Hip-hop and rap are usually considered to be the same, but this is not so. The widespread confusion around hip-hop vs rap always leads to the question: what is the difference between hip-hop and rap, and which is better?
Hip-hop and rap are not that different after all. They are so similar, and that is why many people struggle to tell the difference.
In this short article, we will discuss what hip-hop and rap are, their similarities, which is better, and their differences.
“Where words fail, music speaks.” — Hans Christian Andersen
Hip-Hop vs Rap: Similarities
They are musical styles; thus, when it comes to music, they are both the same. Both are musical forms that feature a lot of rhyme and rhythmic speech on beat bases, or accompaniments.
There is always a strong social element to them, constantly discussing reality and aiming to convey a message that flows from the daily struggles of the underclass to the adventures that are had.
What is rap?
Rap music combines poetry and rhyme with a beat. It is a type of music where rhymes are repeated in a melodic recitation that is sung or shouted over a beat that can be created verbally or through the use of instruments.
Rap music is a subgenre of the hip-hop genre and has five essential elements:
MC (reciter or rapper), Content (message to be conveyed), Beat (rhythmic pattern played by a DJ or a beatboxer), Flow (how the rapper adapts to the beat to create rhythmic phrases), and Delivery (the rapper’s cadence)
Rappers like The Sugarhill Gang, NWA, Snoop Dogg, Dr. Dre, Tupac Shakur, Afrika Bambaataa, Lady B, etc. pioneered and popularized this subgenre.
Enjoy Hip Hop and Rap Songs
What is hip-hop?
Hip-hop is an urban African-American subculture that incorporates several artistic genres, including rap.
As a result, many view hip-hop as a bigger movement that includes rap as its musical manifestation rather than a musical genre. Hip-hop goes beyond music, it is a lifestyle.
Similar to rap, hip-hop has five key elements:
DJ (the one who changes the musical mixes), MC (the rapper or reciter), B-boys and B-girls (Break Boys and Break Girls, who perform break dance corresponding to the rhythm), and Graffiti (visual expression of hip hop)
DJ Kool Herc, Jay Z, 50 Cent, Rock Steady Crew, Outkast, etc. pioneered and popularized hip-hop culture.
Hip-Hop vs Rap: Differences
Though they are very similar, hip-hop and rap still have some differences worth mentioning.
| Hip-Hop | Rap | |
|---|---|---|
| Origins | From the Bronx projects of New York in the early 1980s. | Midwest and Southern USA in the late 1980s and early 1990s. |
| Elements | Fast-paced and swingin’ to slow and bangin’ | A combination of rhythm and poetry to a musical beat. MC, Content, Beat, Flow, and Delivery are all elements of rap. |
| Tone | Breakdance | Sharp plays on fast words. Although it has become fairly versatile, it mainly deals with severe issues. |
| Social themes | Breakdance | Drug usage, sex and promiscuity, money, luxuries, poverty, politics, and other issues are among the topics addressed. |
| Dancing | Breakdance | Twerking, Jerkin’, Nae Nae, Yeet, and Crunk |
| Instruments | Mic, turntable, synthesizer, drums, and bass | Mic, turntable, FL Studio/Ableton live, drums, bass |
Hip-Hop vs Rap: Which is Better?
Hip-hop and rap are identical in almost all respects. Sometimes, it is very hard to tell which one you are listening to.
Both are great musical styles with lots of fans and popular artists. However, hip-hop or rap is a subjective decision based on your music preferences and the artists you like.
I am certain you won’t even tell the difference in most cases, as many rap fans love hip-hop and many hip-hop fans love rap.
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