Abstracthiphop is a sub-genre of hip hop that is often overlooked and underrated. It is a very different sound both musically and lyrically from the mainstream hip hop that we consume everyday.

It is important to remember that the ethos of hip hop is a complex one. It has its pitfalls and contradictions but is also very resilient.

Definition

Abstract hip hop is a style of hip hop music that combines elements of jazz, funk, soul and electronic music with unconventional production techniques. It is characterized by abstract and often surrealistic lyrical content and its use of samples from a wide range of sources. It is considered a more experimental form of hip hop and is associated with the underground hip hop scene.

The most notable feature of abstract hip hop is the use of unconventional beats to complement the more abstract lyrics. This is in contrast to traditional Hip Hop songs that feature a mix of basslines, drum hits and hi-hats. The genre is also known for its emphasis on unconventional lyrical style, which can include extensive metaphors and symbolic word choice.

Seattle-based alternative Hip Hop duo Dark Time Sunshine bring a breath of fresh air to 2012 with ANX, their second collaborative album featuring lots of deeply layered beats and drum breaks as well as Onry Ozzborn’s mix of abstract lyrical imagery and deeply personal accounts. The title track alone is one of the more impressive rap songs you’ll ever hear, as Onry Ozzborn uses a mix of deep and meaningful rhymes to paint a witty and fascinating picture of the world around us. It will certainly not appeal to everyone, but for those with a craving for something new and different every now and then this could be the album for you.

Origins

Abstract hip hop is a genre that originated in the early 2000s. It eschews many of the conventions of traditional hip hop and is usually associated with the underground scene. Lyrically, artists tend to focus on more abstract ideas such as existentialism or social institutions rather than everyday problems or braggadocio. Their lyrics also typically avoid the more upfront, visceral language of typical hip hop and feature extensive metaphors and symbolic word choice. Musically, most abstract artists feature unconventional beats that are similar in style to those of experimental hip hop.

The origins of abstract hip hop can be traced back to DJ Shadow and Prince Paul, who made their hip hop purely from samples. While this may seem pretty normal now, it was very new and fresh at the time.

One of the best examples of abstract hip hop is Shabazz Palaces’ Black Up, an incredibly tight album with deep beats and intricately crafted lyrics filled with abstract metaphors and intelligent observations. The idiosyncratic flows and sung-sung vocals on this project highlight the duo’s unique talent for songwriting, and it is no wonder that they have become some of the most well known abstract underground rappers today.

The concept of this album is a very important step in the evolution of abstract hip hop, and it is definitely worth checking out. Not only does the album provide an excellent example of how abstract hip hop can be, but it is also a must-listen for fans of abstract music in general.

Styles

Abstract hip hop is a genre that eschews many of the conventions associated with traditional hip hop. Lyrically, abstract artists tend to focus on more abstract ideas like existentialism or social institutions rather than everyday problems or braggadocio. They also often avoid the more upfront, visceral language of typical hip hop and instead prefer extensive metaphors and symbolic word choice.

The style combines elements of jazz, funk, soul, and electronic music with avant-garde and experimental production techniques. It can be characterized by its unconventional production techniques, lyrical content, and use of samples from a wide range of sources.

Stream-of-consciousness lyrics and an effective blend of electronic and industrial beats make Fluorescent Black an innovative and genuinely unique album. The resulting sound is both dark and cinematic, and it is one of the best albums in the Abstract Hip Hop genre to date.

Open Mike Eagle is a Chicago-born, Los Angeles-based rapper who dropped some of the most interesting abstract underground Hip Hop in the 2010s with his soft spoken-word style and poetic lyrics. His fourth album, Dark Comedy, is arguably his best to date with its ambient production and a brilliant lyrical performance that takes on a variety of serious topics with dark, deliciously sarcastic humor.

It’s not for everyone, but if you like challenging and intelligent Hip Hop this is the album for you. Dense and complex, this incredibly produced and layered project is a must-have from Backwoodz Studioz and featuring billy woods and Armand Hammer.

As with most abstract hip hop projects, this one requires a few listens before it is fully appreciated, but once you get into the groove you will be hooked. The title track is particularly dope, with its deep and dark beats and hypnotic lyrics that scream out for attention.

Unlike some of the more cerebral abstract hip hop projects, Paraffin is a bit more accessible to the mainstream. It’s a tight presentation, but not a waste of time and there’s plenty to enjoy in each track – deep, soaring beats, wonky beat scene loops, and stunning organic explorations highlight the intricately crafted idiosyncratic flows and intricately layered lyrical imagery.

Influences

Abstract hip hop music is influenced by many different genres and styles of music. These influences include funk, pop/rock, jazz, soul, alternative rock, punk, reggae and folk.

The early years of hip hop drew from the musical traditions of African Americans and immigrants from countries in the Caribbean, whose music reflected their cultural backgrounds. This multicultural exchange helped shape the sound of rap/hip hop, which in turn was a response to the disco music that was popular at the time.

During the 1980s, hip hop became more international in scope. The genre spread to cities around the world and was largely influenced by New York City, where the multiculturalism of the city shaped the culture of hip hop. The genre began experimenting with electronic music elements. This included incorporating synthesizers, drum machines and other electronic sounds into hip hop.

One of the first producers to experiment with this style of hip hop was Afrika Bambaataa, who drew from various influences to create his own sound. He often used a combination of electronics and samples to add texture to his beats. He also drew from African and Latin American traditional music, including afro-beat, to create his own style of hip hop.

He also drew from other African-American musicians and artists, such as DJ Kool Herc, Grandmaster Flash and DJ Disco Wiz, who were instrumental in the development of hip hop. He was also influenced by classical music, particularly Western classical music such as Mozart, Bach and Beethoven.

As a result of these influences, he created a style of rap that was both lyrically complex and rhythmically fast. It incorporated many of the elements that would later become synonymous with hip hop, including sampling and well-planned rhyme schemes.

His music grew to become known as “abstract rap.” He was a major influence on a generation of artists, especially those who were part of the new school. He helped establish a style of hip hop that focused on self-assurance and socio-political commentary.

He also believed that knowledge would be key to surviving in the face of an uncertain world, which is why he studied history and political science. He was a devoted student and was able to absorb the tactics and strategies of historical leaders, such as Napoleon and Shaka Zulu. His music, poetry and art drew on these influences to create an experience that engaged the world in a way that allowed his audience to connect with him and each other through the medium of music and culture.