Rap

A style of urban African-American popular music that emerged in the mid-1970s. It is characterized by (often) improvised, sung-spoken rhymes performed to a rhythmic accompaniment. Rap is frequently performed A CAPPELLA, with sexual, socially relevant, or political lyrics. The music itself became known as HI P HOP .

Rap music with a more overt political message has been labeled gangsta (or gangster) rap. This music has been criticized by some in the white establishment for its advocacy of violent solutions to social problems.