hip hop
Turntable-driven genre
Hip hop is a cultural movement that emerged in the Bronx in the 1970s, encompassing rap music, DJing, breakdancing, and graffiti art.
The term now most commonly refers to the music itself—characterized by rhythmic vocals over beats: I grew up listening to hip hop.
As a modifier: hip hop culture, hip hop beats.
Also spelled hip-hop.
Quick sharp blow
- beatsPulses or defeats
- MCVocal performer or host
- DJMusic mixer performer
- turntableRotating music player
scratching · sampling · breakbeat · freestyle · flow · rhyme · lyrics · verse
Acrobatic hip-hop dance form
- poppingShort explosive sound
- lockingFixing firmly in position
- krumpingEnergetic expressive street dance
- b-boyingAthletic hip-hop street dance
toprock · footwork · power moves · freeze · windmill · headspin · tutting · waving
Illegal surface markings
- streetwearSkate and hip-hop clothing
- sneakersCasual athletic footwear
- crewWorking team aboard
- block partyNeighborhood outdoor celebration
old school · golden age · underground · cipher · battle rap · open mic · five elements · sampling
Direct effort for reform
- empowermentGaining authority or confidence
- protestPublic expression of disapproval
- conscious rapSocially minded lyrical music
- messageTransmitted communication
community · struggle · inequality · justice · voice · storytelling · reality · street life
rap
Quick sharp blow
turntable · scratching · sampling · breakbeat · freestyle · flow · rhyme · lyrics · verse · hook
breakdancing
Acrobatic hip-hop dance form
- poppingShort explosive sound
- lockingFixing firmly in position
- krumpingEnergetic expressive street dance
b-boying · toprock · footwork · power moves · freeze · windmill · headspin · tutting · waving · boogaloo
graffiti
Illegal surface markings
- streetwearSkate and hip-hop clothing
- sneakersCasual athletic footwear
- crewWorking team aboard
block party · old school · golden age · underground · cipher · battle rap · open mic · five elements · sampling · swagger
activism
Direct effort for reform
- empowermentGaining authority or confidence
- protestPublic expression of disapproval
- conscious rapSocially minded lyrical music
message · community · struggle · inequality · justice · voice · storytelling · reality · street life · hustle
tagging
Attaching identifying markers
- muralsLarge wall paintings
- street artIllicit public murals
- bombingAttack with explosives
throw-up · piece · aerosol · burner · writer · crew · cap · outline · fill-in · character
hip hopclassical music
Western orchestral tradition
opera · country music · country western · folk music · baroque
hip hopopera
Theatrical art combining song
bel canto · art song · choral singing · a cappella · crooning
hip hopbel canto
Elegant Italian vocal style
crooning · yodeling · torch song · lullaby · hymn singing
hop, hip, hopping, hopped, hopper, hipster, hippest, hip-hop, hoppers