1 definition by acideater
Hype Man
Traditionally, the job of the Hype Man is to get the audience “hype” before the headlining performer comes out on stage. His or her job is also to keep the momentum going during the show, especially during the down times like wardrobe or set changes. Hype men usually work the side of the stage the MC isn’t, yelling classic lines like “Throw ya hands in the air!” “All the ugly people be quiet!” “When I say_________, y’all say _________!” These call and response strategies to get the crowd motivated first originated in Hip-Hop back in the ’80s by early hype men Creole and MC Cowboy from Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five.
The role took on a heavy work load during the show in the early days. Years later though, the job has become less demanding, often resulting in a small army of so-called hype men milling around the stage brandishing water bottles and towels.
Traditionally, the job of the Hype Man is to get the audience “hype” before the headlining performer comes out on stage. His or her job is also to keep the momentum going during the show, especially during the down times like wardrobe or set changes. Hype men usually work the side of the stage the MC isn’t, yelling classic lines like “Throw ya hands in the air!” “All the ugly people be quiet!” “When I say_________, y’all say _________!” These call and response strategies to get the crowd motivated first originated in Hip-Hop back in the ’80s by early hype men Creole and MC Cowboy from Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five.
The role took on a heavy work load during the show in the early days. Years later though, the job has become less demanding, often resulting in a small army of so-called hype men milling around the stage brandishing water bottles and towels.
by acideater November 29, 2009