RAP MUSIC
By: Narendhiran
Introduction
Rapping also popularized as rhyming, emceeing (or MCing) is a musical form of vocal delivery that incorporates rhyme, rhythmic speech, and street vernacular. It is performed or chanted, usually over a backing beat or musical accompaniment. Rap is a primary ingredient of hip-hop music and is commonly associated with that genre; however, the origins of rap predate hip-hop culture by many years.
History and Development
Rap as a genre began at block parties in New York City in the early 1970s, when DJs began isolating the percussion breaks of funk, soul, and disco songs and extending them. Within the next few years DJ’s & Rappers was popping up at every block party to
showcase their talent but record companies considered rap music a fad & was not compelled to invest into it. Rap music finally reached mainstream recognition in 1979. What record companies thought was just a fad rapidly grew into the most popular music
genre of this decade. Rap music’s beginnings were humble and focused on bringing families together and uplifting each other’s spirits in times of heartache and pain. Since its inception much has changed and evolved but the essence of its heart and soul
remains.
The rise of the Internet age affected one other crucial aspect of the hip-hop genre. With social media providing increased visibility for artists, what constitutes a mainstream rapper, and the relationship between artists and radio stations, has changed completely.
With the aid of social media, there is no longer a single theme for mainstream hip-hop artists. As Will puts it, mainstream music has become about “how well a rap’s message resonates with the typical person.” The more universal a song, the larger an audience it will reach; now that hip-hop has become more accepted by the masses, the potential for rap artists to make it big is even greater.
The Memphis Jug Band, an early blues group, whose lyrical content and rhythmic singing flow predated rapping
Features of Rap Music
To successfully deliver a rap, a rapper must follow three essential components:
1. Content (intros, hooks and verses)
2. Flow (rhythm and rhyme)
3. Delivery (tone and cadence)
Breath control and management is a skill that every rapper should master. Unintentional pauses disrupt the flow of the song and also weakens the artist’s vocal presence.
Enunciation is likewise essential. It not only strengthens the flow of rap, but also breaks down rhyme, rhyme schemes, rhythm, and other elements of the delivery (volume, pitch, timber).
Rhythm is synonymous with rap music and there is a constant beat that rap songs have. It is this beat that accounts for the popularity of rap music in clubs. The rhythm structure of rap music is such that there is a strong bass which is dominant over every other form of instrument played in the background
Notable Artists and India in the Rap Industry
Hip-hop artists all over the world hail from different backgrounds. It is therefore subjective and encapsulates many different flow rhythms, rhyme schemes, and regional dialects. But what is common among these artists is that they have greatly influenced and defined hip-hop culture and are still heavily impacting current rap artists. Rap music would not be as revered as it is today without the contributions of musical geniuses. 2Pac, Nas, Ice Cube, Rick Ross, 50 Cent, Dr. Dre, Eminem, Drake, Jay-Z, Cardi B, Kanye West, Travis Scott, Lil Wayne, Snoop Dogg are among the few rap legends to be named.
Canadian Rapper, Drake performing in October World Weekend Festival, Toronto, 2019
Rap has come to have a massive presence in India. Rappers from both India and other parts of the world inspire Indian audiences massively and encourage them to chase their dreams. Rap songs are memorized, their choruses made into merchandise, and their lines considered youth slogans. It is widely acclaimed that Baba Sehgal introduced hip-hop to India in 1990 and thus was India’s first rapper even though several musicians had tried their luck before him. In the early 2000s, Bohemia gave India its first significant rap revolution. The Punjabi rapper took what was already there and gave it a whole new spin. In today’s era some of the big Indian names in the industry are Divine, Naezy Badshah, Raftaar, Brodha V, Emiway etc.
Indian Rapper, Divine aka Gully Boy performing in SMF, Noida, 2019
Psychological Impact of Rap Music:
Rap music can have both positive and negative psychological impacts on individuals. Listening to rap music was significantly and positively associated with alcohol use, problematic alcohol use, illicit drug use, and aggressive behaviors when all other variables were controlled. On one hand, listening to rap music can provide a sense of empowerment and validation for those who can relate to the lyrics and experiences shared in the music. It can also serve as a form of self-expression and catharsis for those who use it as a way to cope with difficult emotions or experiences.
On the other hand, some rap lyrics contain themes of violence, sexism, and drug use, which can have a negative impact on listeners, particularly young people who may be more susceptible to the influence of music on their attitudes and behaviors. Rap culture promotes negative mindsets and shows younger generations that certain lifestyles are desirable. The development of music has changed drastically throughout the years, increasing profanity, drugs, violence, and much sexual slang invoking an
influence on modern youth society.
In general rap music allows the therapist to utilize specific messages that are much more complex than is generally appreciated in many therapeutic setting. That makes it an excellent medium for engaging and helping individuals understand their psychological problems and for finding ways to improve their conditions.
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