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What is rap?

Rap is a style of music where artists speak or chant rhythmic lyrics over a beat. It’s one of the core elements of hip hop culture, alongside DJing, breakdancing, and graffiti.

At its core, rap focuses on:

  • Rhythm & rhyme – words are delivered in time with the beat, often using complex rhyme patterns
  • Flow – how smoothly and creatively the lyrics fit the rhythm
  • Lyrics – can be about anything: storytelling, personal experiences, social issues, or just having fun

Rap music usually features a beat (made with drums, samples, or electronic sounds), while the rapper provides the vocals.

Some well-known rappers include:

  • Tupac Shakur
  • The Notorious B.I.G.
  • Eminem
  • Kendrick Lamar

Rap started in the 1970s in the Bronx, New York, and has grown into a global genre with many styles (like trap, drill, and conscious rap).