Hip Hop

Precursors to Hip Hop

African storytellers, Black preachers, blues, jazz, reggae, and The Last Poets

The Last Poets

Group known for politically charged poetry; famous for "When the Revolution Comes"

Toasting (Jamaican Hip Hop)

A rhythmic speech technique performed over a beat or instrumental track

Origins of Hip Hop

Began in the Bronx at block parties with DJs

Who was DJ Kool Herc?

Influential early hip hop DJ from the Bronx

Sugar Hill Gang

Early hip hop group known for the hit "Rapper's Delight"

Four Pillars of Hip Hop

Graffiti art, break dancing, MC (rapping), and DJing

Three Things a Good DJ Needs

Music collection, turntable skills, and a great sound system

What is Scratching?

Moving a record back and forth on a turntable to create rhythmic sounds

What is "the break" in music?

The instrumental part of a song where the vocals drop out

Turntable as an Instrument

DJs use tools like records and digital turntables creatively

Who is DJ QBert?

A prominent turntablist known for his skill and innovations

Hip Hop as Social Commentary

Many artists use hip hop to address social and political issues

Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five

Group known for "The Message," a landmark political rap

West Coast/* Rap

A subgenre of hip hop associated with artists like N.W.A

Members of N.W.A

Ice Cube, Dr. Dre, Eazy-E

* Rap Debate

Controversy around authenticity and expansion across coasts

Southern Hip Hop

A regional style known for diverse production and lyrical innovation

OutKast

Southern group known for "B.O.B. (Bombs Over Baghdad)"

Women in Hip Hop

Female artists who broke ground in a male-dominated genre

Salt-N-Pepa

Group known for "Let's Talk About Sex," addressing taboo topics

Missy Elliot

Rapper and producer known for "Work It" and innovative music videos

Kendrick Lamar

A leading contemporary hip hop artist known for his storytelling and activism