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While it’s anchored by common-denominator elements (like beats and rhymes), hip-hop comes in all different shapes and sizes. Here is a sampling of the genre’s many-splendored variations . .
While it’s anchored by common-denominator elements (like beats and rhymes), hip-hop comes in all different shapes and sizes. Here is a sampling of the genre’s many-splendored variations . . .
THE LABEL
West Coast/Gangsta Rap
VERBIAGE
The big bad subgenre that made waves in the’80s and ’90s, scaring the pants off of parents with talk of guns, drugs and, well, unfavorable attitudes towards law enforcement.
THE CULPRITS
Ice Cube, Ice-T, Snoop Dogg.
AN ESSENTIAL
“Nuthin’ but a ‘G’ Thang” by Dr. Dre feat. Snoop Dogg, “F*ck Tha Police” by N.W.A.
THE LABEL
East Coast
VERBIAGE
As the name implies, the East Coast equivalent to West Coast rap; the Biggie to our 2Pac, the Bad Boy to our Death Row.
THE CULPRITS
Notorious B.I.G., Wu-Tang Clan, Jay-Z.
AN ESSENTIAL
“Big Poppa” by Notorious B.I.G., “Empire State of Mind” by Jay-Z feat. Alicia Keys.
THE LABEL
Pop Rap/Rap Lite
VERBIAGE
The antithesis of gangsta rap, a light-hearted approach to hip-hop common in the ’80s that was much more palatable to mainstream tastes.
THE CULPRITS
Kriss Kross, Fresh Prince & DJ Jazzy Jeff, the Black Eyed Peas.
AN ESSENTIAL
“Let’s Get It Started” by Black Eyed Peas, “U Can’t Touch This” by MC Hammer.
THE LABEL
Jazzy/Soulful Hop
VERBIAGE
At its zenith in the 1990s, this amalgamation mixed high-speed flows with soulful choruses, often focusing on deeper themes than what was previously common in hip-hop.
THE CULPRITS
The Fugees, Arrested Development.
AN ESSENTIAL
“Killing Me Softly” by The Fugees, “Tennessee” by Arrested Development.
THE LABEL
Crunk/Deep South
VERBIAGE
A portmanteau of the words “crazy” and “drunk,” crunk has come to represent most, if not all, of hip-hop originating in the “Dirty South.”
THE CULPRITS
Lil Jon, Ludacris.
AN ESSENTIAL
“Southern Hospitality” by Ludacris, “Country Grammar” by Nelly, “Get Low” by Lil’ Jon & The East Side Boyz feat. Ying Yang Twins.
THE LABEL
Hyphy
VERBIAGE
Originating in the Bay Area of Northern California, hyphy (short for “hyperactive”) is a sort-of West Coast equivalent of “crunk”, twitchy and fast-paced rather than slurred and tipsy.
THE CULPRITS
E-40, Keak Da Sneak.
AN ESSENTIAL
“Tell Me When To Go” by E-40, “Go Damn Dumb” by Mistah FAB feat. Yukmouth.
THE LABEL
In Da Club
VERBIAGE
The next step in the evolution of what was once gangsta rap, this particular style tends to focus on the luxuries of success (cars, cash, Cristal, etc.). The reason even your grandma knows the word “bling.”
THE CULPRITS
Lil Wayne, 50 Cent, Three 6 Mafia.
AN ESSENTIAL
“Got Money” by Lil Wayne feat. T-Pain, “In Da Club” by 50 Cent.
THE LABEL
Backpack Hip-Hop
VERBIAGE
Most commonly refers to underground or independent hip-hop; similarly, a “backpacker” is one who listens to almost exclusively this type of music, like the rap equivalent of a hipster.
THE CULPRITS
People Under the Stairs, Lorn.
AN ESSENTIAL
“Trying to Find a Balance” by Atmosphere, “Go With the Flow” by MF Doom.
THE LABEL
Alternative Hip-Hop
VERBIAGE
Quite possibly the most difficult subgenre to pinpoint, alternative hip-hop is just that. It sets its own rules, eschewing the glitz and glamour of standard hip-hop fare in favor of references that lean more towards the “nerd” end of the spectrum, often leading to a crowd comprised of largely rock and indie fans rather than traditional hip-hop fans.
THE CULPRITS
Gym Class Heroes, Del Tha Funkee Homosapien, The Gorillaz.
AN ESSENTIAL
“Mistadobalina” by Del Tha Funkee Homosapien, “I Be On That” by Childish Gambino.
(Compiled by Tyler Davidson)
