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- Sampling.
Due to the legal implications which began to emerge due to this practice, this became the "not so cool" thing to do after awhile. Although samples can still be found during this time, rap/hip hop musicians began to do more with adding their own nuances and even adding harmonies and addditional instrumentation.
Another practice has been to utilize a pre-recorded song, either partially or entirely, to re-record a rap/hip hop song.
The following examples display this technique quite well:
- Arrested Development.
Listen to Arrested Development which demonstrates their rapping as well as their use of Sly and the Family Stone's "Everyday People":
- Coolio.
The hit single "Gangsta Paradise" from the movie soundtrack Dangerous Minds is actually a remake of the song .......by Stevie Wonder.A bad rap.
The Parental Advisory Stickers became a common sight on rap music being sold in record stores. Many rap artists are dealing with issues in very explicit ways - from politics to police brutality, drugs, sex, gangs and AIDS.
May rap artists have received a great deal of media attention due to arrests for drugs, gang activity, or even murder charges. This further fuels the ongoing debate of this music.
"Is this really music?"
This is for the listener to decide. Rap/hip hop music can actually be quite complex. Musicians utilize techniques such as double timing, crossing the bar, polyrhythms, syncopation, and accents. These are all methods which enrich the rhythmic components of the song.Other interesting tidbits
- Some artists, like MC Hammer, will employ inner city kids in order to give them opportunities that they may not have otherwise.
- Some artists will utilize different tricks to cover up cuss words, such as saying words backwards, not finishing the entire word, or glossing over the word.
- Christian rap music is available. DC Talk, who recently released an alternative rock album, has recorded rap music.
- How about a white rap artist? That would be Vanilla Ice, Baby.
- Female rap artists? Queen Latifah and M.C. Lyte are just two.
Other interesting rap artists/albums.
- Boogie Down Productions (B.D.P.) "You Must Learn" - teaches African American History
- Public Enemy "Can't Trust It" - deals with racial issues
- rap artist compilation "We're All In The Same Gang" - deals with gangs and violence
- Queen Latifah "Ladies First" - has songs about women's issues
