The History Of Rhythm And Poetry (RAP)
RHYTHM AND POETRY (RAP) – Is a musical style or genre that integrates the classical notions of poetry and music.
Rap as its own genre started at block parties in New York City in the early 1970s. This was when DJ’s began to isolate the percussion breaks of funk, soul, and disco songs.
They would also extend them and make it into their own beat. The notion of rap started because MCs were tasked to introduce DJs and keep the crowd energized.
Oftentimes, they would talk between songs and joke around with the audience. In time, it became common for the MCs (soon to be known as rappers) to talk and rhyme over their music.
According to an article from NPR, rap originally started as a fad. However, its commercial potential was quickly recognized in 1979.
This was the release year of The Sugarhill Gang’s “Rapper’s Delight”. It blew up again in 1980 with Kurtis Blow’s “The Breaks”.
Since then, rapping as an art form and a skill continuously developed over time. People were experimenting with their flows and beats until one DJ had a eureka moment.
DJ Grand Wizard Theodore is said to have accidentally invented the iconic method of “scratching”. This is when a DJ would play the record back and forth to create a scratching noise as it brushed against the needle.
Rapping then developed and continued to flourish leading to the mid-’80s. This era was considered to be the golden age of hip-hop.
Artists like Run DMC and Rakim began to push the boundaries of the art form. Eventually, it became the massive mainstream entity that it is today.
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