What is Hip hop really about?
The meaning of Hip hop seems to have gotten lost somewhere over the last fifty years. At one point, Hip hop meant something. It was a term used to describe a community and a culture.
These days, people don’t seem to understand that Hip hop is not a kind of music. Hip hop is a combination of fashion, music styles and technique that makes up an incredible culture.
There are 7 key components that make up Hip hop culture:
Rap
Rap is a music style that falls under the umbrella of Hip hop. The three key components to rap are
1. Content – what the rapper is saying
2. Flow – the rhythm
3. Delivery – the rappers cadence and tone.
While rapping predates Hip hop by may years, it is most commonly associated with Hip hop.
This is a video of The Jubalaires performing their hit song “Noah” in 1946.
Freestyle
Freestyle is improv that can be paired with or without music. The lyrics do not have a particular subject or structure. A verse that is free of style, these lyrics are made up on the spot and recited in a stream of consciousness manner.
Breakdancing
Breakdancing is a style of dance that originated in African American and Puerto Rican communities in the US. The foundation of breakdancing is made up of four components:
- Toprock
- Downrock
- Power moves
- Freezes
There is a huge amount of variation in breakdancing and typically the dance is performed to songs containing drum breaks. The top choices of music to breakdance to are Hip hop, funk, soul music and breakbeat music. However, modern breakdancing is set to more diverse music.
Beatboxing
Beatboxing is the act of vocal percussion that primarily involves the art of mimicking drum machines. This is done with the mouth, lips, tongue and voice as the “instrument”.
CHECK OUT MY INTERVIEW WITH THE GOD FATHER OF BEATBOXING, RAHZEL
Graffiti
Graffiti is art that is typically drawn on buildings, bridges and pretty much any outdoor structure. Typically this art form involves the use of spray paint and it is amazing what some people can do with a can of spray paint and their imagination.
The above work was done by my friend Adam Dube. For more of his amazing work, CLICK HERE.
DJing
This is a video of Mr. Mixx from the group 2 Live Crew. He is giving a scratch demo on Crystal on the Beat podcast.
DJing is a music style that involves the manipulation of sounds on a record through various techniques. It usually involves records and turntables and takes a steady hand and an amazing ear for the beat.
Fashion
Hip hop fashion originated in urban areas in the United States. It has evolved over the decades but the style is always unmistakable.
Get it straight
If you didn’t know, now you know. Hip hop is the term for a community and culture made up of these 7 key components.
Did I miss anything that you think should be on the list? Let me know in the comments!
CHECK OUT THIS ARTICLE THAT DETAILS HOW TO SUBMIT YOUR MUSIC TO BLOGS THE RIGHT WAY.
Crystal on the Beat podcast is a new series presented by Nevernaire, featuring Golden Era celeb interviews and music from amazing up and coming artists.
Go listen to it on Spotify by clicking here
Subscribe to our newsletter!