Hip-hop music can be traced back to its roots in the 1970s when DJs in New York City began mixing rhythm and blues with other genres to create a new sound. Over time, hip hop has continued to evolve and adapt, with new subgenres emerging all the time. Today, we’ll explore hip hop’s history, from disco rap to trap music, giving insights into what has influenced today’s hip hop scene and where it’s headed next.
Early Rap Music
Rappers Delight is often considered the first rap song. Written by DJ Herc, this track was released in 1979. Rapper Kurtis Blow had his first major hit with The Breaks, which reached number one on the Billboard Dance chart in 1980. In 1982, former gang member Melle Mel had a string of hits, with two of them reaching number one and six top 10 singles over three years. Artists such as Run-D.M.C ., LL Cool J, Beastie Boys, KRS-One, and Public Enemy were part of the Golden Age of hip hop during this period. The 1990s saw even more styles emerge, including Gangsta Rap and West Coast Rap. Some notable rappers during that era include Tupac Shakur, Notorious B.I.G., Eazy-E, Snoop Dogg, DMX and Dr Dre.
Mainstream Acceptance
Hip hop’s mainstream acceptance began when the Sugarhill Gang used a Chic bass line and T.S.O.P lyric. In 1988, Big Daddy Kane appeared in one of his first commercials for Pepsi. One of many artists like him would eventually embrace corporate America through product placement or sponsored performances. And in 1990, Public Enemy challenged its listeners not to be fooled into thinking hip hop was just bounced music. Two years later, rap album sales exceeded rock and country numbers combined, further cementing it as an American institution.
Digital Evolution
Digital Evolution Incorporating rhythms and lyrics that reflect the language of young people, hip hop has emerged as a musical movement of its own. At first, rap music was just seen as an offshoot of disco music, but by 1982, it had been established as a popular genre with performers like Kurtis Blow, Run DMC and The Sugarhill Gang releasing their debut albums. Hip-hop continues to evolve in new ways, with new subgenres always emerging. Currently, rappers such as Jay-Z, Kanye West, and Nicki Minaj have helped bring back the popularity of hip hop.Artists like Lil Baby and Drake are also making waves in mainstream music.
Future of Hip-Hop
Hip hop has been around for almost 50 years, and it’s evolved a lot since its inception. With new subgenres emerging all the time, it’s impossible to predict what might happen in 50 more years, but one thing is for sure: hip hop isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. It will continue to thrive because people are always hungry for something new, and it continues to grow as an art form that speaks truthfully about real life.