Hip hop, as a genre, is known for its infectious beats and catchy rhymes. However, within this genre, many subgenres have their own distinct sounds and styles. One such subgenre is alternative hip-hop. Alternative hip hop is a unique and innovative style of hip hop that has gained popularity over the years. In this blog post, we will explore what alternative hip hop is and what makes it so different from other forms of hip hop.
What is Alternative Hip Hop?
Alternative hip hop is a subgenre of hip hop that originated in the 1980s. It is also known as underground hip hop, indie hip hop, or experimental hip hop. The term "alternative" refers to the fact that this style of hip-hop is often seen as an alternative to mainstream hip-hop.
What Makes Alternative Hip Hop Different?
One of the defining features of alternative hip-hop is its experimental and unconventional sound. Unlike traditional hip-hop, which typically features a strong backbeat and repetitive rhythm, alternative hip-hop often incorporates a wide range of musical influences, including jazz, funk, rock, and electronic music.
Another difference between alternative hip-hop and traditional hip-hop is the lyrical content. Alternative hip-hop lyrics often explore more socially conscious or politically charged topics, rather than just focusing on materialistic themes like money, cars, and women.
Top Alternative Hip-Hop Artists
There have been many artists who have helped to popularize alternative hip-hop over the years. Here are some of the most popular and influential alternative hip-hop artists:
• A Tribe Called Quest: This group from New York City is known for their jazzy and eclectic sound, as well as their socially conscious lyrics.
• De La Soul: Another New York-based group, De La Soul is known for their unique and experimental sound, as well as their humorous and irreverent lyrics.
• Outkast: Hailing from Atlanta, Outkast is known for its funky and eclectic sound, as well as its innovative use of live instrumentation.
• The Roots: This group from Philadelphia is known for their live instrumentation, as well as their socially conscious lyrics and political commentary.
• Kendrick Lamar: One of the most popular and influential rappers of the past decade, Kendrick Lamar is known for his socially conscious lyrics and innovative use of musical styles.
Why You Should Listen to Alternative Hip Hop
If you're a fan of hip hop, then alternative hip hop is definitely worth checking out. This subgenre offers a fresh and unique sound that is unlike anything else in hip-hop. Additionally, the socially conscious and politically charged lyrics can be both thought-provoking and inspiring.
Conclusion
Alternative hip-hop is a unique and innovative subgenre of hip-hop that has gained popularity over the years. With its experimental sound and socially conscious lyrics, it offers a fresh and thought-provoking take on hip-hop. If you're a fan of hip hop, then alternative hip hop is definitely worth exploring.