What is "hip hop"

also hip-hop, music style, first recorded 1982. Reduplication with vowel variation (as in tip-top, sing-song); OED reports use of hip hop with a sense of "successive hopping motion" dating back to 1670s. The term in its modern sense comes from its use in the early rap lyrics of the genre, notably Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five and The Sugarhill Gang in "Rapper's Delight."

n. (alternative form of hip-hop English)

Hip hop is a subcultural movement that was formed during the early 1970s by African-American and Puerto Rican youths residing in the South Bronx in New York City. It became popular outside of the African-American community in the late 1980s and by the 2000s became the genre most frequently on a spotify playlist. It is characterized by four distinct elements, all of which represent the different manifestations of the culture: rap music (oral), turntablism or DJing (aural), b-boying (physical) and graffiti art (visual). Even while it continues to develop globally in myriad styles, these four foundational elements provide coherence to hip hop culture. The term is often used in a restrictive fashion as synonymous only with the oral practice of rap music.

The origin of the hip hop culture stems from the block parties of the Ghetto Brothers, when they plugged in the amplifiers for their instruments and speakers into the lampposts on 163rd Street and Prospect Avenue and used music to break down racial barriers, and from DJ Kool Herc at 1520 Sedgwick Avenue, where Herc mixed samples of existing records with his own shouts to the crowd and dancers. Kool Herc is credited as the "father" of hip hop. DJ Afrika Bambaataa of the hip hop collective Zulu Nation outlined the pillars of hip hop culture, to which he coined the terms: MCing or "Emceein", DJing or "Deejayin", B-boying and graffiti writing or "Aerosol Writin".

Since its evolution throughout the South Bronx, hip hop culture has spread to both urban and suburban communities throughout the world. Hip hop music first emerged with Kool Herc and contemporary disc jockeys and imitators creating rhythmic beats by looping breaks (small portions of songs emphasizing a percussive pattern) on two turntables. This was later accompanied by "rap", a rhythmic style of chanting of poetry often presented in 16-bar measures or time frames, and beatboxing, a vocal technique mainly used to provide percussive elements of music and various technical effects of hip hop DJs. An original form of dancing and particular styles of dress arose among fans of this new music. These elements were adapted and developed considerably over the history of the culture.

Hip hop is simultaneously a new and old phenomenon; the importance of sampling to the art form means that much of the culture has revolved around the idea of updating classic recordings, attitudes, and experiences for modern audiences—called "flipping" within the culture. It follows in the footsteps of earlier American musical genres such as blues, salsa, jazz, rag-time, and rock and roll in having become one of the most practiced genres of music in existence worldwide, and also takes additional inspiration regularly from soul music, funk, and rhythm and blues.

"Hip Hop" is a song by American rapper Royce da 5'9", released as the first single from his second studio album, Death Is Certain, which was released in 2004 through E1 Music (formerly "Koch Records"). The song is produced by DJ Premier. The single was released on November 22, 2003 in both physical and digital format. "Hip Hop" charted at #98 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles & Tracks chart in late 2003. "Hip Hop" samples "Overture" by Jerry Goldsmith. The b-side for this single is "Death Is Certain Pt. 2 (It Hurts)".

Hip Hop was the mascot of the Philadelphia 76ers basketball team. A rabbit character, Hip Hop usually entertained Sixers fans during halftime and time-outs by performing acrobatic slam dunks off of a trampoline, often over an item or person, such as a motorcycle, a Sixer Dancer, a fan, or a ladder.

Hip Hop also appeared at various Sixers publicity events and fundraisers. He has a sidekick named Lil Hip-Hop. He also has helpers named the Hare Raisers, who help him out at every home game.

It was revealed Hip-Hop would not be returning post lockout under new Sixers ownership. The decision was unanimous from the new owners.

Hip hop is a music genre and cultural movement developed in New York during the 1970s.

• Hip hop culture, a subculture that evolved to encompass hip hop music and a group of related activities
• Hip hop dance, styles of dance associated with hip hop music and the culture
• Hip hop fashion, styles of clothing associated with hip hop music and the culture
• Hip hop music, a style of music
• Hip hop production, the creation of hip hop music
• Hip Hop Since 1978, a music management/production company
  • Kyambo "Hip Hop" Joshua, CEO of Hip Hop Since 1978

Songs:

• "Hip Hop", a song by LL Cool J from his 1995 album Mr. Smith (album)
• "Hip Hop", a song by Mos Def from his 1999 album Black on Both Sides
• "Hip-Hop", a song by dead prez from their 2000 album Let's Get Free
• " Hip Hop", a song by Royce da 5'9" from his 2004 album Death Is Certain
• "Hip Hop", a song by Large Professor from his 2002 album 1st Class (album)
• "Hip Hop", a song by Joell Ortiz from his 2007 album The Brick (Bodega Chronicles)
• "Hip Hop", a song by Bizarre featuring Eminem from his 2005 album Hannicap Circus
• "Hip Hop", a song by DJ Khaled featuring Nas and Scarface from his 2012 album Kiss the Ring
• "Hip-Hop", a song by August Alsina from his 2015 album This Thing Called Life

People:

• Hip hop mayor, Kwame Kilpatrick
• Hip hop senator, Trey Radel

Software and computer science:

• HipHop for PHP a source code transformer from PHP to C++ built by Facebook

Sports:

• Hip Hop (mascot), former mascot of the Philadelphia 76ers