Rap music background beats are pieces that feature rhythmic, repetitive patterns. Arranged using standard musical beat timing theory, these beats form musical pieces with specific rhythmic patterns.
Rap is currently making waves throughout America and spreading throughout its urban centers, creating powerful cultural forms which are changing lives worldwide in numerous ways.
Definition
Rap music (aka hip-hop) originated in the Bronx but has spread worldwide. It can be distinguished from other forms of music through its use of a distinct beat, unique singing styles, and various instruments.
Rap music background beats are any rhythmic sound with an up and down pattern in common 4-beat timing, typically made up of synths, electronic drums, bass guitar, hi-hats, and heavy basses. They are used to add urban flavor or to provide the foundation for rapping over.
Origin
Rap music has grown from an album genre into a cultural movement that transcends both societal and political barriers. The roots of modern rap music can be traced back to DJ Kool Herc – widely regarded as its creator – who first started appearing at parties and dances in New York’s Bronx during the 70s. From there it evolved into longer performances featuring multiple DJs (Master of Ceremonies).
Rap was initially used to refer to spoken-word performances and later came to encompass an entire genre of music popular in the 80s. Rappers would use their voices to deliver social and cultural messages through street culture-influenced language that they used to deliver their speeches.
Music itself was also heavily influenced by different styles like Jazz, Disco and Funk. Over time, hip hop producers began sampling the percussion breaks from popular songs in order to craft unique beats that would become its foundation. A device known as the needle drop allowed DJs to skip instrumental parts of songs in favor of just playing their rap beats without interruption from instrumental parts.
Styles
Rap music encompasses many distinct styles. While some forms may address social or political issues more deeply than others, many rap songs simply provide entertainment and are enjoyable listening experiences. Rap generally relies more heavily on spoken-word than singing; although some rappers may choose to sing as well. Rap also contains various beats and rhythms inspired by soul, funk or rock genres while other are tailored specifically for rapping.
Rap is believed to have first emerged as an art form in African-American inner city street culture, where its lyrics address topics ranging from personal experiences and gang violence, as well as other life experiences. One of its founders, DJ Kool Herc, popularized percussion breaks at hip-hop parties so dancers would move freely at parties; since then hip hop has grown globally into a cultural movement.
Boom-bap rap has long been one of the most beloved forms of hip-hop, earning its name from its drum production style (drum boom and snare bap). This genre has existed for decades and inspired multiple subgenres. Its moderate tempo and rhythmic drum beat create an irresistibly catchy groove while rappers often synch their verses up with its beat, creating an intricate relationship between rhythmic beat and spoken line delivery.
West coast rap emerged in the 90s and is known for its laid back feel. This style can be credited for giving rise to G-Funk and other west coast genres; Too $hort and E-40 were two major artists who pioneered this style, both representing its sunny yet upbeat sound that has come to characterize West Coast Rap.
Crank and drill are also two other popular rap music styles, popular among young women. Crunk blends elements of hip hop with country music for an engaging sound popular with young ladies. Drill is a hip-hop style popularized by Chicago producers Young Chop and Chief Keef in the early 2010s that mixes fast trap hi-hats, brooding synth pads, and gritty lyrics about urban life into one cohesive package.
Trap rap has quickly become one of the most popular styles within mainstream hip-hop music today, having an impactful effect on everything from pop to country music. This genre encompasses various subgenres and utilizes modern sampling technologies; its hallmark features include punchy basslines and quick hi-hat use with triplets; some refer to this genre as “mumble rap,” due to its heavy use of autotune and lack of distinct rhyme patterns.
Influences
Rap music is a musical genre combining spoken words with rhythmic beats. Originating in the US during the 1970s as part of hip hop culture, rap first achieved worldwide popularity during the 80s and 90s. Rap musicians known as MCs often write their lyrics to address social issues or their own personal experiences through rap songs that combine spoken-word lyrics with sampled or synthesized musical elements for beat creation. Although other forms have had influence from rap, its distinctive qualities remain as its lyrics are spoken rather than sung and beats created using sampled or synthesized musical elements – two unique aspects not present elsewhere in music that use sampled or synthesized musical elements for beat creation!
Sugarhill Gang made history with their debut single of “Rapper’s Delight” in 1979, and other influential early MCs and DJs such as Grandmaster Flash, Kool Herc, Afrika Bambaata and Cold Crush Brothers quickly followed suit in creating early rap tracks using rhythm and percussion instruments in their recordings for what has since become known as rap beats.
Hip hop has evolved over time into various styles. Artists such as the Beastie Boys, De La Soul and A Tribe Called Quest all incorporated elements of reggae and soul into their music, while Los Angeles-based NWA brought gangsta rap into mainstream consciousness through angry songs about violence in society.
Although rap beats can be made using traditional instruments, computer software has enabled more creative productions. This software enables beats to be mixed and matched, as well as producing complex melodies. For optimal rap beats that fit the 4-beat timing perfectly with high hats and bass for an urban sound.
Rap music has quickly become part of popular culture both within the U.S. and around the globe, from clothing to movies. While some argue it has negative ramifications on society as a whole, other critics emphasize its positive effect on young people by teaching valuable life skills and motivating them to pursue their goals.
When creating a rap beat, it is important to consider both its purpose and that of the rapper you are working with. For instance, if you are creating music for a group that specializes in gangsta rap, aggressive drumming and heavier bass lines may be beneficial; additionally, make sure it can support both spoken word and singing elements of their performance.