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.