Varying in style, reaching far and wide in age groups, locations and backgrounds, rap music has remained the superior music genre in the United States.
While other genres such as R&B, soul, and country are moving and catchy, rap music fits a wider range of settings, such asparties, in the car, getting ready for work or school and while you’re exercising to name a few.
Rap rose to popularity with the likes of Notorious B.I.G., Tupac Shakur, Eminem, Dr Dre, as well as groups like N.W.A, OutKast, and Wu-Tang Clan in the latter part of the last century which took them on the road to popularity and enticement with tantalizing talent.
So many different vocals, beats, and cadences made for the genre to really branch out and become unique. Passing the torch into the modern day talents such as the late Juice WRLD, Kendrick Lamar, Drake, Nicki Minaj, J. Cole- and so many others – who are privy to a huge library of sounds and vibes, offering a level of diversification that other music genres simply don’t have.
Talents like Eminem and Juice WRLD made a name for themselves with their unique word play and their quick thinking in the booth. They use elaborate metaphors and analogies that sometimes get glossed over on the first or even second listen of one of their records, which draws a certain infatuating component to their art. Other genres like rock are so cut and dry; while being easily interpreted there is little left to the imagination.
According to Raptv in an article about Juice WRLD,
“Even after his death, his songwriting and melodic tracks have inspired a new generation of emo multi-hyphenate artists… In many ways, Juice WRLD’s impact on rap, specifically emo rap, is his legacy. Even though he isn’t physically here, his love of music and others can be felt beyond just listening to one of his tracks.”
Rap reaches age groups such as those in their 50s and 60s due to the longevity of certain rap artists, their music and different cadences they offer on their tracks. The content and flow are big determinators as to what age group is engaged and with such a well-versed discography within the genre anyone can find their fix. Younger folks tend to be drawn towards the fast-paced, “drill” style rap where money, drugs, violence (for better or for worse) are delved into. People over30 generally prefer rap that focuses om people, glamour, and other gritty less abrasive messages. No matter which slice of the pie you want there’s plenty for everyone at the table.
Ray White, a fourth-year biology major, said when asked about the topic, “Music is essential and important for the body; it gives you access and expression of who you are. My favorite music genres include R&B, rap, and alternative music… These genres allow me to take risks in music and life as well.”
When comparing the impact and variety of other genres like country, R&B, and pop, they don’t even come close when it comes to rap and how much more evolved and varying rap is. Country often is about chasing love, heartbreak, and booze which can become quite redundant. R&B sonically is quite monotone and repetitive such as with the constant emotional emphasis soul music uses. Even when discussing rock music, as another example, the songs are almost always carried by the musical instrument usage. Sure there have been breakout stars like David Bowie and Prince but generally speaking these talents are far and few between making them stand out more on their own instead of bolstering up the rock and roll genre as a whole. Another huge aspect that makes rap infinitely better than the other musical genres mentioned is how many rappers often collaborate allowing fans to get two to three of their favorite artists on a single track which is quite unique. Songs like “Sicko Mode” By Drake feat. Travis Scott, and “God Did” by DJ Khaled feat. Jay-Z, Rick Ross, Lil Wayne, & John Legend.
