What is the difference between hip hop and rap?
The Difference Between Hip Hop and Rap
Definition
Hip hop is a broader culture and phenomenon, while rap is a specific genre of music.
Elements
Hip hop encompasses various elements such as MCing, DJing, breakdancing, and graffiti, among others. Rap, on the other hand, is the combination of rhyming and poetry to a musical beat.
Cultural Origins
Hip hop originated from the Bronx projects of New York in the early 1980s and is commonly associated with impoverished minority communities. Rap, on the other hand, emerged in the Midwest and Southern USA in the late 80s to early 90s.
Musical Themes
Both hip hop and rap involve witty, poetic wordplay with assonance and rhyming stanzas. They often deal with social matters such as wealth, drug use, promiscuity, poverty, luxury, politics, etc.
Stylistic Origins
Hip hop originated from isolating the musical breaks in old funk/soul/jazz records, while rap emerged from the streets and ghettos.
Typical Instruments
Hip hop commonly uses instruments such as microphones, turntables, synthesizers, drums, and bass. Rap also utilizes similar instruments like microphones, turntables, FL Studio/Ableton Live, drums, and bass.
Tone
Hip hop can range from fast-paced and swingin’ to slow and bangin’, while rap is usually more serious in tone.
Popular Artists
Hip hop artists include Wiz Khalifa, Mos Def, Kanye West, Common, A Tribe Called Quest, Wu-Tang Clan, and more. Rap artists include Eminem, 50 Cent, Lil Wayne, Tupac, DMX, Brother Ali, and many others.
Dancing
Hip hop is often used as background music for complicated dance routines like breakdancing, while rap is associated with dances like twerking, jerkin’, Nae Nae, Yeet, and crunk.
Sources:
- Dictionary.com: “Hip-Hop vs. Rap: A Music, A Culture, And A Phenomenon” (https://www.dictionary.com/e/hip-hop-vs-rap/)
- Diffen: “Hip-Hop vs Rap – Difference and Comparison” (https://www.diffen.com/difference/Hip-Hop_vs_Rap)
- Digital Music News: “The Real Difference Between Rap and Hip Hop” (https://www.digitalmusicnews.com/2020/09/25/difference-between-rap-and-hip-hop/)
FAQs
What is the difference between hip hop and rap?
Hip hop is a broader cultural phenomenon that encompasses various elements such as MCing, DJing, breakdancing, and graffiti, while rap refers specifically to the combination of rhyming and poetry to a musical beat.
How do hip hop and rap differ in their cultural origins?
Hip hop originated from the Bronx projects of New York in the early 1980s and is commonly associated with impoverished minority communities. Rap, on the other hand, emerged in the Midwest and Southern USA in the late 80s to early 90s.
What are the main musical themes in hip hop and rap?
Both hip hop and rap involve witty, poetic wordplay with assonance and rhyming stanzas. They often address social matters such as wealth, drug use, promiscuity, poverty, luxury, politics, and other relevant topics.
How do hip hop and rap differ in their stylistic origins?
Hip hop originated from isolating the musical breaks in old funk, soul, and jazz records, while rap emerged directly from the streets and ghettos, with artists using their voices and lyrics to convey their experiences and stories.
What instruments are typically used in hip hop and rap?
Hip hop commonly uses instruments such as microphones, turntables, synthesizers, drums, and bass to create its distinctive sound. Similarly, rap also relies on similar instruments like microphones, turntables, FL Studio/Ableton Live (music production software), drums, and bass to create its musical compositions.
How does the tone differ between hip hop and rap?
Hip hop can encompass a wide range of tones, from fast-paced and swingin’ to slow and bangin’, depending on the specific style and artist. In contrast, rap tends to have a more serious tone, often focused on delivering a message or storytelling.
Who are some popular artists in the hip hop and rap genres?
Hip hop boasts a diverse range of popular artists, including Wiz Khalifa, Mos Def, Kanye West, Common, A Tribe Called Quest, Wu-Tang Clan, and many more. In the realm of rap, notable artists include Eminem, 50 Cent, Lil Wayne, Tupac, DMX, Brother Ali, and numerous others who have made significant contributions to the genre.
What is the relationship between hip hop, rap, and dancing?
Hip hop music is often used as background music for complicated dance routines such as breakdancing. The energetic beats and rhythms of hip hop provide the perfect accompaniment for dancers to showcase their skills and express themselves through movement. In contrast, rap music is associated with dances like twerking, jerkin’, Nae Nae, Yeet, and crunk, which have gained popularity in certain communities and social circles.