Origins: 1970s, Bronx, New York City
Key Characteristics:
- Rhythmic spoken lyrics (rap) over beats
- Sampling and loop-based production
- Four elements: MCing, DJing, breakdancing, graffiti art
- Emphasis on rhythm and wordplay
- Cultural movement beyond just music
Historical Context: Hip-hop emerged from African American and Latino communities in the Bronx as a creative response to urban decay and social marginalization. It began with DJ techniques like breaking, cutting, and sampling.
Subgenres:
- Old School Hip-Hop: Early party and battle rap
- Gangsta Rap: Street narratives and social commentary
- Conscious Rap: Political and social awareness
- Trap: Southern hip-hop with specific production style
- Alternative Hip-Hop: Experimental and artistic approaches
Influential Artists:
- Grandmaster Flash (Pioneer DJ)
- Run-DMC (Commercial breakthrough)
- Public Enemy (Political rap)
- Tupac Shakur (West Coast/Conscious rap)
- The Notorious B.I.G. (East Coast storytelling)
Cultural Impact: Hip-hop has become a global cultural force, influencing fashion, language, art, and social consciousness while providing a voice for marginalized communities.