The Most Popular Type of Rap, Ranked
Voting rules: Choose the type you think is the most popular!
Updated on Apr 18, 2024 07:41
In the bustling world of music, rap has carved out a significant niche, captivating audiences with its dynamic rhythms and powerful lyrics. Fans often debate which style stands out as the most influential or resonates the most across diverse audiences. Establishing a consensus helps new listeners navigate the genre and gives seasoned enthusiasts a pulse on current trends.
By participating in the voting process, you contribute to a broader understanding of what makes certain rap styles eclipse others in popularity. This engagement not only enriches the community's interaction but also shapes the landscape of the genre, encouraging artists and producers to innovate within the styles that fans love most.
What Is the Most Popular Type of Rap?
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169votesTrap is a subgenre of hip hop music that originated in the Southern United States during the early 2000s. It is characterized by its use of heavy 808s, layered synths, and aggressive lyrics. Trap has become one of the most popular forms of rap in recent years, with artists like Future, Migos, and Lil Uzi Vert dominating the charts.Trap is a subgenre of electronic dance music (EDM) that originated in the early 2000s. It is characterized by its slow, heavy beats, deep basslines, and the use of hip-hop and rap vocal samples. Trap music often incorporates aggressive and energetic elements, combining electronic sounds with traditional trap music elements.
- Tempo: 70-110 BPM
- Drums: Prominent 808 kick drums and snare rolls
- Basslines: Deep and heavy
- Melodies: Often sparse and repetitive
- Vocal Samples: Frequent use of hip-hop and rap vocal samples
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248votesConscious rap, also known as socially conscious hip hop or conscious hip hop, is a subgenre of hip hop that focuses on social issues and political activism. It often features lyrics that address topics like racism, poverty, and police brutality. Conscious rap has been popularized by artists like Kendrick Lamar, J. Cole, and Chance the Rapper.Conscious rap is a subgenre of hip-hop that focuses on socially conscious themes and messages about the struggles, experiences, and issues faced by marginalized communities in society. It serves as a platform for artists to address topics such as social injustice, systemic racism, poverty, political corruption, and inequality. The lyrics in conscious rap often aim to promote awareness, inspire critical thinking, and provoke social change.
- Thought-provoking lyrics: Conscious rap delivers insightful and thought-provoking lyrics.
- Socially conscious themes: The subgenre focuses on addressing social issues and shedding light on the experiences of marginalized communities.
- Education and empowerment: Conscious rap aims to educate and empower listeners through its messages.
- Critique of the status quo: It critiques societal norms, political structures, and cultural trends.
- Emphasis on lyricism: Conscious rap places a strong emphasis on skilled wordplay, storytelling, and poetic techniques.
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328votes
Gangsta rap
Ice-TGangsta rap is a subgenre of hip hop that emerged in the late 1980s and early 1990s. It is characterized by its violent and aggressive lyrics, which often glorify gang culture and drug use. Gangsta rap has been popularized by artists like N.W.A., Tupac Shakur, and The Notorious B.I.G.Gangsta rap is a subgenre of hip hop music that emerged in the late 1980s. It typically features aggressive and raw lyrics that depict the realities of urban street life, often focusing on themes such as violence, crime, drugs, and gang culture. The beats are characterized by heavy basslines and catchy melodies, often sampling funk, soul, and R&B tracks. Gangsta rap became widely popular in the 1990s and continues to have a significant influence on rap music today.- Lyrics: Aggressive, raw, and explicit
- Themes: Urban street life, violence, crime, drugs, gang culture
- Beats: Heavy basslines, catchy melodies, often sampled from funk, soul, and R&B
- Popularity: Widely popular in the 1990s
- Influence: Continues to have a significant influence on rap music today
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416votesDrill is a subgenre of hip hop that originated in Chicago in the early 2010s. It is characterized by its dark and aggressive lyrics, which often address topics like violence, drug use, and gang culture. Drill has been popularized by artists like Chief Keef, Lil Durk, and Polo G.Drill is a subgenre of rap that originated in Chicago, Illinois in the early 2010s. It is characterized by its aggressive and menacing lyrics, dark and trap-influenced beats, and its focus on street life and violence. The lyrics often reflect the experiences and struggles of the artists in the inner-city neighborhoods.
- Lyrics: Drill lyrics often depict violent and confrontational themes, including gang activities, street crimes, and gritty experiences of urban life.
- Beats: Drill beats are typically characterized by heavy basslines, dark and often eerie melodies, and fast-paced hi-hats. They often incorporate elements of trap music.
- Flow: Drill artists employ a unique flow characterized by aggressive delivery, rapid-fire rhyme patterns, and a heavy use of ad-libs.
- Drill Moves: Drill music is often associated with particular dance moves, including the 'Drill Walk' and 'Block Party' dances.
- Regional Influence: While drill originated in Chicago, it has since influenced rap scenes in other cities, including New York City, London, and Toronto, resulting in regional variations of the genre.
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514votesMumble rap is a subgenre of hip hop that emerged in the mid-2010s. It is characterized by its use of repetitive lyrics, auto-tuned vocals, and minimalist beats. Mumble rap has been popularized by artists like Lil Yachty, Playboi Carti, and Lil Uzi Vert.Mumble rap is a subgenre of hip-hop characterized by its emphasis on the vocal delivery, often using slurred speech and unintelligible lyrics. It gained popularity in the mid-2010s and is known for its catchy beats and repetitive hooks.
- Vocal delivery: Slurred speech and unintelligible lyrics
- Beats: Catchy and heavy bass-driven rhythms
- Lyrical content: Often focuses on themes of wealth, drugs, partying, and lifestyle
- Ad-libs: Frequent use of ad-libs like 'yeah', 'skrrt', and 'woo'
- Repetitive hooks: Simple and often repeated lyrics that are easily memorable
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611votesOld-school rap, also known as golden age hip hop, is a subgenre of hip hop that originated in the late 1970s and early 1980s. It is characterized by its use of funk and soul samples, breakbeats, and rhyming couplets. Old-school rap has been popularized by artists like Run-DMC, Grandmaster Flash, and Public Enemy.Old-school rap refers to the early style of rap music that emerged during the 1970s and early 1980s. It was characterized by its raw and simple production, often using drum machines, synthesizers, and samples. Old-school rap focused on the art of lyricism and storytelling, with rappers delivering their verses over catchy beats. The lyrics often reflected social issues, partying, and personal experiences.
- Sampling: Heavy use of samples from various genres, including funk, soul, and disco.
- DJ Scratching: Incorporation of DJ scratching techniques as a prominent element in the music.
- Looped Drum Beats: Frequently utilized drum machine-generated beats, often looped throughout the song.
- Storytelling: Emphasis on storytelling and narrative in the lyrics, often reflecting the realities of urban life.
- Call and Response: Engagement with the audience through call and response style lines.
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75votesHorrorcore is a subgenre of hip hop that emerged in the early 1990s. It is characterized by its gruesome and violent lyrics, which often depict murder, cannibalism, and other horror themes. Horrorcore has been popularized by artists like Insane Clown Posse, Necro, and Tech N9ne.Horrorcore is a subgenre of rap music that incorporates horror-themed lyrics and dark, violent imagery. It is characterized by its explicit and often graphic depictions of gruesome violence, murder, supernatural themes, and disturbing subject matter. The lyrics often revolve around horror movie tropes, serial killers, occult themes, and elements of psychological horror.
- Explicit and Graphic Lyrics: Horrorcore features explicit and often graphic lyrics that explore violent and disturbing themes.
- Dark and Violent Imagery: The genre incorporates dark, violent, and disturbing imagery in its lyrics and album artworks.
- Horror Movie Tropes: Horrorcore often references and incorporates elements from horror movies and their tropes.
- Supernatural Themes: It frequently explores supernatural themes such as demonic possession, occult rituals, and paranormal activities.
- Serial Killers: Many horrorcore artists focus on lyrical content centered on infamous serial killers and their deeds.
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86votes
Alternative hip hop
KRS-OneAlternative hip hop is a subgenre of hip hop that emerged in the late 1980s and early 1990s. It is characterized by its use of unconventional production techniques, eclectic instrumentation, and socially conscious lyrics. Alternative hip hop has been popularized by artists like OutKast, The Roots, and Aesop Rock.Alternative hip hop is a subgenre of hip hop music that encompasses a wide range of non-mainstream elements and experimental sounds. It emerged in the 1980s as a reaction to the more commercial and mainstream sound of traditional hip hop. Alternative hip hop artists often incorporate elements from various genres, such as rock, punk, jazz, electronic, and R&B, resulting in a diverse and unique musical style.- Lyrics: Thought-provoking and socially conscious
- Instrumentation: Incorporates live instruments and eclectic samples
- Production style: Experimental and non-traditional approaches
- Subject matter: Diverse themes including politics, personal struggles, and social issues
- Delivery: Varied flows and unconventional vocal styles
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912votes
East Coast hip hop
Kool HercEast Coast hip hop, also known as New York hip hop, is a subgenre of hip hop that originated in the East Coast of the United States during the 1970s and 1980s. It is characterized by its use of jazz and soul samples, boom bap beats, and intricate lyricism. East Coast hip hop has been popularized by artists like Nas, Wu-Tang Clan, and Jay-Z.East Coast hip hop is a subgenre of hip hop music that originated in the East Coast region of the United States. Known for its gritty and lyrically focused style, East Coast hip hop emerged in the 1970s and became one of the most influential and popular forms of rap. It is characterized by a distinct sound, complex rhyme schemes, storytelling lyrics, and a focus on social issues and street life.- Geographical Origin: United States (East Coast)
- Emergence Era: 1970s
- Main Subgenres: Boom bap, hardcore rap, mafioso rap
- Influential Artists: Nas, Jay-Z, The Notorious B.I.G., Wu-Tang Clan
- Distinct Sound: Sample-based production, heavy drum breaks
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104votesWest Coast hip hop is a subgenre of hip hop that originated in the West Coast of the United States during the 1980s and 1990s. It is characterized by its use of G-funk production, heavy basslines, and laid-back flows. West Coast hip hop has been popularized by artists like Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, and Tupac Shakur.West Coast hip hop is a subgenre of hip hop music that originated in the West Coast region of the United States. Known for its laid-back and funky sound, it emerged in the 1980s and gained mainstream popularity in the 1990s. West Coast hip hop often incorporates elements of funk, G-funk, and gangsta rap, focusing on themes such as street life, gang culture, and social issues.
- Laid-back production style: West Coast hip hop is characterized by its laid-back production style, featuring slow and groovy beats with heavy use of synthesizers and melodic instrumentation.
- G-Funk influence: The signature sound of West Coast hip hop is heavily influenced by G-Funk, a subgenre that incorporates funk-inspired beats and melodies, often with the use of synthesizers and talkbox effects.
- Gangsta rap themes: West Coast hip hop is known for its focus on gangsta rap themes, often depicting the realities of street life, gang culture, and socio-political issues.
- Distinctive vocal delivery: West Coast hip hop artists often exhibit a distinctive vocal delivery style, characterized by laid-back, smooth flows and unique cadences.
- Sampling and looping: Sampling and looping techniques are commonly used in West Coast hip hop production, with artists incorporating samples from various genres to create their beats.
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Ranking factors for popular type
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Chart Performancehow well a particular type of rap is performing on Billboard charts, streaming platforms or radio stations.
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Sales and Revenuethe amount of revenue generated from sales, streaming, concerts, and merchandise.
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Social Media Presencethe popularity and engagement level of a rapper on social media platforms such as Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.
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Streaming Platformsthe number of streams and listenership on platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, Tidal, and Deezer.
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Cultural Impactthe influence and impact a particular type of rap has on society, including its contribution to the music industry, fashion, and pop culture.
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Critical Receptionthe critical acclaim of a particular type of rap, including reviews, awards, and nominations.
About this ranking
This is a community-based ranking of the most popular type of Rap. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or type is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!
Statistics
- 1750 views
- 208 votes
- 10 ranked items
Voting Rules
A participant may cast an up or down vote for each type once every 24 hours. The rank of each type is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.
More information on most popular type of rap
When it comes to music genres, rap has undoubtedly taken the world by storm. Originating from African American communities in the late 1970s, rap music has evolved and diversified over the years, giving rise to different sub-genres and styles. Today, it is one of the most popular music genres globally, with millions of fans worldwide.
In terms of popularity, the type of rap that resonates the most with audiences varies. Some prefer the old school style of rap, characterized by its rhyme schemes and storytelling, while others gravitate towards the newer, more trap-influenced rap that dominates the charts today. The diversity of rap music means that there is something for everyone, and its popularity continues to grow, making it one of the most influential and important genres in modern music.
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