Do you know that rapping differs from spoken-word poetry in that it is usually performed in time to an instrumental track?
Interesting! The elements of rap consists of content, flow, and delivery. There are many different styles of rap. What is your favorite?
My favorite is the "straight forward" style, used by Scarface, 2Pac, Snoop Dogg and other famous rappers. How about you?
I like Gangsta rap which consists of themes and lyrics emphasizing the gangsta lifestyle.
Did you know that Gangsta rap was made popular largely because of N.W.A, who brought rapping about crime and the gangster lifestyle into the musical mainstream?
Ice-T also popularized Gangsta rap in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Now it is one of the most popular styles of rap!
Awesome. Although, such topics have resulted in the public accusing rappers of fostering a culture of violence among hip-hop listeners because of the lyrics.
That is true. Many rappers are open about their involvement with street gangs, such as the Bloods and Crips. There have been violent shootings attributed to prominent rappers.
True, seems they live as violent a lifestyle as the songs they write about.
Bloods
The Bloods, also known as Original Blood Family (OBF), are a primarily African-American street gang founded in Los Angeles, California. The gang is widely known for its rivalry with the Crips. They are identified by the red color worn by their members and by particular gang symbols, including distinctive hand signs.
The Bloods comprise various sub-groups known as "sets" between which significant differences exist such as colors, clothing, operations, and political ideas which may be in open conflict with
Rapping
Rapping (or rhyming, spitting, emceeing, MCing) is a musical form of vocal delivery that incorporates "rhyme, rhythmic speech, and street vernacular", which is performed or chanted in a variety of ways, usually over a backing beat or musical accompaniment. The components of rap include "content" (what is being said), "flow" (rhythm, rhyme), and "delivery" (cadence, tone). Rap differs from spoken-word poetry in that rap is usually performed