat rhythm of East-Coast rappers and the “g-funk” beats of West-Coast rappers. Once the era of East versus West ended, the stage was set for a different style of rap; southern rap, which consisted of really explicit lyrics and aggressive instrumentals. Southern rap eventually came to an end, and the “Pop rap” period began. Rappers began utilizing pop-style …show more content…
Originally, the first rap beats where samples from disco hits. These beats had an upbeat rhythm which then gave East Coast rappers their style of rapping. Also, East Coast rappers where famous for their intricate and syllabic rhymes. “Rap” quickly spread to the west coast where artists had a different approach to their music. West Coast rappers based their beats from g-funk samples. These g-funk samples had a laid-back, relaxed, type of beat. West Coast rap consisted of lyrics focused on “Gangbanging” and everyday struggles. Famous rappers of the West and East coast included: Tupac, Snoop Dogg, N.W.A, Biggie and …show more content…
Therefore, a new style of rap recently emerged around 2013 apart from mainstream hip-hop known as “Trap rap.” This new subcategory is often times labeled as mumble rap because one can barely hear what the artist is saying. In trap rap, artists usually rhyme about having a lifestyle of a drug dealer and bragging about how much money they have. These “trapper’s” style originated from Southern rap’s explicit lyrics and catchy beats. Trap rap has certain similarities to most rap styles, but what sets them apart and divides them into a sub category is the use of “drill” sounds mixed with rap instrumentals. Drill sounds are essentially snares that accompany the main bass beat of the song. Some artists use more hardcore drill sounds that add imagery to the rapper’s song. These more extreme trap rappers can add a beat of long snares to imitate the sound of rapid gunfire. Popular artists in the trap subcategory are Young thug, Future, Chief Keef, and Gucci Mane. Overall, the trap rap sub category has not quite reached the mainstream but still remains a popular