Names to Know
By Henry Adaso, About.com Guide
East Coast Hip-Hop
What would hip-hop be without the beasts from the east who helped shape its formative years? Though east coast hip-hop has undergone a series of musical surgeries, it has managed to retain its charm through these artists.
Midwest Hip-Hop
Gone are the days when hip-hop was synonymous with New York. Today, you can find mega rap stars in every corner of the world, including Midwestern states like Michigan and Missouri. Some top shottas from Middletown, USA include Eminem, Nelly, and Kanye West.
Southern Rap
The dirty south form of hip-hop is more distinct for its sound and slang than for its lyrical content. Stylistically, southern rappers tend to rely on exuberant production and celebratory lyrics.
Gangsta Rap
Gangsta rap revolves around aggressive lyrics and trunk-heavy beats. Despite its huge acceptance in the early 90s, gangsta rap has been condemned for its violent themes lately.
Conscious Rap
Conscious rap is propelled by the belief that radical social change comes through knowledge of self and personal discovery. So-called conscious rappers often decry societal ailments while promoting positive ideas.
Battle Rap
Battle Rap is one of the original forms of hip-hop. Since hip-hop's inception, MCs have always used rap battles to sharpen their lyrical swords, as Jay-Z and Nas exemplified in the early 2000s.