Roots of rap

The roots of rap trace back to African oral traditions, West African griots, and Caribbean storytelling, which involved rhythm, poetry, and oral history. In the 1970s, especially in the Bronx, hip-hop culture emerged, blending these elements with DJing, breakdancing, and graffiti. Artists began performing rhythmic spoken word, or "rapping," over beats, serving as a way to express social issues and personal stories. This confluence of musical, cultural, and social influences developed into the rap genre, which emphasizes lyrical skill, rhythm, and storytelling, forming a powerful voice for marginalized communities and shaping modern music.