Gangsta Rap

Today in Music History: August 8, 1988

As we step back in time today, the distance is not so great, the genre is far from rock 'n' roll, but the music goes on beating to the rhythm of the changing times. Today's historical account reflects on a very controversial type of music. Some say it is not 'music' at all. The genre: Rap. The era: 80s.

Rap music, aka hip hop music, is ... "a type of popular music of US black origin in which words are recited rapidly and rhythmically over a prerecorded, typically electronic instrumental backing." The word rap itself is defined as ... "strike (a hard surface) with a series of rapid audible blows, especially in order to attract attention." So, defining this particular genre of music as 'rap music' is truly apropos.

In the late 80s, several recording artists/groups hit the charts high on the scale selling millions with the new beat. It was different, somewhat poetic, about life filled with a sense of rebellion and anger... advocating violence and assault, "containing more explicit language and incendiary subject matter than every previous hip hop record combined (Source: history.com)." This music hit home with the younger generation of the times. It was on this day in 1988 that marks a critical turning point in the history of hip hop: Gangsta rap hits the mainstream with the release of N.W.A's Straight Outta Compton (Source: history.com). Gangsta rap became the dominant style in the world of hip hop.

If you are into this genre of music, especially the explicit language, just Google it! There are plenty of YouTube videos, DVDs, CDs available!

And the music goes on beating to the rhythm of the changing times...