Rap Music

Putting The Science Into Music

Rap Music developed within Hip Hop culture in New York City during the 1970s, when MCs began delivering rhythmic speech over the breaks selected and extended by DJs. Early performances took place at block parties and community events, where rappers introduced DJs, encouraged dancers and developed increasingly structured verses.

The first commercially released Rap records appeared during the late 1970s and helped bring the music beyond local scenes. During the 1980s, artists including Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five, Run-D.M.C., LL Cool J, Public Enemy and Eric B. & Rakim expanded its lyrical, rhythmic and political range.

Rap production developed through drum machines, samplers, turntables and the reuse of recorded sound. Funk, Soul, Jazz, Disco, Reggae, Rock and electronic music all became important sources for beats, while producers built new arrangements from loops, breaks and short instrumental fragments.

The genre grew through regional scenes including East Coast, West Coast, Southern and Midwest Rap. Styles such as Boom Bap, Gangsta Rap, Hardcore Hip Hop, Conscious Rap, Trap and Alternative Hip Hop brought different production methods, lyrical themes and local identities.

Rap Music later developed into a global form with major scenes across Europe, Asia, Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean. Artists adapted the music to local languages, social conditions and regional musical traditions while keeping its emphasis on rhythm, rhyme and vocal delivery.

The Rap Music category can include classic and modern recordings across many Hip Hop styles. It's best understood as the vocal and recorded musical form within the wider Hip Hop culture, which also takes in DJing, breakdancing and graffiti.

At Scientific Sound Asia, rap music is a defining feature of Mixtape Addict, with further appearances on Boom Bap Show and Flamin' Hip Hop.