Music Hip-Hop: Mix Rhymes and Beats

Many consider hip-hop music to have begun in the late 1970s in South Bronx, New York. At parties, disc jockeys (DJs) would "spin" vinyl records on their record players, or "turntables." Eventually, hip-hop came to describe a broad range of musical and cultural influences, including break dancing, fashion design, and contemporary language.

The Beginning of Rap Music

One early DJ, Kool Herc, came to America from Jamaica, where spinning records was a highly developed art. He often used two record players and two versions of the same record to "loop" short sections of tunes that featured "break beats." Break beats occurred when the other instruments of the band would stop playing, or "take a break," while the drums and possibly the bass would be played alone.

Kool Herc would loop (repeat) the break beat by playing that section on one copy of his record through the sound system while cueing up the same section on another copy of the same record on a second turntable. When the first break beat section was almost over, he would switch the sound system over to his second turntable and play the break beat section again. Meanwhile, he could recue his first copy, continuing the process for as long as he wanted.

These extended break beats became very popular and eventually became the foundation over which masters of ceremonies (MCs) would rhyme. Thus began the new trend of "rapping."

In addition to looping sections of music, hip-hop DJs often use multiple turntables to rearrange and overlay prerecorded ideas. This process creates innovative new sounds, often incorporating musical ideas from past hits into new songs.

The Importance of Lyrics

Rappers were exploring new territory with their lyrics as well as their musical style. Some rap songs focused on social issues, such as inner-city poverty. Others used rhymes to educate listeners. For the most part, rappers incorporate meaningful personal and social messages into their rhymes.

Rap and Hip-Hop

The first two decades of rap and hip-hop has seen tremendous innovation in the style. Rhymes have become increasingly complex. Instrumental accompaniments can range from sparse drum-machine beats to rich, orchestral-like music. Vocal parts sometimes reach the level of virtuosity. Theatrical elements might include audio skits placed between songs on hip-hop albums.

In a very short time, hip-hop music and culture has become a significant worldwide influence.

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