Hiphop: Music

DJ also known as Disc Jocky

Music is by far the largest part of hiphop and the most influential of all the elements. The music aspect breaks down into 2 main categories which are DJing, and MCing aka rapping. MCing is the older part of the 2; it actually originally started in Jamaica with something known as toasting, which is where Jamaican people would basically talk over music playing. Toasting developed by these people talking over the music with slogans, this eventually became a sensation and  the speaking got longer and more complex developing in rapping. DJing aslo developed in Jamaica along side MCing. As the MCing started to get more complex this lead the way for DJing to open up. The basic reason for the DJ was to set a beat to which the MC could match his rhythm and begin rapping. The DJ was there to control the sound system, whether with pre-recorded music, beats, or just by freestyle by breaks. The first breaking involved the 2 turntables as it does today, and this would strip the music down to its rawest beats using nothing but drums and the bass. It would then be used simultaneously with the same or other beats and emphasizing the break sessions, scratching could also be used during this, which was simply where the records were scratched with needles in a fashion that made a distinct sound. MCing has developed alot over the past few decades from the first successfully recognized rap group Run DMC to more influential rappers such as NAS. There are many branches of rap that are recognized such as classic, gangsta, party, and freestyle to name a few. Freestyling is just as it sounds a rapper simply goes off the top of there head on whatever subject they want. DJing and MCing are key parts to this culture, and will continue to develope over time as they have for more then 30 years.


The MC also known as Master of Ceremonies



This link shows an example of a DJ scratching to a beat - http://youtu.be/iFkj70WCRZM

 

The elements of hiphop

As we all know music is probably the largest aspect of the hiphop culture, but what other elemental aspects are there besides music? There are about 4 different elements to the hiphop culture, which consist of: music, dancing, street art, and the dress /talk. The most widely known of these elements music is the classic hiphop music, but breaks down into smaller elements of rap, which is a huge influencer to the culture probably more then anything else. The second biggest element is the dance aspect; there are many different types of dances that coincide with hiphop such as: popping, locking, breaking, freestlye, and a couple others. The next element of hiphop which is also the oldest is street art, more commonly reffered to as graffiti. This is by far the oldest element of hiphop, and the hiphop culture actually evolved from this single element, which I will discuss further in a later post. The last element and probably the most distinct is the dress, and language that exists within hiphop culture. The people that really tie themselves to the hiphop culture even talk a certain way thry pick up a very distinct sortof language. Understanding all of these elements is key to understanding this type of culture; so if you are really interested in it brush up on these subjects.

What is HipHop to me personally...

What is Hip-Hop to me? I pretty much explained what it was in the last post, but I would like to give input on what I think it is personally. To me Hip-Hop is concrete representation of ones inner character, expressed in a strong outward form. The art side of hip-hop like the music is so unique; it almost seems to bring people to life; it brings out an inner energy that we don't normally see. The rap side of hip-hop I believe was born out of struggle, original rap spoke on problems and hardships in the world and ones desire to over come them , dream, and rise to a higher purpose. The culture side to hip-hop is unique to; it has it's own style, its own look, and even it's own sort of language.I will admit however today's    representation of hip-hop has become a little distorted and looked down upon. Today's hip-hop has almost split into 2 different styles; the trashier kind of party side and then the original representation side. You just have to learn to decipher what genuine hip-hop really is.
(I posted this specific video, because Doug E describes what Hiphop is to him and gives a great example)

Hiphop... What is it culture, creation, or other?

              Hip-hop what is it? You have probably heard the word hip-hop before or even may know something about it, but what is it really? To some its a culture, others an art form, and for some its simply a way of life. Its comprised of many different things such as: art, music, dance, and style. It comes from a mixture of black and Latin culture that has kind of intermixed and mingled over time. The music aspect of it is probably the largest part which is comprised of elements such as: rapping, DJing, and mixing. The art aspect focuses mainly on graffiti which is a style of writing or painting. Dance is probably the second biggest aspect of hip-hop because it goes hand in hand with the music and has many different elements to it. Hip-hop style is something completely in and of itself. It has developed over the decades to be a sort of phenomenon. If you look closely around you you might be able to distinguish some elements to hip-hop so give it a try.

  Nas one mic  is a classic example of old school hip-hop / rap music

                                   (Click on artist and title here to play song)    Nas-  one mic

    Nas- One Mic