MUSC 323 Quiz 4 Flashcards
Where did HipHop Originate
Began on August 11, 1973, at DJ Kool Herc’s party. He was hosting a party and was DJing and tried something new on his turntable, extended the instrumental beat to let people dance longer and MC’ing (rapping) during the breaks.
Roland TR 808
-Has a programmable beat
-Add different sounds on each subdivision of the beat
-Easy to use samples or pre-stated samples, things like bass drum, cowbell
-Low price point
-Referenced by name in POP songs, my heart is beating like on 808 drum
-Lays out the beats per measure to play with
Akai MPC60
-More funk something
-Decently affordable
-Perf for samples, could filter them
-quantization
-Based on building, very user friendly
Early Looping in HipHop (Grandmaster Flash)
-Lay out two records of the same album, mark the area of the vinyl where the instrumental break was, swtich volume to second disk, rewind the first disc while the 2nd disc plays, then the same part of the song would play again.
Looping “Merry Go Round” technique
-Ppl; had different techniques of looping a backbeat
-DJ cool here, found records w/ same tempo + same break, basically just transitioned from one to another,
1 plays to break –> play second record, play 3rd record –> 4th etc.
Elements of hip-hop culture
-MCing (ORAL): In hip-hop, MCing is the act of singing or rhythmically rhyming while a DJ plays beats
-DJing (AUDIO): In hip-hop, a DJ is an artist that uses turntables and mixing techniques to create music and beats. An MC/rapper (which could be the DJ themselves) accompanies this music with rhymes and vocals
-Breakdancing (DANCE): The break in breakdancing refers to the breaks and breakbeats in music made by early hip-hop DJs like DJ Kool Herc. Breakdancing is an especially energetic and acrobatic form of dance that often uses elaborate choreography, footwork, and movements
-Graffiti (Visual): Pretty clear, expression on the streets, pure talent.
Flow
-In hip-hop, the term “flow” refers to the rhythmic and rhyming pattern of a rapper’s delivery. It encompasses the way a rapper delivers their lyrics, including the cadence, timing, and overall rhythmic structure. A rapper’s flow is a crucial aspect of their unique style and can vary widely among artists.
Gangsta Rap
-Originated in LA (Compton, home to lots of black neighbourhoods, corrupted gov, 47 murders, 1% of population dying by homicide)
-Gangsta rap is people wrapping that ARE IN gangs (crips and bloods)
-Angry, violent, profain lyrics and style
-Idolized rappers that were in jail ppl like snoop dog, 2pop, icecube
-Black rap form, adopted by white listeners and recording companies saw it as a gold mine.
East vs. West
East Coast vs. West Coast Rivalry (1990s):
East Coast:
Biggie Smalls (The Notorious B.I.G.)
Jay-Z
Nas
Wu-Tang Clan
West Coast:
Dr. Dre
Snoop Dogg
Ice Cube
Tupac Shakur
Key Events:
Mid-1990s feud marked by diss tracks and media conflicts.
Tupac accused East Coast artists of involvement in a 1994 shooting.
Tragic deaths of Tupac (1996) and Biggie (1997).
Impact:
Dark period in hip-hop history.
Raised concerns about violence, media influence, and artist responsibilities.
Efforts made to promote unity and collaboration within the hip-hop community.
Producers/Moguls
Dr.Dre: A pioneering producer and rapper, Dr. Dre is a key figure in West Coast hip-hop. He co-founded Death Row Records and Aftermath Entertainment, discovering and producing for artists like Snoop Dogg and Eminem.
Sean Diddy Combs: Diddy is a rapper, producer, and entrepreneur. He founded Bad Boy Entertainment and played a crucial role in the careers of artists such as The Notorious B.I.G. and Mary J. Blige. Diddy is known for his business acumen and impact on the fashion and beverage industries.
Timbaland:
Timbaland, aka Timothy Mosley, is a highly influential hip-hop producer known for his innovative and eclectic production style, collaborating with artists like Aaliyah and Missy Elliott, and leaving a profound impact on the genre’s sound through his pioneering use of technology and experimental beats.
Jay-Z: A highly successful rapper, Jay-Z is also a respected entrepreneur. He co-founded Roc-A-Fella Records, Rocawear clothing, and later Roc Nation. Jay-Z’s influence extends beyond music, with ventures in technology, sports, and streaming services.
Russel Simmons: A co-founder of Def Jam Recordings, Russell Simmons is a pioneering figure in hip-hop’s early days. Def Jam played a crucial role in the careers of artists like LL Cool J, Public Enemy, and Beastie Boys.
Rick Rubin: A co-founder of Def Jam Recordings alongside Russell Simmons, Rick Rubin is a producer known for his work with artists like Run-DMC, Beastie Boys, and Public Enemy. He’s had a significant impact on the development of hip-hop.
Suge Knight: Co-founder of Death Row Records, Suge Knight played a major role in the West Coast hip-hop scene during the 1990s. However, his involvement in the East Coast-West Coast rivalry and legal issues led to controversy.
