What is Hip-Hop music?

Origin of Hip-Hop

South Bronx, New York City, early 1970s. DJ Kool Herc isolated percussion breaks on two turntables at block parties in 1973, creating the foundation. Afrika Bambaataa and Grandmaster Flash codified the four elements -- DJing, MCing, breakdancing, graffiti -- into a cultural movement. By 1979 the Sugarhill Gang's Rapper's Delight brought rap to mainstream radio.

Era: 1970s--present

Defining sound of Hip-Hop

Beat-driven production built on sampled loops, drum machines (Roland TR-808, TR-909), and synthesizer bass. MCs deliver rhythmic vocal cadences over 70-100 BPM instrumentals. Timbre ranges from dusty boom-bap samples to pristine trap hi-hats. Lyrical density and flow pattern are the primary artistic variables.

Pioneers of Hip-Hop

• DJ Kool Herc
• Grandmaster Flash
• Afrika Bambaataa
• Run-DMC
• Rakim

Key Hip-Hop artists

• Kendrick Lamar
• Jay-Z
• Nas
• Lauryn Hill
• Outkast
• Wu-Tang Clan
• Eminem
• Lil Wayne

Related genres

Frequently asked questions about Hip-Hop

When did Hip-Hop start?

Hip-Hop originated 1970s--present. South Bronx, New York City, early 1970s.

Who invented Hip-Hop?

Hip-Hop was pioneered by DJ Kool Herc, Grandmaster Flash, Afrika Bambaataa, Run-DMC, Rakim. South Bronx, New York City, early 1970s. DJ Kool Herc isolated percussion breaks on two turntables at block parties in 1973, creating the foundation. Afrika Bambaataa and Grandmaster Flash codified the four elements -- DJing, MCing, breakdancing, graffiti -- into a cultural movement. By 1979 the Sugarhill Gang's Rapper's Delight brought rap to mainstream radio.

Is Hip-Hop still popular?

Hip-Hop continues to be listened to and has influenced countless artists since its origins. Key contemporary artists in the genre include Kendrick Lamar, Jay-Z, Nas, Lauryn Hill.

What does Hip-Hop sound like?

Beat-driven production built on sampled loops, drum machines (Roland TR-808, TR-909), and synthesizer bass. MCs deliver rhythmic vocal cadences over 70-100 BPM instrumentals. Timbre ranges from dusty boom-bap samples to pristine trap hi-hats. Lyrical density and flow pattern are the primary artistic variables.

What is the difference between Hip-Hop and trap?

Hip-Hop and trap are related genres that share some characteristics but differ in origin, instrumentation, and production approach. See the trap definition page for a full comparison.