Hip hop/R&B, Black Lives Matter, Crossover Flashcards
Where did hip hop in the 2000s rise from? Explain why
Atlanta. This was the regional center of the Southern USA, with many labels there. There was also a stable and prosperous African American population there.
What is the main type of hip hop that emerged from Atlanta?
Trap music
What are the main musical features of trap music?
Bouncy with dark ambience, beats produced with drum machine, rapid high-hat often played in triplets, sparse texture, slow tempo
What is triplet flow?
It consists of singing in sets of three larger syllables over each beat. It is common in trap music.
Describe the career of Jay-Z.
He was the first true hip-hop “star” and a businessman who launched his own clothing line as well as had other ventures.
Describe the musical style of Jay-Z.
Complex lyrics over simple beats, uses classic soul, jazz, and funk samples.
Describe the musical style of Kanye West.
He is known for his use of a wide range of samples, drawing from rock, house, soul, electronica, etc. Has a sampling technique that involves the heavy manipulation and chopping of material. Also uses heavily processed vocals for effect.
What was the relationship of 2000s hip hop to politics? How was this different from 90s hip hop?
A key development since the 2010s was a resurgence of radical black politics in the music as a response to police brutality. This was different from 90s hip hop, which focused more on materialism and inter-regional competition.
Which artist is described as “the most celebrated hip hop artist of his generation”?
Kendrick Lamar
What is Kendrick Lamar known for?
He brought a new political conscience into contemporary hip hop, with a musical style incorporating many elements of older black genres, such as funk, gospel, and jazz
What is Kendrick Lamar’s most acclaimed work? Describe it.
It is “To Pimp a Butterfly”. It is a concept album focused on themes of struggle and reconnection in the black community. It also touches on themes of depression and self-doubt, which are less typical in the rap world.
How was “Alright” by Kendrick Lamar received by the media? How did he respond?
It was featured and criticized on Fox News. He responded by featuring it in his next album and saw it as illustrating the very problem he was expressing.
Describe the musical style of Beyonce.
Her music hovers between R%B, hip hop, dance, disco, and pop, often featuring memorable and rythmic hooks.
Describe Beyonce’s Lemonade.
It was a visual album that featured collaborations with many other rap artists.
Describe the symbolism in Childish Gambino’s “This is America” video.
It is filled with metaphors about race, guns, and violence in America. Guns are handled with more care than people in the video. School children smile and dance as violence erupts around them.
