Genres & Styles

A Guide to Hip-Hop Genres and Styles

Stylistically, hip-hop music is a celebration of diversity. No two great MCs sound alike, because their musical stylings are products of different environments and attitudes. Here's a brief rundown of hip-hop genres and the key artists within each genre.

Conscious Rap

What exactly is conscious rap?

Battle Rap

Battle rap is one of the most original forms of hip-hop.

Crunk

"Crunk" was derived from the combination of two words.

East Coast Hip-Hop

Learn more about the east coast style of hip-hop.

Gangsta Rap

Gangsta rap is one of the most condemned forms of hip-hop.

Hyphy

What is hyphy?

Snap Music

Snap Music is a form of rap that originated in Atlanta, GA. Snap is gradually replacing Crunk Music.

Southern Rap

Southern rap is one of the most popular forms of hip-hop.