Rap Music Era Timeline

Past and Present

Hip-hop soundscape through much of the 1990s

In the past, rap was a form of social activism, often challenging authority and promoting positive messages. It was a way for youth in the Bronx to congregate and celebrate their culture. The music was often lyrical and focused on poetic expression. Today, rap has shifted to become more mainstream and obsessed with fame. The style, cadence, and lyricality have changed, with some artists prioritizing notoriety over creating listenable music. The culture has evolved to one where an artist's value is often determined by their appearance and monetary worth, rather than their talent or reputation. While there are still artists who use rap as a form of activism, the genre as a whole has shifted away from its roots in social activism. (timeline.carnegiehall.org)

Conclusion

1970s: Birth of Rap

Rise of a Revolutionary Art Form

Today, rap music is a diverse and evolving art form that incorporates various styles, languages, and cultural elements from around the world. The use of digital platforms and social media has enabled artists to reach a broader audience and collaborate with musicians from different backgrounds, leading to the creation of new sub-genres and sounds.

For instance, Afrobeats, a fusion of African music styles and Western hip-hop, has gained popularity in recent years, with artists like Burna Boy and Wizkid achieving international success. Similarly, Latin trap, a blend of traditional Latin music and American trap, has become a global phenomenon, with artists like Bad Bunny and J Balvin dominating the charts.

Tn conclusion, the evolution of rap music has been influenced by global cultural exchange and interaction, and the current trends and patterns reflect this diversity and dynamism. The genre continues to evolve and adapt to different cultures and languages, making it a powerful tool for social and political expression.

Quote:

"Rap is not just music, it's a cultural movement" - Jay-Z

"Hip-hop is a universal language" - Kendrick Lamar

"Music is a weapon, music is a tool. Music is a way to get your point across" - Noname

Rap music emerged in the New York City streets in the 1970s, reflecting social issues, cultural experiences, and expressions of urban life. Rapping is a term for a rhythmic and rhymed speech performed by a vocalist, usually with a beat provided by a DJ. Rappers typically employ brilliant wordplay and rhymes to create a rhythmic flow with their voices.

Rap as a genre began at block parties in New York City in the early 1970s, when DJs began isolating the percussion breaks of funk, soul, and disco songs and extending them.The 1970s marked the birth of rap music, with influential artists like Grandmaster Flash, DJ Kool Herc, and Afrika Bambaataa leading the movement.

The 1970s was a crucial time for rap music's development in the African American community in the South Bronx. Darryl 'DMC' McDaniels of RUN-DMC cites Sugarhill Gang's "Rapper's Delight" (1979) as the first hip-hop song recorded outside park jams. This track and others from the 1970s helped establish the genre and pave the way for its future growth. Sha-Rock of Funky Four Plus One More set the stage for women in hip-hop. Early rap songs often featured extended runtimes and call-and-response, creating a unique listening experience. (npr.com)

The hip-hop soundscape during the 1990s was characterized by a diverse range of styles and sounds, reflecting the genre's growing popularity and influence. The global cultural exchange and interaction during this time also played a significant role in shaping the hip-hop soundscape, with local artists incorporating traditional music and language into their rap songs. This fusion of different musical styles and cultures has influenced the current trends and patterns within the rap music era, with the genre continuing to evolve and adapt to different cultures and languages. As Jay-Z said, "Hip-hop is more than music, it's a cultural movement" (2001), highlighting the genre's impact on global cultural exchange and interaction. (dailytargum.com)

Introduction to Rap Music Era

21st Century: Global Dominance

In the 21st century, rap music has continued to evolve and expand its global influence. Notable figures such as Kanye West, Tupac Amaru Shakur, Nicki Minaj, and Cardi B have left their mark on the genre. Kanye West, often described as a "brilliant madman," is known for his innovative production style and provocative public persona. Tupac Shakur, although active primarily in the 1990s, remains a significant influence on contemporary rappers due to his powerful storytelling and exploration of social issues. Nicki Minaj and Cardi B have broken barriers for women in rap, with their distinctive flows, charismatic personalities, and willingness to address controversial topics. (businessinsider.com)

1980s: Salt n’ Pepa or Roxanne Shante

Rap Music Era Timeline

Rap music in the 1980s was a pivotal era in the genre's evolution. This period, often referred to as the "Golden Era," saw the commercialization of rap and the emergence of new school artists. Women rappers like Roxanne Shanté and Salt-n-Pepa played a significant role in this era, introducing a black woman's perspective to rap fans and achieving commercial success. Their contributions, along with those of other artists, helped shape the sound and style of rap music in the 1980s.

Roxanne Shante, "Roxanne's Revenge" (1984):

"Every time that he sees me, he says a rhyme/ But, see, compared to me it’s weak compared to mine/ A-every time I know that I am sayin’ somethin’ fresher/ In any category, I’m considered the best.”

Exploring Global Cultural Exchange and Influence

1960s mcs and djs

In the 1960s, rap music began to take shape in the African American community, with influences from the griot tradition, blues, jazz, and spoken word poetry. MCs, or masters of ceremonies, would engage the crowd with rhythmic speech and rhymes over musical accompaniment. The term "rap" comes from the British English verb meaning "to strike" or "to utter sharply," and it was used in African American dialect in the 1960s to mean "to converse." The musical style associated with rap did not emerge until the 1970s, but the roots of the genre can be traced back to this earlier decade.

Some notable MCs and DJs from the 1980s include:

Run-D.M.C.

Public Enemy

N.W.A

Salt-n-Pepa

Roxanne Shanté

MC Lyte

Queen Latifah

Grandmaster Flash

Eric B. and Rakim

1979: The Sugarhill Gang's 'Rapper's Delight'

1983-1984: Birth of Gangsta Rap

"Rapper's Delight" by The Sugarhill Gang, released in 1979, is considered one of the first mainstream rap hits and played a significant role in the popularization of rap music. The song's success marked a turning point in the evolution of rap music, as it introduced the genre to a wider audience and paved the way for its commercialization. The Sugarhill Gang, a group of African American rappers from New Jersey, drew inspiration from the Jamaican sound system culture and the African American tradition of signifying. As Darryl 'DMC' McDaniels of RUN-DMC said, "I'm Darryl, and I'm gettin' busy. I'm the king of rock, there's none higher" (1984), setting the stage for the involvement of more African American rappers in hip-hop. The commercialization of rap music that followed the success of "Rapper's Delight" has also influenced the current trends and patterns within the rap music era, with the genre continuing to evolve and adapt to different cultures and languages.

The new school of hip hop, which began in 1983-1984 with the early records of Run-D.M.C. and LL Cool J, marked a significant shift in hip-hop music. This movement was characterized by drum machine-led minimalism, often tinged with elements of rock, and aggressive, self-assertive delivery. The artists of this era, including Whodini and Beastie Boys, projected a tough, cool, street b-boy attitude, contrasting sharply with the funk and disco-influenced music of earlier artists. New school producers like Larry Smith and Rick Rubin of Def Jam introduced denser hip-hop production, faster beats, and innovative sampling. This period also saw the rise of message rap, Afrocentricity, and political militancy in hip hop, particularly with artists like Public Enemy and Boogie Down Productions. The innovations of the new school era transformed hip-hop production, lyricism, and themes, establishing hip hop in the mainstream and paving the way for future developments in the genre.