Rap is a vocal style within hip hop characterized by rhythmic and rhyming speech, often addressing social issues and storytelling.
Characteristic Instruments
Drum machines, samplers, turntables, and synthesizers provide the beats and backing tracks in rap music.
Dominant Styles
Styles include old school, gangsta rap, trap, conscious rap, and alternative rap, each with distinctive lyrical and rhythmic approaches.
Top Artists by Era
Classic Era
- Tupac Shakur
- The Notorious B.I.G.
- Run-DMC
- Public Enemy
Modern Era
- Jay-Z
- Eminem
- Kanye West
- Missy Elliott
Contemporary
- Kendrick Lamar
- J. Cole
- Drake
- Cardi B