Rap represents the ultimate expression of attitude in

popular culture.

In the 1970s and 1980s a lot of African-American youths

lived in poverty compared to their white counterparts. Hip
hop and rap music originated out of this background of
hardship. Rap music started when DJs started playing for
private parties, playing short fragments of songs and
sampling old vinyl records.

Kool DJ Herc is credited as being one of the founders of hip

hop in 1973. From simply scratching and mixing on twin turntables, vocals were added, starting as a call and
response between DJ and audience which developed into rap or talking phases by the DJ. DJs would
collaborate (work together) with MCs who would rap over sampled music. The widely acknowledged first rap
single was released in 1979 by the Sugarhill Gang and is called Rappers Delight and was a big commercial
success. (Listen to Rappers Delight)

Like all music, rap has influenced other forms of pop music and pop musicians have used elements of rap
within their own styles. Mainstream pop musicians often feature rappers halfway through their tracks to give
them credibility and to appeal to a wider and younger audience.

Gangsta rap originated in the mid 1980s and reflected the attitudes of inner city gangs and cultures which
glorified violence, prostitution and murder. Many rappers are known to have colourful private lives, with links to
gun crime. Some rappers (most notably Tupac) have been killed and many more have been the subject of
police enquiries. (Listen to Changes)

Questions
1. How did Hip Hop and rap music originate?
2. Who is credited as being one of the founders of hip-hop and in
what year?
3. What was the first rap single to be credited as a commercial
success?
4. Why do mainstream pop musicians use rappers in their music?
5. Research indicates that over 75% of hip hop and rap music
buyers are young and white. Why might that be?
6. Why do you think rap music is so popular?
7. You have listened to two different raps describe ways in
which rap changed from the 1970s to the 1990s?
8. If you had to convince an older person to go and buy a rap
single, how would you sell it to them? (Write at least one
paragraph)
9. There are petitions on the Internet saying rap music should be
banned because it glorifies crime and violence and could be
responsible for a lot of societys current problems. Would you
sign a petition like this and why? Write a newspaper style
article to explain why you agree with this statement or not.