Hip Hop is more than a music genre, it is a cultural movement that swept up music, art, dance, fashion, poetry and political philosophies. that has shaped America over the past three decades. Its influence has spread across the United States, impacting politics and media culture. A lot of people use rap and hip-hop synonymously, but strictly speaking hip-hop is a cultural movement (including music), whereas rap is a specific musical technique often employed in hip-hop music.
According to hip-hop pioneer Afrika Bambaata, there are four pillars of hip-hop:
MCing (or Rapping) is a vocal style that uses rhythm and lyrics, but typically doesn’t have a melody. It’s less like singing(which by definition carries a melody) and more like reciting poetry over a backbeat. In fact, the term “rapping” comes from a 1970s slang term for “talking” – anyone talking, reciting a poem, or giving a speech could be described as “rapping.” As hip-hop culture blossomed, the word “rap” took on its narrower definition. Today, rapping is a distinctive feature of most (but not all) hip-hop music.
Turntablism (or DJing) is a way of making music with a turntable. Using records produced by other artists, a DJ creates mixes, combines sounds, and manipulates the music to create something new. Historically, this involved physically interfering with the machinery of the turntable, speeding it up or slowing it down to change the sound as it played. These days, DJs use digital tools to create a similar kind of sound.
Breakdancing (or BBoy/BGirling) is an acrobatic and physically demanding style of dance that only a few performers have mastered (example). Breakdancing was a central feature of hip-hop culture from its inception, but because it’s so difficult to learn it hasn’t gained the same mainstream popularity as other aspects of hip-hop.
Graffiti (or Street Art) is visual art typically made using spray paint and a lively, hectic visual style. Not all graffiti is associated with hip-hop culture, of course, but the hip-hop movement developed a unique graffiti style that’s instantly recognizable.
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