Some may be surprised to learn that not all hip hop music contains swear words and there are numerous rappers who do not curse but provide thought-provoking lyrics instead.
Clean rap music tends to be better received by listeners, as it helps artists establish positive associations with their music and culture. But it is important to keep in mind that not all hip hop is considered “clean”.
Non-explicit rap
Non-explicit rap is a type of hip-hop music that does not contain explicit references to violence, drugs, and sexuality. This genre has grown increasingly popular and can be heard on the radio or in clubs, featuring soothing beats and lyrics that focus on personal improvement and social issues – an alternative to the violent and sexually explicit gangsta rap music that has become so ubiquitous these days. Furthermore, non-explicit rap serves as an integral part of hip hop culture that can provide younger listeners an access point into hip hop culture itself!
Hip hop’s message of personal development, empowerment and education has resonated strongly among young people. Additionally, this genre has played an instrumental role in raising awareness of important social issues such as racial discrimination and individuality – something teachers are now including hip hop into classroom curriculum while writers for children, teenagers and young adults tell hip hop stories through fiction writing.
Hip hop music consists of drumbeats, guitars, and rapping to express ideas and emotions. While its exact roots remain uncertain, many believe that early rappers created this genre to express their personal emotions and experiences through lyrics. Since then it has evolved into an artistic medium used by various artists worldwide and gained global appeal. Rap can often be associated with gangsta culture but explicit versions have also generated controversy due to their frequent use of profanity while at times portraying life on the streets vividly.
Hip-hop music’s explicit rap genre is immensely popular with teenagers and young adults. Its themes of gun violence, drug use and sexuality provide entertainment while having real world implications; its music has inspired numerous movies, TV series, books and artists, such as Ice Cube who uses explicit rap to address social issues and street life.
Contrary to its sometimes negative image, explicit rap has an immense positive influence on youth culture. It serves to increase awareness about key social and political issues like racism, drug use and education – as well as encouraging young people to express themselves freely and pursue their dreams.
Gangsta rap
Gangsta rap is a subgenre of hip hop music which depicts violent lifestyles among inner city youth. Typically characterized by its frequent use of profanity and depictions of gun-toting toughs, this style was introduced into popular consciousness during the 1990s by groups such as Ice T and N.W.A and after media attention surrounding Rodney King verdict verdict. Although many artists in this subgenre have been criticised for violence or sexually explicit lyrics, fans continue to enjoy its “hardcore” themes associated with urban life.
Gangsta rap has long been considered one of the most divisive genres within hip hop music, often being accused of encouraging disorderly conduct and criminal acts such as assault, homicide, drug dealing and misogyny. But its supporters maintain that its messages are more artistic depictions rather than direct endorsements of real life in American ghettoes; furthermore some songs express anger against social oppression or police brutality.
Gangsta rap stands out as an unconventional hip hop subgenre due to its direct, uncensored lyrics and hard, gritty sound. Additionally, its beats tend to include samples from funk, R&B, and soul records while it often features fast tempos and harmonizing vocals.
Gangsta rap style gained immense popularity during the 90s in America, thanks to artists like Schoolly D and Ice Cube making it their signature musical style. These artists used gangsta rap music as a vehicle to address social problems such as drug addiction, violence and poverty in an attempt to bring positive change through positive music.
At the same time, other hip hop styles have sought to promote positivity through their lyrics. One such example is Boogie Down Productions’ song “My Neck, My Back.” This track addresses violence and crime prevalent within inner city neighborhoods while simultaneously serving as a call for action.
Gangsta rap may be known for being violent and explicit hip hop music, yet has still found appeal with white suburban youths. Its explicit content and romanticization of outlaw lifestyles have found favor with middle-class white males who enjoy its rebellious image portrayed in these songs. Regardless of any possible controversy it has reached a broad mainstream audience by selling millions of copies worldwide.
Reggae
Reggae music, which draws heavily upon Rastafarian culture, features an infectious bass beat and melodic vocals. It has become widely popular across Jamaica where its popularity appeals to people of all ages – bands like Sublime, Talking Heads and 311 have all used reggae elements into their sound.
Some reggae songs address social injustice; others offer spiritual guidance that inspires listeners to lead healthier lifestyles. No matter the subject matter, reggae songs typically strive to offer encouragement and positive messages while at the same time supporting efforts against oppression and injustice.
An array of artists within this genre utilize various hand percussion instruments, such as claves, shekeres, wood blocks and djembes. While most musicians play them individually they can also add accents to rhythmic phrases with these instruments. Some musicians even employ traditional drums called the Nyabingi that boast distinctive sounds.
Reggae lyrics often address spiritual awakening and the struggle against adversity, while its earthy tones and stirring melodies promote positivity and hope. Many artists also belong to Rastafari movement which denounces unfair enslavement, racism intolerance and miserable life conditions – making reggae an effective means for social transformation while creating distinct views between groups.
Reggae music does not have one definitive definition, yet certain characteristics define its genre. Chief among these are songs written in 4/4 time or Meter and featuring simple chord progressions in their melodies; many reggae tracks also utilize Jamaican English – which serves as the official language in Jamaica – for added authenticity.
Reggae music has long had an influence on other forms of music, from rock and hip hop to reggae-influenced rappers like Snoop Dogg. Other examples include Steel Pulse who released Hold On [4 Haiti] after Haiti was devastated by an earthquake, selling signed guitars with proceeds going toward rebuilding efforts.
R&B
Rappers who refrain from swearing are an anomaly in an otherwise profane genre such as hip-hop. Nonetheless, these musicians deserve our undying appreciation for making music that’s appropriate for kids, families and those who prefer more subdued language. Our list of rappers who don’t swear will help families who listen to hip-hop in their minivans find new artists as well as R&B enthusiasts looking for new talent to check out.
R&B music combines elements of black culture with jazz, blues, gospel, boogie-woogie and swing. Originating in African American communities during the 1940s, R&B eventually became the most popular musical genre in America in 2017. Today it remains highly influential; numerous popular commercial artists explicitly belong to R&B or attribute much of their success to it, such as Childish Gambino, Drake, Solange Ella Mai John Legend Jorja Smith H.E.R.
R&B music captures both the hope and pain associated with urban cultures as well as spirituality and community needs. R&B serves as an outlet for self-discovery as well as personal identity exploration; R&B also serves as an incubator for talented poets, visual artists and urban philosophers who use its soundscape.
Hip hop stands apart from R&B due to its lack of these themes and is usually considered as its own genre. Originating in New York City by black artists, it primarily features long-form spoken-word poems called raps over rhythmic backing tracks made from looped samples. Hip hop was also notable as one of the first genres with its own DJ – white man Kool Herc – who would spin the same record simultaneously on two turntables while toggling between them to isolate and extend percussion breaks.
Contemporary R&B music has never been more diverse. It has drawn from influences as diverse as pop, rock, Afrobeats and electronica; still featuring sweet melodies, hypnotic beats and the indescribable essence of soul music – this variety allows the genre to go beyond its parent genre and reach more listeners than ever.