Hip hop music is often confused with R&B, funk, and soul. While these external genres have influenced and inspired hip hop, there is more to rap than this. In fact, to truly understand what isn't hip hop music, more explanation on the unique characteristics of hip hop music must be explained.
Hip hop music is comprised of rapping, which is a quick delivery of clever, rhythmic vocals, and DJing, which is the musical composition. Rappers create varied instrumentals by sampling music, using turntables (to create a “scratch” effect), beatboxing, or using live instruments. Beatboxing is the art of creating beats, rhythms, and even melodies using just the mouth. Beatboxing can be pretty complex, ranging into singing, vocal scratching, and the simulation of horns, strings, and many other musical instruments. Rappers get creative in order to replicate so many different sound effects.
The beat behind the rapper is done almost always in 4/4 time. However, it is not done in a straightforward manner; instead, the beat flows in a laid back way.
The technique is also found in soul, disco, and funk music. The beat is generally kept relatively consistent throughout the entire song.