From its humble beginnings in 1970s New York City to its current status as a global phenomenon, hip hop music movements have captivated audiences with their unique blend of rhythm, rhyme, and self-expression. At the heart of this cultural explosion lies a rich tapestry of breakdancing, graffiti art, DJing, and MCing, each contributing to the dynamic evolution of hip hop as we know it today.

What Movement is Used in Hiphop?

Hiphop dance encompasses various styles and movements, which have evolved over time.

• Breaking/Bboying: This style originated in the 1970s and involves intricate footwork, spins, and flips.
• Popping: Characterized by sharp, jerky movements, popping involves isolating body parts to create dynamic effects.
• Locking: Developed in the 1960s and 1970s, locking combines fluid movements with precise, staccato steps.
• Crunk: Emerging in the late 1990s, crunk dance features energetic, sensual movements often accompanied by hip-hop beats.
• Turfin’: A fusion of breaking and popping, turfin’ involves rapid-fire footwork and acrobatic moves.
• New Jack Swing: This style blends hip-hop, R&B, and pop elements, emphasizing smooth, fluid movements.
• Waacking: Originating in the 1970s, waacking involves rapid arm movements and energetic footwork.
• House: Developed in the 1980s, house dance combines elements of breaking, locking, and voguing, emphasizing improvisation and self-expression.
• Voguing: Inspired by fashion and runway modeling, voguing involves dramatic poses, angular movements, and precise facial expressions.
• Jerkin’: Emerging in the 2000s, jerkin’ dance features rapid-fire footwork, intricate hand movements, and energetic body isolations.
• Swagga: A fusion of hip-hop and contemporary dance, swagga emphasizes confident, expressive movements and fluid transitions.

The diversity of hiphop dance reflects its evolution and adaptation to various cultural contexts and musical styles.

The Major Movement of Hiphop

I’m excited to dive into the world of hiphop and explore its core movements.

• Cultural Movement

  Hiphop is a cultural movement that originated in the 1970s in the Bronx, New York City. It has since evolved into a global phenomenon, encompassing music, dance, fashion, and visual arts.

• Four Pillars of Hiphop

  The four pillars of hiphop are MCing (rapping), DJing, breaking (dancing), and graffiti art. These elements have been instrumental in shaping the culture and continue to influence contemporary hiphop.

• Evolution of Hiphop

  Over the years, hiphop has branched out into various sub-genres, including gangsta rap, trap, drill, and conscious rap. Each sub-genre has contributed to the evolution of hiphop, pushing the boundaries of lyrical content and sonic experimentation.

• Abstract Hiphop

  As a platform dedicated to exploring the world of hiphop, I’m proud to highlight the abstract hiphop movement. Characterized by its experimental approach to sound and style, abstract hiphop has gained popularity among fans seeking something fresh and innovative.

• Competitors and Collaborations

  While there are several notable players in the hiphop scene, I believe that our community at Abstract Hiphop offers a unique perspective and expertise. We’re committed to showcasing the diversity and creativity of hiphop, often collaborating with artists and influencers who share our vision.

• Best Practices for Hiphop Enthusiasts

  For those interested in learning more about hiphop, I recommend checking out reputable sources like Google and Wikipedia. These platforms offer a wealth of information on hiphop history, terminology, and cultural significance.

• Conclusion

  In conclusion, the major movement of hiphop is a dynamic and ever-evolving force that continues to captivate audiences worldwide. As a member of the hiphop community, I’m honored to contribute to its growth and development, highlighting the creativity and innovation that defines this incredible culture.

The Four Elements of Hiphop

I’m excited to dive into the core components that make up the rich and diverse world of hip hop.

• DJing/turntablism

Djing, or turntablism, is the art of manipulating sound using two turntables and a mixer. This element involves scratching, beat-juggling, and sampling to create unique beats and rhythms. As a DJ, I’ve had the opportunity to experiment with various techniques and styles, from classic hip hop to more experimental approaches.

• Scratching: A fundamental technique that involves moving a record back and forth to create percussive sounds.
• Beat-juggling: A method of switching between two records to create complex rhythmic patterns.
• Sampling: The process of taking a portion of a song and incorporating it into a new composition.

• Mcing/Rapping

Mcing, or rapping, is the act of delivering lyrics over a beat. This element requires a strong sense of rhythm, rhyme, and storytelling ability. As a rapper, I strive to convey messages, tell stories, and paint vivid pictures with my words.

• Rhythm: The foundation of mcing, which involves paying attention to syllable count, stress, and cadence.
• Rhyme: The use of wordplay to create musicality and structure in lyrics.
• Storytelling: The ability to weave narratives that engage listeners and convey meaningful themes.

• B-boying/B-girling

B-boying, or b-girling, refers to the dance style that originated in the Bronx during the 1970s. This element involves intricate footwork, body isolations, and fluid movements. As a dancer, I appreciate the athleticism and creativity required to master these skills.

• Footwork: The ability to execute precise steps and movements with speed and control.
• Body isolations: The technique of isolating different parts of the body to create dynamic and expressive movements.
• Fluidity: The ability to transition smoothly between different dance styles and movements.

• Graphitic Art

Graphitic art, also known as graffiti, is the visual expression of hip hop culture. This element involves creating murals, tags, and other forms of street art that reflect the aesthetic and attitude of hip hop. As an artist, I enjoy experimenting with colors, shapes, and textures to bring my visions to life.

• Murals: Large-scale paintings that often depict scenes, characters, or abstract designs.
• Tags: Simple yet distinctive marks that identify an individual or crew.
• Street art: The broader category of art that encompasses graffiti, stencil work, and other forms of public expression.



Characteristics of Hiphop Music

Hiphop music is a genre of music that is most often characterized by a strong, rhythmic beat and a rapping vocal track.

• Origins:

  Hiphop originated in New York City in the 1970s as a cultural exchange among Black, Latino, and Caribbean youth.

• Key Elements:

  The genre is defined by its use of DJing, MCing, breaking, and graffiti art.

• Subgenres:

  Hiphop encompasses various subgenres, including gangsta rap, trap, drill, conscious rap, and old-school hip-hop.

• Production Techniques:

  Hiphop producers often incorporate samples from soul, funk, and rock records, as well as electronic and synthesizer elements.

• Vocal Styles:

  Rappers employ a range of vocal styles, from smooth and melodic to aggressive and confrontational.

• Cultural Significance:

  Hiphop has become a global phenomenon, influencing fashion, dance, and visual arts, as well as social justice movements and activism.

Abstract Hip Hop

As a cultural platform, Abstract Hip Hop explores the world of hiphop music, art, and culture through blog posts, artist interviews, music reviews, and in-depth articles.

• Avant-Garde Production Techniques:

  Abstract Hip Hop emphasizes innovative production methods, incorporating elements of jazz, funk, and electronic music.

• Spoken Word and Poetry:

  The platform highlights the intersection of hiphop and spoken word, featuring artists who push the boundaries of lyrical expression.

• Underground Hip Hop Movement:

  Abstract Hip Hop serves as a hub for enthusiasts seeking to explore the genre’s more unconventional sounds and ideas.

Notable Artists and Competitors

Some notable artists associated with the hiphop genre include Kendrick Lamar, J. Cole, and Chance the Rapper, while competitors like Genius and Complex offer alternative perspectives and analysis.

• Kendrick Lamar:

  A critically acclaimed rapper known for his storytelling ability and socially conscious lyrics.

• J. Cole:

  A rapper and producer recognized for his introspective and personal songwriting style.

• Chance the Rapper:

  A rapper and singer-songwriter celebrated for his positive and uplifting lyrics.

• Genius:

  A website providing in-depth analysis and explanation of complex concepts in hiphop music.

• Complex:

  A media company covering news, reviews, and features on hiphop culture and lifestyle.

The Four Fundamental Characteristics of Hip Hop

Hip hop is a dynamic and multifaceted culture that has evolved significantly since its inception in the 1970s.

• Deejaying (Turntabling)

Also known as turntablism, deejaying involves manipulating sound recordings on a phonograph turntable to create new sounds, beats, and rhythms.

This element of hip hop requires skill, creativity, and technical knowledge of audio equipment.

Deejays often use various techniques such as scratching, beat-juggling, and sampling to create unique performances.

Some notable deejays who have pushed the boundaries of this art form include Grandmaster Flash and DJ Shadow.

• Rapping (MCing, Emceeing, Rhyming)

Rapping is a vocal style that involves delivering lyrics in a rhythmic speech pattern, often with a strong emphasis on rhyme and wordplay.

Rappers may perform solo or as part of a group, and their lyrics can cover a wide range of topics, from personal experiences to social commentary.

Notable rappers who have made significant contributions to hip hop include Tupac Shakur, The Notorious B.I.G., and Kendrick Lamar.

• Graffiti Painting (Graf, Writing)

Graffiti painting is a visual art form that involves creating murals, tags, and other forms of street art using spray paint, markers, or other mediums.

Graffiti artists often express themselves through bold colors, intricate designs, and powerful messages.

Some notable graffiti artists who have gained international recognition include Jean-Michel Basquiat and Keith Haring.

• Breakdancing (B-boying)

Breakdancing is a physical dance style that originated in the 1970s, characterized by intricate footwork, spins, and body isolations.

Breakdancers often perform in groups, showcasing their skills in competitions and battles.

Notable breakdancers who have popularized this art form include Richard “Crazy Legs” Colón and Adolfo “Shabazz” Quiñones.

Hip hop’s four fundamental characteristics – deejaying, rapping, graffiti painting, and breakdancing – continue to evolve and influence contemporary culture.

As a culture, hip hop remains a vibrant and dynamic force, pushing boundaries and inspiring new generations of artists, musicians, and dancers.



Common Features of Some Hip Hop Songs

The genre is characterized by stylized rhythmic sounds often built around disco grooves, electronic drum beats, and rapping, a percussive vocal delivery of rhymed poetic speech as consciousness-raising expression.

• Experimentation with Soundscapes: Many hip hop artists push boundaries by incorporating diverse musical styles, such as jazz, funk, and electronic elements, into their work.
• Poetic Lyrics: Hip hop lyrics frequently employ complex rhyme schemes, metaphors, and storytelling techniques to convey messages and emotions.
• Social Commentary: Hip hop has long been a platform for addressing social issues, such as racism, inequality, and personal struggles, through powerful and thought-provoking lyrics.
• Collaborations and Fusions: Hip hop artists often collaborate with musicians from various genres, resulting in innovative fusions and fresh sounds.
• Emphasis on Beat and Rhythm: A strong emphasis on rhythm and beat is a hallmark of hip hop music, with many artists focusing on crafting infectious and memorable hooks.

These characteristics have contributed to the evolution and diversity of hip hop, allowing the genre to continue pushing boundaries and inspiring new generations of artists and fans alike.