| | | | | popular and/or well-known funk, rock, or soul songs. |
| The history of rap music would not be complete | | | | These sampled sounds and rhythms are synthesized, |
| without a look at the performers who make it all | | | | integrated, and reinvented with original twists by the |
| possible - the rap artists. Most rap music typically | | | | performers. |
| includes one or more rappers who often rap about | | | | Two other highly popular aspects of rap music that |
| their own personal life stories, important events in their | | | | saw their rapid growth into the American mainstream |
| lives, or social problems they wish to make a public | | | | are break dancing and tagging (graffiti). Break dancers |
| statement about. Rap songs can also represent | | | | and taggers are now stars in their own right with loyal |
| romanticized or fictional themes. The sky is the limit. | | | | followers and fans throughout the world. Annual break |
| Musically, rap songs usually have a strong rhythmic | | | | dancing competitions are now very popular even in |
| aspect with the spoken lyrics emulating the intense | | | | countries throughout Europe and Asia. The history of |
| rhythm of the beat. Rap songs are known to make | | | | rap music can be considered relatively new, yet it is |
| use of many poetic techniques including simple word | | | | clearly a powerful influence in today's music world. |
| rhymes and alliteration. | | | | Indeed, the musical influence of New York City African |
| The history of rap music also shows that the | | | | American and Latino culture is now as pervasive |
| instrumental track or beat performed by the DJ often | | | | worldwide as fast food hamburger chains. |
| includes the rhythms and beat "samplings" from | | | | |