The Three Essential Elements of a Hip-Hop Track
Hip-hop music has quickly become one of the world's favorite genres. Audiences all around the globe enjoy listening to this genre while artists continue to push limits with each track they create.
Hip-hop music's immense success has allowed for subcultures and communities of fans to form. Additionally, movie and TV show adaptations based on this genre have enjoyed immense popularity; and some of the biggest names worldwide come from hip-hop's realm - showing just how far its influence stretches.
However, although artists continue to explore its boundaries through new styles of music production, hip hop remains true to its core foundations ever since its humble origins in the 70s - which many credit as its start - with three key characteristics remaining constant across decades such as beats, rhymes and flow of sound being maintained within this genre.
Elements like sound production and record manufacturing remain essential components in shaping tracks and records released, giving hip-hop its unique sound signature and making it memorable. Each is key in contributing to each artist's success - many strive to master all elements thoroughly so as to increase their odds of gaining positive attention for their music.
The Beat is the Foundation
There is no denying that the beats that are used in hip-hop tracks are its foundation. Without them, they arguably no longer become records that fit the genre.
The beats that are used will often set the tone of the track, which will then lay the groundwork in which artists are able to do everything else. With a beat, they are able to create the lyrics that they want to use and make sure they fit the timings of the sounds that are made.
Producers are able to create sounds through various programs and software, with some even looking to utilize free sound effects to try and create new music and make the record more individualistic and unique. With so many artists in a hugely competitive market, they know they need to try everything they can to create a catchy beat that people will enjoy and want to play repeatedly.
The Rhyme is vital
Just as the beats used, the rhymes that are utilized in each track are vital as they can help make the track fit the hip-hop genre and stop it from becoming lost in other spaces. As mentioned already, the lyrics need to fit the beats that are made, but they also need to be able to flow.
Some of the best rappers in the game have successfully made this look like an easy skill, but it takes years to master. They know that while the words need to flow and sound good, they also need to make sense and convey a message. Hip-hop listeners like to listen to the lyrics that are sung and want to immerse themselves in what they are hearing.
The Flow is just as Important
There is an emphasis on lyrics, and while this is important across all of music’s genres, hip-hop arguably requires more perfection than others. This is because the lyrics need to fit with the beats that are created and blend with the music to make it all sound 100%.
Therefore, the flow of an artist is vital. A poor flow can end up being a career-ender for a performer, while those with the best flow will have a greater chance of being able to rise to the top. They need to be able to control their vocals and show creativity with the lyrics and the way that they rap while also making sure it is as clear as possible.
Verdict
Hip-hop tracks consist of three key components that must come together perfectly: beats, rhymes and artist flow. All must come together seamlessly so as to resonate with hip-hop fans since its humble origins. While artists may seek new directions with which to expand on these core aspects over time, these will always form the basis of any top track!
Some regard the ‘Golden Generation’ to include the 1980s and 1990s, but in recent times many find that this is now one of their favorite genres to listen to. However, if you examine each of these decades in detail, those same three elements have still been no less significant today than they were all those forty plus years ago.