Hip Hop Music Nebraska

Hip hop music, like any other genre of music, has dramatically changed our society. Hip hop music has influenced the way we interact with each other, how we eat and drink, and even our perception of success. Hip Hop music – also called rap music -- defies normal conventions in music, altering what we think is right to create an upbeat, gritty style that continues to gain popularity even today.

Hip hop music isn't exempt from the criticisms other genres face. Concerned members of society have often expressed disgust over explicit lyrics that revolve around sex, drugs, alcohol, and violence. Supporters of hip hop music flip this argument around, saying that hip hop music has to be that way; it is a reflection of the harsh environment that the rapper has overcome. Toning down the lyrics would take away the reality that the rapper has gone through and overcome, therefore insulting him or her.

Neither side of this debate has come to an agreement. For those that produce hip hop music, the music is their way of communicating a message. For those that listen to hip hop music, it is both an escape from their lives, and a dream – many hip hop songs represent success, overcoming adversity, and ultimate survival. Even if the listener has not gone through what the rapper has, they can still respect what the rapper is saying.

In essence, hip hop music has also become a telescope into a culture that many would never see without the rappers lighting the way. However, there is much more to hip hop music than meets the eye.

Rap, hip hop – two names for the same genre. No matter what name is used for this music genre, the style is what is important. Hip Hop music is generally focused around one or more rappers who are telling their story. Storytelling is the foundation of hip hop music. To tell the story in an entertaining way, rappers use the same techniques as successful poets, utilizing alliteration, assonance, and rhyme to carry the message to the audience. In addition, rappers also use accompanying instrumentals, which is referred to as the “beat”. The beat is a key part of hip hop music – many failed hip hop artists are usually remembered for not having the right “beat” to go with their story. The beat is generally consistent, and lasts the entire song. Of course, many rappers have deviated from this formula, choosing to switch up beats to add even more variety.

The beat truly is important – many newcomers to the hip hop music scene will get attached to songs they hear based on the “beat” the rapper has decided to use in a song. Even those that have been listening to rap music for a long time will still weight the beat of a song very heavy in determining the worth of a song. That means that for some people, the beat that a rapper chooses to use when making a new hip hop song determines whether or not it's a good song.

A beat can make or break a song in other ways – if a rapper uses too many “old school” beats, they are bound to get criticized for it, and told to be more original. The key to making hip hop music work is to find a beat that truly makes the story both entertaining and original.

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.

Pensacola Symphony

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