Rap

The rhythmic delivery of words, derived from the word 'rapid'. Easily the deepest and most misunderstood genres of music, rap generally focuses on poetic rags-to-riches chronicles, social and political commentary, drug and alcohol use, artist feuds ("beefs"), making love, and reminiscing on experiences and past friends. Rap finds its roots in jazz and blues music, but did not take form until the early 1970s. It has undergone many lyrical and stylistic reforms, arguably peaking during the West Coast, East Coast feud and the release of All Eyez On Me by west coast artist Tupac Shakur. Though often considered social garbage, especially in its present day form, earlier rap often contained deep metaphors, self-references, and Islamic values.