Popular Rap Genres
Rap is a globally famous music genre characterized by its diversity in style, melody, and content. Each rap genre brings a different musical flavor, catering to the needs and preferences of many music lovers. Below are some popular rap genres.
1. Old School Rap
Old school rap is a genre that emerged in the 1970s-1980s, characterized by simple melodies, tight rhythms, and easily understandable lyrics. Prominent artists of this genre, such as Run D.M.C., Grandmaster Flash, and Sugarhill Gang, laid the foundation for the development of hip hop culture. Old school rap focuses on rhymes and wordplay, offering high entertainment value but not being overly complex, with content often revolving around partying and social gatherings, drawing inspiration from funk and disco music.
2. Trap
Trap is one of the most popular rap genres today, originating in the 1990s and rising to prominence in the 2000s in the southern United States. The distinctive features of trap music include “cool” lyrics and rap accompanied by captivating 808 Roland electronic drums and catchy beats. Lyrics often discuss street life, crime, and money. Notable artists in the trap genre include Travis Scott, Future, and Migos.
3. Boom Bap
Boom bap is a rap genre with strong rhythms and melodies inspired by jazz and soul. It emerged in 1984 and became popular in the 1990s, with artists like Nas, Notorious B.I.G., and Wu-Tang Clan. The lyrics in boom bap rap often carry profound meanings, reflecting societal issues, life experiences, and the artists themselves. Original songs produced in this genre utilize realistic sounds of kick drums and powerful snare drums or samples from vinyl records.
4. Conscious Rap
Conscious rap, also known as awareness rap, focuses on conveying social and political messages. The lyrics in conscious rap are often deep, aiming to raise the listener’s awareness of global issues such as racism, social inequality, and human rights. The lyrics of this genre can be difficult to understand, containing many layered meanings. To listen to, understand, and write rap lyrics, one must have a profound understanding of politics, society, and religion. Artists like Kendrick Lamar, Talib Kweli, and Krs-One are prominent representatives of this genre.
5. Mumble Rap
Mumble rap is a controversial genre that emerged in the late 2010s. Rappers in this genre often use unclear pronunciation, creating a unique style. Lil Uzi Vert, Lil Pump, and Playboi Carti are popular artists in this genre. Rappers labeled as “mumble rappers” also tend to use phrases like “aye,” often adding words like “yeah,” “aye,” and “uh” at the beginning or end of their sentences.
