Rapping evolved from master of ceremonies (MC) roles at block parties where DJs provided DJ sets with long percussion breaks and the MC would interact and entertain crowds during these breaks.
Rappers often employ complex vocabulary to convey their messages and take inspiration from African-American street poetry.
Rap lyrics can often be quite contentious. Some rappers glorify violence and drug dealing while others criticize white society and politics.
Jamaica
Jamaica boasts an extraordinary musical legacy that has left its mark on modern music. Genres such as ska, rocksteady and reggae have become ubiquitous rhythms worldwide and their influence can be felt worldwide; from dance halls on Jamaica to street corners of New York City. Jamaica’s musical legacy has helped shape Hip Hop culture worldwide.
Rap music‘s roots can be traced back to Jamaica, where its toasting and sound system culture helped foster a generation of musicians. Toasting styles that included elements from the griot tradition were key in developing early rappers’ lyrical dexterity; Jamaican producers and DJs pioneered techniques which would later form the basis of hip-hop, such as sampling.
Clive Campbell, better known by his stage name Kool Herc, was one of the key figures in the development of hip-hop culture. He popularized “breakbeat DJing,” an innovative technique involving isolating and extending portions of funk and soul records to create new beats and tempos – an approach later used by artists such as Kanye West, Diddy, and Snoop Dogg. Herc’s work in Jamaica as well as in America helped form its basis.
Herc was quickly drawn in when he first heard the drumbeats from a popular ska record at a dance party, immediately recognizing this new form of music. He began experimenting with these sounds using two turntable setup to record and play his own breaks at parties and dances around Bronx borough. Through innovative use of breakbeats influenced by both ska and reggae sounds from his native island, hip-hop emerged as its own genre.
In the 1970s, Jamaica’s music began to change drastically. Genres such as dancehall and ragga became increasingly prevalent; dancehall was particularly influential. Performers in dancehall moved away from political and spiritual lyrics of ska and reggae songs to focus more on romantic love lyrics instead. A subgenre known as lovers’ rock also emerged with soft melodies and lyrics focused on romance and love.
The United States
Kool Herc, a Jamaican immigrant to New York City who worked as both DJ and emcee (MC), began introducing toasting into dance parties – an early precursor of modern rap – as an integral component. Other early precursors to rap include vocal styles associated with blues and jazz music as well as African American shouting (playing the dozens) and 1960s African-American poetry.
Herc’s techniques had evolved into rap music by the late 1970s. Sugarhill Gang’s top 40 hit “Rapper’s Delight” further introduced hip-hop into mainstream society and put numerous rappers such as Grandmaster Flash and his Furious Five, Kurtis Blow, and Cold Crush Brothers on the map.
In the 1980s, rap gained new momentum thanks to its more sophisticated vocabulary and poetic lyrics that appealed to older audiences while opening doors for future artists such as NWA and Run DMC.
Rap began to have a significant cultural impact both domestically and globally, and eventually even around the world. This marked the launch of the gangsta rap movement, which brought attention to racial inequities among African-American communities and led to a rivalry between east and west coasts of America that ultimately resulted in Tupac Shakur’s murder and Notorious BIG’s death.
In the 1990s, rappers began exploring more personal topics such as drugs and family issues to respond to east/west rivalries in rap music. At this time, several influential MCs like Jay-Z, Eminem, Lil Wayne and Nelly rose to prominence.
Hip hop’s work-with-what-you’ve-got spirit that began in the Bronx has since spread around the world, reaching every corner. Hip-hop music and fashions can now be heard and seen everywhere from Sao Paulo, Brazil; to Tokyo streets dancing b-boys; to graffiti on China’s Great Wall of China! Furthermore, its combination with other musical genres has produced new styles including rap rock (rock/metal with rapped vocals), funk contemporary R&B, and reggaeton.
Haiti
Haiti’s tragic history is well known, yet this small nation continues to flourish today. One way that Haiti thrives is through music; Haitian culture embraces music from many genres with rap being one of the most prominent forms. Local artists utilize rap as an outlet to express themselves creatively while commenting on society and politics in Haiti through their songs.
Hip hop in Haiti has become an immensely powerful form of expression, with numerous Haitian rappers finding international success through hip hop music. Many have discovered the value of creating their music in accordance with their native environment; keeping their native tongue as part of the sound allows for wider reach among listeners.
George Lys Herard is considered to be the pioneer of Kreyol hip hop in Haiti and achieved international renown as its creator. His music combined hip hop with Haitian traditional music for maximum impact; his lyrics drew on real-life experiences to resonate with both local and foreign audiences alike.
At present, Haitian rap is heavily influenced by funk, disco, rock and jazz influences. Rappers in Haiti use various techniques such as sampling, beatboxing and improvisation to craft their unique sound; other influences come from Jamaican dancehall reggae music as well as Caribbean folklore influences.
Rappers in Haiti often come from impoverished neighborhoods and are concerned with overcoming poverty through their lyrics. Additionally, they also discuss political matters as well as any news in their country.
Haiti lacks producers and record labels, leaving musicians to rely solely on performance to reach fame. Wyclef Jean and Pras Michel have earned international renown as artists who helped establish Haitian rap as an art form. Their music continues to define Haitian rap today.
While rap has become an integral part of Haitian culture, there remain challenges that need to be met in terms of production and distribution of music. Infrastructure challenges continue to make production and distribution challenging for Haitians themselves. But the music industry is gradually growing, with young Haitians becoming interested in the genre.
The Dominican Republic
Rap is a longstanding musical trend in the Dominican Republic and continues to evolve alongside culture change. Dominican rappers draw heavily upon traditional Latin American genres like reggaeton and merengue for inspiration while taking advantage of New York City’s vibrant music scene where many Dominicans first encountered hip hop. These influences combine into what has become known as dembow music that is growing increasingly popular across Caribbean and beyond.
Dominican rappers began emerging during the large migration trends of the early and mid 1990s. While still staying connected to local musical styles such as Bachata and Merengue, they embraced New York City’s thriving hip-hop culture by listening to Biggie Smalls and Wu-Tang beats while writing their own lyrics; taking this passion back with them back home where it has helped develop an up-and-coming music scene that is taking the world by storm.
Rap was once seen as an instigator of juvenile delinquency and criminal activity, yet in the late 1990s it began gaining mainstream acceptance thanks to artists like Snoop Dogg and Jay-Z who helped it reach new audiences. Since then, rap has transformed into an art form with massive mass appeal including an Oscar-winning song (Lose Yourself).
Rap music’s growth in the Dominican Republic can be attributed to its versatility in conveying ideas and themes across a broad spectrum. From discussing daily struggles on an island setting to celebrating its successes, rap provides listeners an intimate look into Dominicans lives.
Dominican rappers have used this genre to explore themes of identity and national pride through rap music. Additionally, its lyrics reflect the struggles faced by some of its poorest citizens while at the same time celebrating its rich history and culture.
Though the Dominican Republic rap scene is rapidly evolving, it faces certain difficulties. The government has taken an assertive stance in regards to which music can be played publicly and in schools; any song considered too provocative could be banned from radio and other platforms.