Title: The Evolution of Rap Music: Unraveling its Variations and Distinguishing it from Hip-Hop
By: Maxwanette A Poetess aka Maxine A. Moncrieffe
Introduction:
Rap music has become a global phenomenon, captivating audiences with its unique blend of rhythm, poetry, and storytelling. Originating from African-American communities in the 1970s, rap has evolved into a diverse genre with various sub-genres and styles. In this article, we will delve into the history of rap music, explore its different variations, and shed light on the distinction between rap and its closely related counterpart, hip-hop.
There are some that hate or dislike Rap music. I’ve even heard the phrase “Rap is crap .” I strongly disagree. It’s an art of creativity, often overlooked, for his AWESOME value, contributions, and history. Some Poets, devalue Rap, as a part of Poetry. I find that interesting. Please Read on…
The Birth of Rap:
Rap music emerged in the Bronx, New York, during the 1970s as a form of expression for African-American and Latino communities. It was born out of the fusion of Jamaican-style toasting, African griot traditions, and the rhythmic beats of funk and soul music. Early pioneers such as DJ Kool Herc, Grandmaster Flash, and Afrika Bambaataa played a crucial role in shaping the foundations of rap music.
The Golden Era:
The 1980s marked the golden era of rap music, characterized by the rise of influential artists like Run-D.M.C., LL Cool J, and Public Enemy. This period witnessed the emergence of socially conscious rap, addressing issues such as racism, poverty, and political injustice. The lyrical prowess and innovative production techniques of these artists laid the groundwork for the genre’s future development.
Some of it’s styles and variations:
Hip hop music
Gangsta rap
Trap music
Old-school hip hop
Jazz rap
Alternative hip hop
Crunk
Rap rock
Cloud rap
Pop rap
Southern hip hop
Conscious hip hop
Boom bap
Hyphy
G-funk
Hardcore hip hop
Mumble rap
West Coast hip hop
Drill
East Coast hip hop
Latin trap
Horrorcore
Chopped and screwed
Emo rap
Not to forget, there are also quite a few sub-genres. Now I’ll admit, I’m from the “Old School.” I’m not too crazy about the new versions of Rap music out there. Like anything, it can be tarnished, spoiled, ruined, and diluted. I tend to listen to the oldies. But “REAL,” Rap, minus the vulgarity, the nonsense, and has a real message with a “Seriously Wicked!” beat, that reveals the rappers sense of poetry and wordage, flowing with the rhythm of rhyme and spitting knowledge? Has earned it’s rightful place in Poetry & Music in my book.
A Few New York Rappers
*Big Daddy Kane
Fabolous
Prodigy
Big Pun
Cappadonna
Jadakiss
Joey Bada$$
Yonas
Big L
Dave East
Chuck D
*Ol’ Dirty Bastard
Foxy Brown
MF DOOM
*Raekwon
*KRS-One
Ice Spice
GZA
Styles P
A Boogie Wit da Hoodie
google.com
A Boogie Wit da Hoodie
Cormega
*Heavy D
Dres
*The ones I like
Rap music, is a combination of rhyme and poetry, to a musical beat. Do your homework. Rap music has a history and background in improvisational poetry. Bet you many, didn’t know that one! Personally, I love to see & hear when Poets Rap. It’s a beautiful art form, that’s unique in it’s own way.
*Resources – You Should Do Your Own Research. But Here Are A Few Informative Links:
But many ask…
Is hip-hop and rap the same thing?
These two terms are often used interchangeably to refer to a musical genre, but the distinction is often made that hip-hop is a broader culture and phenomenon, and rap is just one (important) part of it. In other words: all rap is hip-hop, but hip-hop is not only rap.Aug 7, 2023
https://www.dictionary.com › hip-h…
Hip-Hop vs. Rap: A Music, A Culture, And A Phenomenon | Dictionary.com
Who first started rap song?
Rap music is usually traced back to such late 70s offerings as the Fatback Band’s “King Tim III” and Sugarhill’s “Rapper’s Delight”, which were the first rap/hip-hop records. However, The Last Poets’ eponymous debut album (1970) which was a rap record in all but name, has a as good a claim as any to being the first.
https://www.theguardian.com › query
What was the first rap record? | Notes and Queries | guardian.co.uk
Who is considered the father of rap?
Clive Campbell (born April 16, 1955), better known by his stage name DJ Kool Herc, is a Jamaican American DJ who is a pioneer of hip hop music in the Bronx, New York City, in the 1970s. Nicknamed the Father of Hip-Hop, Campbell began playing hard funk records of the sort typified by James Brown.
https://en.m.wikipedia.org › wiki
DJ Kool Herc – Wikipedia
DJ Kool Herc
Rock The Bells
DJ Kool Herc’s 1973 Party Gave the World Hip-Hop https://rockthebells.com/articles/dj-kool-herc-rec-room-party/
The Guardian
– https://amp.theguardian.com/music/2011/jun/13/dj-kool-herc-block-party
Recording Academy Grammy Awards
https://www.grammy.com/news/dj-kool-herc-cindy-campbell-50th-anniversary-of-hip-hop-interview-jamaican-roots



Rapping Poets:
Noname
Jamila Woods
Tupac Shakur
Akala
Kae Tempest
Mark Grist Blaq Poet aka Wilbur Bass
13 Poet Rappers You Need In Your Life Right Now
https://www.gehenpress.com/news/2019/2/12/13-poet-rappers-you-need-in-your-life-right-now
