Now, the question is – hip-hop vs. rap. People often use these words and interchange them to mean something else. In real parlance, although hip hop vs. rap is a very common debate, in the broader cultural movement, they stand for two different things. Hip-hop provides an umbrella where many artistic expressions like DJing, breakdancing, graffiti, etc., come under. At the same time, rap simply stands for a purely musical style through rhythmic vocal delivery.
In the following paragraphs, I will try to shed light on differentiations and overlaps in Hip-hop and Rap with respect to their origin, cultural importance, and evolution over time.
What Is Hip-Hop?
Though hip-hop began as a genre of music, it is much more than that. Hip-hop is a cultural movement that started in the Bronx, New York, in the late 1970s. It is deeply rooted in the social and economic hardships of that time, having been birthed within the ‘ghetto’ and stemming from the urge for self-expression among minority groups. Hip-hop culture has four central tenets: MCing or rapping, deejaying, breakdancing, and graffiti art. These combined elements formed a robust, expressive culture that extended far beyond the music itself
Key figures like DJ Kool Herc, Afrika Bambaataa, and Grandmaster Flash were instrumental in the early development of hip-hop, introducing innovative techniques such as scratching and beat juggling. DJ Kool Herc is often credited with laying the foundation of hip-hop during a block party in the Bronx, where he extended the breaks of funk records to keep people dancing—a technique that became a defining characteristic of hip-hop music
In no time, hip-hop spread from the Bronx, captivating the imagination of young people around the globe. From its very modest start in the 1970s, hip-hop grew into a global phenomenon reflected not only in the arts but also in fashion, language, politics, and so much more these days. Nowadays, hip-hop is a multibillion-dollar industry, but initially, it remained one of the most vigorous channels for cultural self-expression.
If you are interested in getting further information on the history of this cultural phenomenon, then check out this article: “70s Hip Hop: The Birth of a Cultural Phenomenon.”
What Is Rap?
On the other hand, rap is a music genre that branches from the expansive cultural framework of hip-hop. The hallmark of rap is its rhythmic and rhyming speech over a beat, often addressing personal experiences, social issues, or simply telling stories. In rap, what is crucial is the rhythmic delivery of flow and wordplay, which makes it unique and influential in music.
Although rap has its roots in African oral traditions, where rhythm and rhyme formed the basis of storytelling, contemporary rap began to take shape as late as the 1970s and early 1980s with the emergence of hip-hop culture.
As rap evolved, it spun off into various subgenres and styles. Evidence of its elasticity and dynamism is found in its diverse flows, from the politically charged songs of Public Enemy and KRS-One to gangsta rap by N.W.A. to trap music by T.I. and Gucci Mane. Rap takes many forms, but at its core, it remains a rhythmic and lyrical expression of the human experience.
Difference Between Rap and Hip-Hop
So, what is the difference between rap and hip-hop? The key distinction lies in their scope. While rap is a musical genre that emerged in the 70s, hip-hop is a broader cultural movement that encompasses rap as one of its elements. In other words, all rap is hip-hop, but not all hip-hop is rap
In hip-hop, its pillars represent distinct aspects of the culture. Rap, also known as MCing, is just one of these elements. Hip-hop encompasses visual arts like graffiti and physical expression through breaking and dancing, as much as it does music. In contrast, rap focuses solely on the musical component, emphasizing lyrical content and rhythm
Like the great rapper KRS-One said in the track “Hiphop vs. Rap,” “Rap is something you do, Hip Hop is something you live.” The quote explains much of rap as an action, performing rhymed verses to a beat. Hip-hop is a way of life, including many creative and cultural expressions.
Although these are the main differences between the two, the lines between rap and hip-hop have blurred with their evolving nature. Many artists have intertwined the musical and cultural aspects, making it challenging to distinguish between them. However, understanding the distinction deepens the appreciation for the richness and diversity of hip-hop culture.
The Origins of Rap: What Was the First Rap Song?
Essentially, the history of rap music is rooted in the emergence of hip-hop culture in the Bronx. As mentioned earlier, DJ Kool Herc played a crucial role in developing the sound that would later become rap by using turntables to extend breaks for dancers. There is, however, some controversy surrounding the identification of the first-ever rap song.
Consider “Rapper’s Delight” by the Sugarhill Gang, one of the most well-known rap songs, released in 1979. It was the first rap single to gain widespread popularity, introducing the genre to a broader audience and paving the way for future artists. Although it faced controversy when it hit the mainstream media, rap had already existed at block parties and on the streets before reaching the mass media.
Another contender for the title of the first rap song is ‘King Tim III’ by The Fatback Band, released a few months before ‘Rapper’s Delight.’ It featured rapped verses over a funk backing and represents another significant—though often overlooked—milestone in rap history.
Regardless of which song was first, the early days of rap were marked by a spirit of innovation and experimentation. Artists were eager to explore the boundaries of music, and these early pioneers laid the foundation for the rap revolution of the 1980s and beyond.
Types of Rap
Through the years, the genre diversified to include several other subgenres with their own style and themes. Here are some of the main types of rap:
- Gangsta Rap
Gangsta rap, which emerged in the late 1980s, is characterized by its raw and often provocative lyrics that reflect the harsh realities of inner-city life. A notable example is “Straight Outta Compton” by N.W.A. Even today, in 2024, young people in North Macedonia, Europe, continue to embrace the gangsta rap style. They often drive slowly with tinted windows in their cars to express a sense of coolness. - Conscious Rap
Aside from gangsta rap, conscious rap focuses on social issues, politics, and activism. Artists like Public Enemy, Common, and Talib Kweli are prominent in this genre, aiming to raise awareness and inspire action through their music. - Trap
Trap music originated in the Southern United States and is known for its use of 808 basses, hi-hats, and dark, gritty lyrics. Artists like T.I., Gucci Mane, and Future are central to this subgenre. Trap gained significant popularity in the Balkans during the 2010s and 2020s, as local artists added their own unique “flavors” to the genre. One of my favorites is “Enzo” by 2Bona, which is primarily a trap track with creative Drill elements. - Boom Bap
Boom bap is a term closely associated with the East Coast rap scene of the ’90s, characterized by hard beats and intricate lyrics. Nas is often regarded as the archetype of boom bap with his seminal album “Illmatic.”
The different subgenres discussed here highlight the flexibility of rap as a musical genre, giving voice to countless artists who express a wide range of themes. Whether it’s the gritty realism of gangsta rap or the socially conscious messages of conscious rap, each subgenre adds a unique dimension to the rap landscape.
One of my favorite rap subgenres is Drill. If you are my soulmate, check out my top 10 Drill tracks from the Balkans.
The Role of Instruments in Rap and Hip-Hop
Strangely enough, despite the electronic beats and samples commonly associated with rap and hip-hop, instruments have played a crucial role in defining both sounds. Early in hip-hop’s development, DJs used turntables and vinyl records to create beats, often drawing from genres like funk, soul, and disco. The turntable itself became an instrument as techniques such as scratching and beat juggling introduced new dimensions to the music.
The role of instrumentation evolved alongside the development of hip-hop and rap. Producers began using instruments such as drum machines, synthesizers, and samplers to create more sophisticated and layered sounds. For example, the deep bass and sharp percussion of the Roland TR-808 drum machine became a staple sound in the genre.
Live instrumentation has also played a role in rap and hip-hop, particularly in live performances. Groups like The Roots, who perform with a full band, demonstrate how live instruments can add depth and energy to rap music. Instruments such as the saxophone, guitar, and piano have been incorporated into hip-hop, blending traditional musical elements with contemporary beats.
The use of various instruments in rap and hip-hop highlights the creativity and versatility of these genres, allowing them to explore and push the boundaries of what their music can sound like.
Is Rap a Subgenre of Hip-Hop?
Given the close relationship between rap and hip-hop, one might wonder if it’s correct to refer to rap as a subgenre of hip-hop. In short, yes—rap is one of the many elements that make up hip-hop culture, alongside DJing, breaking, and graffiti.
Born as a core element of the hip-hop movement, rap has developed its own distinct identity as it has grown in popularity. This evolution has contributed to the complex dynamic between rap and hip-hop, with each influencing and shaping the other.
Although rap and hip-hop are closely connected, not all hip-hop involves rap. For example, instrumental hip-hop and DJ sets that focus on beat-making and turntablism feature no rap lyrics but are still integral to the hip-hop genre. In hip-hop culture, graffiti and breaking are essential elements, but they are distinct from rap music.
Rap and hip-hop are best cookie-cut as overlapping but separate entities: rap is an integral part of hip-hop culture, but hip-hop represents much more than simply rap music.
The Impact of Hip Hop and Rap on Global Culture
From its origins in the Bronx to becoming a global phenomenon, hip-hop and rap have evolved into influential forces worldwide, drawing on cultures and societies from every nook and cranny of the world. Hip-hop and rap began as a means of self-expression for marginalized groups, and became an inimitable force in music, fashion, language, and politics.
Hip-hop and rap influenced mainstream United States culture, from the way people dress to the type of language they speak. Rap lyrics have been reduced into lines and slang that form part of today’s everyday lexicon, while hip-hop fashion – be it baggy jeans, sneakers, or oversized jackets – has made its hallmark on designers and companies all over the world.
However, the effects of hip-hop and rap do not end here. Hip-hop adopted new forms in Europe, where it became most authentic because it integrated other local musical influences and traditions. For example, French rap is now a cultural phenomenon in its own right, with artists like IAM and MC Solaar gaining immense popularity. In the UK, grime – a breed of music that came out of the streets in London – finds its original basis in hip-hop and has spawned names like Stormzy and Skepta.
Hip-hop has also spread to Africa, where artists have used it to express social and political themes. In the countries of South Africa and Nigeria, for example, hip-hop has given young people a platform to express their grievances and aspirations about the status quo concerning policy issues by raising questions through the notion of their music.
This illustrates the global reach of hip-hop and rap, demonstrating their ability to connect with people from all walks of life. Whether through powerful rap lyrics or the dynamic moves of a breakdancer, hip-hop continues to inspire, influence, and unite people across cultural boundaries.
Let’s Wrap Up
Although often used interchangeably, hip-hop and rap refer to different aspects of a culturally rich movement. Hip-hop encompasses a way of life and various artistic expressions, while rap is a genre focused on rhythmic and lyrical delivery. Both have been conduits for transforming contemporary music and culture, creating enduring legacies that continue to evolve.
While discovering the world of hip-hop and rap, take a moment to check out the top 90’s rappers according to both my opinion and Dejan Sokoloski‘s. I also recommend you to check out the top 10 Drill tracks from the Balkans.
