Podcast
Questions and Answers
Which rapper is associated with the creation of the character 'Slim Shady'?
Which rapper is associated with the creation of the character 'Slim Shady'?
What was the primary influence of Dr. Dre's album 'The Chronic' on the music industry?
What was the primary influence of Dr. Dre's album 'The Chronic' on the music industry?
Which album by Nas was recognized with a five-star rating by The Source magazine?
Which album by Nas was recognized with a five-star rating by The Source magazine?
What common theme is found in the lyrics of the rap group N.W.A?
What common theme is found in the lyrics of the rap group N.W.A?
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Which of the following describes the sound of 50 Cent's debut album 'Get Rich or Die Tryin'?
Which of the following describes the sound of 50 Cent's debut album 'Get Rich or Die Tryin'?
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What significant event in hip hop occurred in 1973 that helped bring rap music to the attention of music labels?
What significant event in hip hop occurred in 1973 that helped bring rap music to the attention of music labels?
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Which of the following artists is specifically credited with starting the East Coast/West Coast 'Gangsta Rap' conflict?
Which of the following artists is specifically credited with starting the East Coast/West Coast 'Gangsta Rap' conflict?
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What was a key characteristic of the East Coast and West Coast 'Gangsta Rap' during the 1980s and 1990s?
What was a key characteristic of the East Coast and West Coast 'Gangsta Rap' during the 1980s and 1990s?
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Which group is recognized for expanding hip hop's audience by including female representation?
Which group is recognized for expanding hip hop's audience by including female representation?
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What transition did rap music undergo during the late 1980s and early 1990s compared to its earlier forms?
What transition did rap music undergo during the late 1980s and early 1990s compared to its earlier forms?
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Study Notes
Rap Music History
- Rap is a prominent musical genre and cultural influence, with roots in Black culture
- Rap involves rhyming lyrics, often set to a beat, creating rhythmic cadences
- Subjects addressed often include sex, violence, and socio-political issues
- Rap began gaining popularity in America during the 1970s, mainly by African-American teens.
1970s: The Beginning
- The Sugarhill Gang released their song in 1973, marking a pivotal moment.
- Early rap music focused on lyrics about everyday experiences, and social/economic problems.
1980s: East Coast vs. West Coast
- Artists like Ice-T and Schoolly D contributed to the East Coast/West Coast "gangsta rap" rivalry
- This style prominently featured violence, shaping the lifestyle and background of the artists.
- Ice-T's '6 in the Morning' is considered to be among the first gangsta rap songs by critics.
Late 1980s and 1990s: Gangsta Rap
- Rap music transitioned away from social/economic themes to focus on violence and gangster lifestyles.
- The lyrics often depicted violence and gangster imagery.
1990s: Rise of G-Funk
- G-Funk emerged as a subgenre with distinctive melodic synthesizers, slow hypnotic grooves, and a deep bass
- Artists like Snoop Dogg were integral to the development of G-Funk.
Controversy and Censorship
- Radio stations often censored rap music, particularly groups from Compton, California, such as N.W.A.
- N.W.A.'s explicit lyrics and confrontational stance exemplified the challenges faced by artists.
2000s: Sheer Dominance
- Jay-Z and Eminem significantly impacted rap music, along with 50 Cent
- Jay-Z's hit single "Hard Knock Life" dominated the era.
- Eminem created a violent alter-ego, 'Slim Shady', who expressed anger in his lyrics.
- 50 Cent's debut album 'Get Rich or Die Tryin' was highly influential
2010s: Contemporary Hip-Hop
- New artists, such as Fetty Wap, Future, XXXTentacion, and Lil Uzi Vert, evolved the genre.
- Subgenres like trap and mumble rap emerged.
- Characteristics include a basic melody, heavy bass line, and vocalizations that include murmuring.
Continued Evolution
- Artists such as Drake, Nicki Minaj, and J. Cole continued to keep past influences whilst adapting to new styles and lyricism.
- Continued evolution showcased the richness of the hip-hop genre.
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Description
Test your knowledge on the history of rap music, covering its roots in Black culture, the rise in popularity during the 1970s, and the pivotal East Coast vs. West Coast rivalry of the 1980s. Explore the early influences and the transition to gangsta rap in the late 1980s and 1990s.