The Music Room

To Brebru.com

To Band Pages

 

"Rap" is not a new idea that sprung up in the music industry in the 80's and 90's. In fact, it has been evolving for decades. Rap's roots can be traced to the following influences:

Cab Calloway.
Known for his signature "Hi-de-hi-de-hi-de-ho" chant from "Minnie the Moocher". Starting back in the 1940's, Calloway used a call and response format with his audience, which is one of the foundations of rap. (You remember...in "The Blues Brothers")

• Other musicians who have utilized this technique, or have utilized a monologue-style in their music, include the following:

  • Lou Rawls
  • Charlie Daniels
  • Bo Diddley
  • Arlo Gutherie
  • Peter, Paul, and Mary

• African rhythms.
  These complex rhythms have long been a form of communication. The very root of rap and hip hop is the rhythm - in the words as well as in the music that accompanies it.

• The Djs in the Bronx.
  Back in the 60s, young Djs like Kool DJ Herc, DJ Lovebug Starski, and DJ Hollywood began making a name for themselves by pushing huge speakers down the blocks, mixing records at block parties, and playing with turntables. Lovebug would put the records on and move them with his hands to make weird sounds with the needle.

 

 

To the 70's

To Evolution of Rap