rappers
Vocal beat riders
Rappers are performers who deliver rhythmic, rhyming vocals over beats—the central figures in hip-hop music.
The term covers everyone from underground artists to global superstars.
A rapper's skill is measured by flow, wordplay, and delivery: She's one of the best rappers alive.
The singular rapper denotes the occupation or identity: He started as a rapper before moving into acting.
Rhythmic spoken-word music
- cypherEncoded communication method
- freestyleWithout prescribed technique
- battleArmed military engagement
- mixtapeInformal song compilation
graffiti · breakdance · DJ · turntablism · b-boy · boombox · crew · underground
Rods, taverns, or measures
- versesLines of poetry
- punchlinesJokes' concluding zingers
- wordplayVerbal wit techniques
- metaphorImplied identity comparison
simile · double-entendres · storytelling · flow · delivery · cadence · multisyllabic · alliteration
Vocal performer or host
- emceeCeremony host
- performerOne who entertains audiences
- musicianOne who performs melodies
- entertainerOne who amuses others
lyricist · vocalist · songwriter · frontman · celebrity · icon · legend · star
hip-hop
Rhythmic spoken-word music
- cypherEncoded communication method
- freestyleWithout prescribed technique
- battleArmed military engagement
mixtape · graffiti · breakdance · DJ · turntablism · b-boy · boombox · crew · underground · old-school
bars
Rods, taverns, or measures
- versesLines of poetry
- punchlinesJokes' concluding zingers
- wordplayVerbal wit techniques
metaphor · simile · double-entendres · storytelling · flow · delivery · cadence · multisyllabic · alliteration · assonance
MC
Vocal performer or host
entertainer · lyricist · vocalist · songwriter · frontman · celebrity · icon · legend · star · idol
beat
Rhythmic pulse or strike
loop · drum · kick · snare · hi-hat · tempo · rhythm · groove · instrumental · track
trap
Device for catching animals
- Hip-Hoprhymes, beat, lyrics, freestyle, freestyles
- show businessactors, actresses, directors, producers, entertainers
- VIPscelebrities, superstars, head of state, stars, legend
- urban subculturesravers, breakdancers, graffiti artists, street artists, b-boys
- notable peoplepoliticians, artists, leaders, writers, scientists
- competitive performersathletes, dancers, gymnasts, figure skaters, singers
rappersopera singers
Classical theatrical vocalists
singers · crooners · balladeers · vocalists · chanteuses
rappersopera singers
Classical theatrical vocalists
folk singers · choirboys · lounge singers · symphony orchestras
rappersinstrumentalists
Musicians using tools
session musicians · mimes · dancers · conductors · composers
- white rapper
- battle rapperCompetitive lyrical sparring performer
- rapped someone's knucklesGave a minor punishment
- Chance the Rapper
- rapped atStruck sharply to signal