The Voice of the People "Rap"

Rap is a genre of music that entered our vocabulary in the late 20th century, pioneered by African-American communities. Rap, in which the words are spoken rhythmically and usually accompanied by a beat or musical background, has a unique place in the music world with its unique style and use of language.

The origins of rap music begin with songs created by African Americans from the time of slavery. These songs are musically and lyrically influenced by many African traditions. In the early 20th century, blues music, a musical genre that combines lyrics and music, became popular and made a huge impact in African-American communities. During this period, many musicians created their own styles, using the rhythm and lyrics that formed the basis of blues music.

In the 1960s, the African-American community was known for their political and social activism. During this period, the first steps in rap music began to be taken. The pioneers of these steps were musicians such as Gil Scott-Heron and The Last Poets. These artists emphasized the political and social messages in the lyrics of their songs and developed a musical style that would form the basis of rap music.

In the early 1970s, black youth in New York made a big difference in the music world. DJs in the region began to create short pieces of music that they could play on the dance floor, taking the example of funk and soul music. During this period, music recorded by DJs began to be interpreted orally by MCs. The MCs repeated the lyrics to cheer the crowd on the dance floor, and this formed the basis of rap music.

In the mid-1970s, rap music began to take its place in the music industry. The song "Rapper's Delight", released by the Sugarhill Gang in 1979, brought rap music to a large audience. This song helped rap music become mainstream.

In the 1980s, rap music gained immense popularity and many artists began to take their place in the music world. During this period, artists such as Grandmaster Flash, Run-D.M.C., LL Cool J, and Public Enemy played an important role in the rise of rap music. These artists contributed to the evolution of rap music by using innovative techniques in their music, along with the political messages in their lyrics.

In the 1990s, rap music became popular around the world and many different styles and subgenres emerged. During this period, artists such as Tupac Shakur, Notorious B.I.G., Wu-Tang Clan and Jay-Z ensured the commercial success of rap music, causing this music genre to be listened to by many different groups.

In the 2000s, rap music still remained popular and many different artists went on to make careers in this music genre. During this period, artists such as Eminem, 50 Cent, Kanye West, and Lil Wayne were instrumental in the development of rap music and contributed to its evolution.

Rap music has not only become a musical genre, it has become a culture. This culture includes different elements such as breakdancing, graffiti art and DJing. Rap music has become an expression of black culture and youth and continues to be listened to by millions around the world.

As a result, rap music emerged as a musical expression of African-American culture and over time became popular around the world. The pioneers of this music genre contributed to the development of rap music by using lyrics and innovative musical techniques that emphasized political and social messages. Today, rap music is recognized as a popular music genre around the world and is seen as part of its culture.

While the most recognized artists in the rap world have changed over time, some artists have remained popular for many years. In addition, the topics that each artist covers in their songs also differ. However, one of the general characteristics of rap music is that it includes social, political and personal issues in its lyrics.

Below you can find brief information about some of the most well-known and influential artists and their songs in the world of rap music:

Tupac Shakur: Tupac is one of the most famous artists in rap music. With his lyrics in his songs, he drew attention to political and social issues. In particular, his song "Changes" deals with issues such as racism and poverty.

Notorious B.I.G.: Notorious B.I.G. is a popular rap artist like Tupac. The lyrics in his songs specifically refer to the troubles of the black community. His song "Juicy" tells his own life story and is considered by music critics as one of the best songs in rap history.

Eminem: Eminem is one of the most popular rap artists of the 2000s. His songs often deal with difficult childhood periods and depression. His song "Lose Yourself" holds an important place in Eminem's music career and is considered a classic by music critics.

Jay-Z: Jay-Z is one of the most successful artists in rap music. His lyrics often refer to financial success, ambition, and social issues. His song "99 Problems" is one of the most successful songs of Jay-Z's career.

Kendrick Lamar: Kendrick Lamar is one of the most popular rap artists of recent years. His songs touch upon issues such as social injustice, racism, and difficult childhoods. His song "Alright" draws attention to the violence and injustices suffered by the black community.

These artists and many other rap music artists contribute to the social and political message of rap music with the subjects they cover in their songs.