Hip-hop is a way of life that started way back in the 80's. It has 4 important elements which are:
MCin/Rappin
DJin
Graffiti
Breakin
This way of life started in the Bronx and spread down to other boroughs. Towards the late 80's it spread all the way to L.A. especially Compton/South Central. This started angsta rap and after that was the bling-bling era (which is what is causin rap to crumble and is whats causin everybody to look at it badly). It sucks that people look at the shit on MTV/BET and judge rap and hip-hop to be shitty music and a shitty way to live. All i got to say is get off your asses and listen to some real rap music
MCin/Rappin
DJin
Graffiti
Breakin
This way of life started in the Bronx and spread down to other boroughs. Towards the late 80's it spread all the way to L.A. especially Compton/South Central. This started angsta rap and after that was the bling-bling era (which is what is causin rap to crumble and is whats causin everybody to look at it badly). It sucks that people look at the shit on MTV/BET and judge rap and hip-hop to be shitty music and a shitty way to live. All i got to say is get off your asses and listen to some real rap music
by Adept March 29, 2005
A widely misunderstood CULTURE that is centered around 4 pillars: DJing, rapping, b-boying and graffiti writing. The culture is based upon the idea of peace and love in poor ghetto communities and that street violence should be replaced by rap battles, and that battles should be fought not with guns but with the mind.
Although hip-hop music is usually mistaken for rap music, the two are similar but not the same. They are performed in the same way, i.e. by speaking rhythmically over a beat with occasional support from a DJ, hip-hop music is more community-oriented. MCs usually discuss living in the ghetto and the rough conditions that their people face (The Message by Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five is a great example of this), one or more of the four pillars of Hip Hop (Out for Fame by KRS-One), or Hip Hop culture, its history, and their own personal experiences with the music (Hip Hop Lives by KRS-One, or I Used to Love H.E.R. by Common Sense). Rap music can be centered around any number of things, usually, though not always, about material things (Hypnotize by The Notorious B.I.G.) and/or sex (Lollipop by Lil' Wayne). Rap music also glorifies the ideas of being a gangster, while Hip Hop discusses the matter in a neutral or negative matter (Changes by 2pac).
Although hip-hop music is usually mistaken for rap music, the two are similar but not the same. They are performed in the same way, i.e. by speaking rhythmically over a beat with occasional support from a DJ, hip-hop music is more community-oriented. MCs usually discuss living in the ghetto and the rough conditions that their people face (The Message by Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five is a great example of this), one or more of the four pillars of Hip Hop (Out for Fame by KRS-One), or Hip Hop culture, its history, and their own personal experiences with the music (Hip Hop Lives by KRS-One, or I Used to Love H.E.R. by Common Sense). Rap music can be centered around any number of things, usually, though not always, about material things (Hypnotize by The Notorious B.I.G.) and/or sex (Lollipop by Lil' Wayne). Rap music also glorifies the ideas of being a gangster, while Hip Hop discusses the matter in a neutral or negative matter (Changes by 2pac).
Hip means to know, its a form of intelligence,
To be hip is to be update and relevant,
Hop is a form of movement,
You can't observe a hop, you gotta hop up and do it,
Hip and Hop is more than music,
Hip is the knowledge, hop is the movement,
Hip and Hop is intelligent movement,
Or relevant movement, we sellin' the music.
- KRS-One & Marley Marl, "Hip Hop Lives"
JUST TO CLARIFY: Although many think rap music and culture is bad, rap is not. It is the sister to hip hop, separated only by subject matter and small differences in culture. Though much of what one hears on the radio is indeed rap, rap is just as misunderstood as Hip Hop is. A true Hip Hop head knows to respect all people and their ideas, for all people have rights to their own beliefs.
To be hip is to be update and relevant,
Hop is a form of movement,
You can't observe a hop, you gotta hop up and do it,
Hip and Hop is more than music,
Hip is the knowledge, hop is the movement,
Hip and Hop is intelligent movement,
Or relevant movement, we sellin' the music.
- KRS-One & Marley Marl, "Hip Hop Lives"
JUST TO CLARIFY: Although many think rap music and culture is bad, rap is not. It is the sister to hip hop, separated only by subject matter and small differences in culture. Though much of what one hears on the radio is indeed rap, rap is just as misunderstood as Hip Hop is. A true Hip Hop head knows to respect all people and their ideas, for all people have rights to their own beliefs.
by Styles84 October 11, 2010
Hip Hop is something that is said to be dead. Peop,e say that since Gangsta and Club rap is invading the mainstream of the urban culture, hip-hop is dead. But it's not dead. Nas claims hip-hop died, but he's wrong. Royce Da 5'9 said it "Hip Hop is everything around you". Its not what you do, its what you live. Its your style, your swagger, your speech, hand movements, habits, theories, and ideas. Hip Hop is making a come back. I promise you that. The Truth will bring hip hop back.
by HurriKane December 9, 2006
Hip Hop is largely a sub-culture within a larger culture centred originally around dance (bboying), turn-tables (Dj-ing), Emceeing (shoutouts and dedications) and graffiti.
However, hip-hop has managed to evolve into more than just the four initially defining elements. It assumed the status of being a community's conscience and advocate for enlightenment. As such, hip-hop has acquired great variety from place to place depending on what message is dimmed most befitting in those particular sectors of society. But generally, hip-hop, upon assuming such a demanding role, has had to become more direct and clear in its message, resulting in a shift from seemingly nonsensical rapping into very skillful rhyme deliveries involving a crafty use of words, metaphors and rhyme patterns.
1993 saw the beginning of this dramatic shift from just rapping to thoughtful emceeing. At ths point, it should be evident that what is depicted on MTV and other media is not Hip-Hop but some tangency eminating from a noble way of life and culture. Call that stuff on mass media rap music but not Hip-Hop.
Today, real hip-hop music can be hard to find but nonetheless, it is available for those who really want it. It is enjoyed all across the world, and, underground hip-hop, as it is refered in SADC Africa is becoming more and more accessible.
However, hip-hop has managed to evolve into more than just the four initially defining elements. It assumed the status of being a community's conscience and advocate for enlightenment. As such, hip-hop has acquired great variety from place to place depending on what message is dimmed most befitting in those particular sectors of society. But generally, hip-hop, upon assuming such a demanding role, has had to become more direct and clear in its message, resulting in a shift from seemingly nonsensical rapping into very skillful rhyme deliveries involving a crafty use of words, metaphors and rhyme patterns.
1993 saw the beginning of this dramatic shift from just rapping to thoughtful emceeing. At ths point, it should be evident that what is depicted on MTV and other media is not Hip-Hop but some tangency eminating from a noble way of life and culture. Call that stuff on mass media rap music but not Hip-Hop.
Today, real hip-hop music can be hard to find but nonetheless, it is available for those who really want it. It is enjoyed all across the world, and, underground hip-hop, as it is refered in SADC Africa is becoming more and more accessible.
Hip Hop, The Roots, De La Soul, Mos Def, Common Sense, Dead Prez, Last Emperor, Master Ace, Immortal Technique, Mos Def, Talib Kweli etc...
by Original Man May 2, 2009
Known more famously as a musical genre, but is also a culture. Hip hop is often referred to as "dead", or "dying".
In actuality, it is only part of Hip Hop that is dying, and that is mainstream. I don't need MTV, BET, or Much Music to live my music for me, so as long as me, or anyone else enjoys Hip Hop, it will be alive.
Hip Hop MUSIC can range from slow, slurring speech with digital beats and a heavy bassline,known as gangsta rap, or southern rap, which is mostly responsible for the "death" Hip Hop, to fast, crisp lyrical delivery with the instrumentals ranging from a multitude of sounds and instruments.
In actuality, it is only part of Hip Hop that is dying, and that is mainstream. I don't need MTV, BET, or Much Music to live my music for me, so as long as me, or anyone else enjoys Hip Hop, it will be alive.
Hip Hop MUSIC can range from slow, slurring speech with digital beats and a heavy bassline,known as gangsta rap, or southern rap, which is mostly responsible for the "death" Hip Hop, to fast, crisp lyrical delivery with the instrumentals ranging from a multitude of sounds and instruments.
Guy 1 - Hip-Hop is garbage, it's all about guns, and bitches.
Guy 2 - But aren't you playing Counter-Strike, and your in-game spray paint has a nude woman on it?
Guy 2 - But aren't you playing Counter-Strike, and your in-game spray paint has a nude woman on it?
by CriticalDesign December 29, 2007
hip hop is a culture including the four main elements: breakin,dj,mc, and graffiti. The majority races are Latino and Black. hiphop is currently being over exploited by the media makin it seem to only be about sex,drugs and violence.
by keynah September 12, 2003
There are 4 original elements of hip hop. bboying, mcing (rapping), djing, and graffiti art.
Despite what the media and a lot of people think, bboying is the only form of dance in hip hop, then popping and locking were adopted elements to it. So if theres no popping, locking, or breaking, then its not hip hop. Britney Spears is not hip hop, thats what i would call street jazz. As far as music goes if there is rapping or djing then it is considered hip hop. And graffiti art is the use of spray cans and markers to design words and characters of your own and are usually done illigally on walls and buildings.
Despite what the media and a lot of people think, bboying is the only form of dance in hip hop, then popping and locking were adopted elements to it. So if theres no popping, locking, or breaking, then its not hip hop. Britney Spears is not hip hop, thats what i would call street jazz. As far as music goes if there is rapping or djing then it is considered hip hop. And graffiti art is the use of spray cans and markers to design words and characters of your own and are usually done illigally on walls and buildings.
There are four elements fo hip hop
by steve-miller September 1, 2006