Rap is a style of music with a hammering rhythm and based on chanted lyrics. Indeed, it is the vector of the language of youth. Rap appeared in the suburbs in the United States in the 1970s. But what is the meaning of rap? In our article we will give you the answer to this question.
What does the word rap mean?
The word rap or Rhythm and Poetry is a musical style where lyrics are spoken over funky beats. Indeed, rap appeared in the African-American ghettos towards the end of the 1970s. An inspiration draws from the daily reality of working-class neighborhoods or the suburbs. What differentiates this style of music is its style of diction, half spoken, half sung, decorating with rhythmic sound. It is mainly based on the improvisation of texts followed by rhythms of chanted music.
During the 1970s, this kind of music became a popular phenomenon. Since then, it has evolved and has now become one of the most listened to styles of music. Currently, this practice has developed beyond the American border. It is now a global phenomenon that touches the hearts of young Francophones, but also in other continents.
What is the purpose of rapping?
Currently, there are a multitude of varieties of rap, but all have the same goal: to create sparks in people. Indeed, rap is both aggressive and direct, but it is with the aim of waking up the people of certain injustices that some of us live. Above all, this kind of music offers the freedom to express oneself without limits. As well as to denounce injustice and inequality between men, racism and many other phenomena that affect society. It is above all a protest music that rejects any form of institutionalization and authority. It is above all an opportunity for young people to cry out their hatred and express their dissatisfaction with the system.
What are the different types of rap?
Currently, there are many types of rap which has developed since its appearance. Those are :
trap rap
A style of music that combines rap and electronic music. It is with the aim of expanding electronic music fans.
The cloud rap
The term cloud rap became popular in the year 2010. This is thanks to the self-proclaimed BasedGod Lil B, who attempted to describe the dreamlike sound of this subgenre. It designates a whole wave of artists who focus on the abstract soundscape.
The conscious rap
A style of rap that speaks of a political dimension. Lyrics that deal with societal themes, reflecting a commitment and a desire for collective emancipation. This type of rap mainly denounces injustices and inequalities in society.
oldschool rap
This type of rap refers to the early years of hip-hop. The time of the mixes of DJ Kool Herc, Gandmaster Flash, Sugarhill Gang as well as Kurtis Blow and Africa Bambaata, the beginnings of rap.
emo rap
This style of rap expresses the sensitive spirit of rap. Despite the fact that rapping is considered aggressive, there is also another side of rapping that is much more sensitive and vulnerable.
However, you will also find other sub-genres of rap like poetic rap, conscious rap, egotrip rap, hardcore rap and gangsta rap, crunk as well as drill.
