1. Rap & Hip Hop

2. History  Rap was first largely introduced in the late 1970’s.  Before Rap it was mainly ‘Rock n Roll’ and punk in society.4  Rap originated in America by African Americans and ultimately called African music, later changing into a multinational business.  Rap beats were made with DJ’s Mixing Funk, Rock etc and coming up with a new beats and making mix tapes. Also people then began to come up with rhymes that would go with these beats.  Rap was a new type of music in which people used to express themselves through their lyrics and beats.

3. Key Artists in the development of the genre...  The first major artists that started hip hop were Sugar Hill Gang in 1979 and many other people followed.  One of the most popular DJ’s to produce music was Grandmaster Flash.  Also many artists started out in groups before splitting making a solo career.  Groups such as NWA, Public Enemy and RUN DMC brought us artists such as: Rev.Run, Ice Cube, Dr. Dre and Flava Flav.  These artists were the originators and allowed the Rap industry to grow.  Some past Artists that have made quite a big impact in the industry are Tupac Shakur and Biggie Smalls (B.I.G). The deaths of these people may have been seen to be a pivotal role in the growth of rap inspiring many other people to rap and Represent who they are.  Today’s predominant Artists are probably Jay-Z, Lil Wayne, P. Diddy and Snoop Dogg who altogether have grossed over $1,000,000,000 in their music.

4. The Audience/Fans...  Rap/Hip Hop is mainly aimed at the youth and probably the more ghetto demographic.  At first the rap industry was a very black industry, now it is open to all nationalities.  However at the industry is still mainly lead by African Americans although more and more races are getting involved into the industry today. Acid rap Alternative hip hop Comedy hip hop Grime Jazz Rap Hip Hop Ragga Crunk Crunk&B Freestyle rap Funk carioca G-Funk Gangsta rap Ghetto house

5. Public perception  At first Rap may have been given the negative opinion due to it’s explicit nature and people wanting to talk against the police, government etc.  So the first generation were overlooked and not enjoyed by many and it was blamed to influence violence due to the language used and to a more social factor is that it was mainly performed by African Americans, where at the time there were still racial wars.  Although many people rejected it those who enjoyed it may have started to Rap them selves. One of the first white Rappers were the Beastie Boys.

6. Competition  The Rap industry has plenty of competition such as trying to out perform other music genres.  More importantly within rap there is a internal competition where other artist would try and beat the other in sales.  Sometimes other rappers will try and show that they are better by insulting another within their songs.  Some rappers are part of gangs who fight to show who’s stronger.  Also other Rap Magazines compete against each other to appeal to the same market but they bring their own exclusive stories. Magazine companies try and get close to the rappers to find out interesting facts or gossip and talk to the biggest Artists at that time.

7. Cross media...  There are plenty of mediums in which people can get involved with Rap.  Radio Stations entirely for Rap.  Music Channels that show Rap music and the rap world e.g. Interviews of Rappers. Channels such as MTV are and example.  Websites such as defjam.com provide coverage of Rap with rappers who are part that record label.  Some magazines are published completely about Rap and Hip Hop covering news and gossip about the genre.

8. Record Lables Def Jam RecordsBad Boy Recordings Aftermath Records Cash Money Records Young Money Records Universal Music Group Warner Music Group Sony BMG Music Group

9. Key Figures Jay Z Lil Wayne Russell Simmons P. Diddy 2 Pac B.I.G

10. Predictions?  Personally I feel that the Rap/Hip Hop genre will grow immensely as there so many new artists joining the industry.  However I feel that the money the industry once made will not be as high due to the growing number of downloadable music from the internet.  Lastly Rap and Hip Hop will become a part of everyone’s lives as it can be seen around nearly everywhere you go.