Rap vs. Hip Hop: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Published on February 23, 2024
Rap is a musical form of vocal delivery, while Hip Hop is a broader cultural movement that includes rap, DJing, graffiti, and breakdancing.
Key Differences
Rap is a musical genre characterized by rhythmic, rhyming speech, often with a strong beat, focusing on lyrical prowess and flow. Hip Hop, on the other hand, encompasses a wider cultural movement, including rap music, but also extending to fashion, dance, and art.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 23, 2024
While rap primarily revolves around the skill of verbal expression and storytelling through rhythm and rhyme, Hip Hop represents a broader lifestyle and culture, influencing attitudes, language, and fashion. Hip Hop acts as an umbrella term for a cultural movement, of which rap is a significant part.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 23, 2024
Rap music is one element of Hip Hop culture, often seen as its most prominent aspect due to its mainstream popularity and commercial success. Hip Hop culture, however, includes other artistic expressions like DJing, breakdancing, and graffiti, all contributing to its rich tapestry.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 23, 2024
The origin of rap can be traced back to MCing in Hip Hop culture, where MCs would rap over beats at parties. Hip Hop as a culture originated in the 1970s in New York City, encompassing not just music, but also a distinctive style of street art, dance, and fashion.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 23, 2024
Rap focuses on the content, delivery, and flow of the spoken word. Hip Hop culture is a reflection of the social, economic, and political realities of its environment, with rap music being a vocal expression of these themes.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 23, 2024
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Comparison Chart
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Rap and Hip Hop Definitions
Hip Hop
A cultural movement that includes music, dance, and art.
Hip Hop has significantly influenced global fashion trends.
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Jan 16, 2024
Hip Hop
A form of artistic expression representing a specific urban identity.
Hip Hop art often reflects the realities of city life.
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Jan 16, 2024
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Hip Hop
A genre encompassing rap, breakdancing, graffiti, and DJing.
The festival celebrated the diverse elements of Hip Hop.
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Jan 16, 2024
Hip Hop
An artistic and lifestyle culture originating from urban communities.
Hip Hop culture is more than music; it's a way of life.
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Jan 16, 2024
Hip Hop
A genre influencing language, fashion, and views.
His clothing line is inspired by Hip Hop culture.
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Jan 16, 2024
Hip Hop
A style of music usually based on rap and often including elements of other styles such as funk or rhythm and blues.
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Jan 16, 2024
Rap
To perform as rap music
Lyrics that were rapped.
Rapped the chorus of the song.
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Jan 16, 2024
Hip Hop
An urban youth culture originating in the 1980s in New York City, involving such forms of expression as hip-hop music, b-boying, and graffiti art.
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Jan 16, 2024
Hip Hop
An Afro-American urban youth culture based on rap music, breakdancing etc.
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Jan 16, 2024
Hip Hop
(music) A form of popular and dance music featuring strong percussion and a powerful rhythm, usually accompanied by rapping.
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Jan 16, 2024
Rap
(Slang) A negative quality or characteristic associated with a person or an object.
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Jan 16, 2024
Rap
The least bit
I don't give a rap about office politics. I don't care a rap what you do.
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Jan 16, 2024
Hip Hop
An urban youth culture associated with rap music and the fashions of African-American residents of the inner city
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Jan 16, 2024
Hip Hop
Genre of African-American music of the 1980s and 1990s in which rhyming lyrics are chanted to a musical accompaniment; several forms of rap have emerged
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 16, 2024
Rap
A form of popular music developed especially in African American urban communities and characterized by spoken or chanted rhyming lyrics with a strong rhythmic accompaniment.
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Jan 16, 2024
Rap
(slang) Blame for something.
You can't act irresponsibly and then expect me to take the rap.
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Jan 16, 2024
Rap
A lea or skein of yarn that forms the standard length taken from the reel, 80 yards of worsted or 120 yards of silk or cotton.
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Jan 16, 2024
Rap
(historical) Any of the tokens that passed current for a halfpenny in Ireland in the early part of the eighteenth century; any coin of trifling value.
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Jan 16, 2024
Rap
(metalworking) To free (a pattern) in a mould by light blows on the pattern, so as to facilitate its removal.
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Jan 16, 2024
Rap
To utter quickly and sharply.
The sergeant rapped out a word of command to the troops.
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Jan 16, 2024
Rap
(ambitransitive) To speak (lyrics) in the style of rap music.
He started to rap after listening to Tupac.
He rapped a song to his girlfriend.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 16, 2024
Rap
A popular name for any of the tokens that passed current for a half-penny in Ireland in the early part of the eighteenth century; any coin of trifling value.
Many counterfeits passed about under the name of raps.
Tie it [her money] up so tight that you can't touch a rap, save with her consent.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 16, 2024
Rap
A type of rhythmic talking, often with accompanying rhythm instruments; rap music.
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Jan 16, 2024
Rap
To strike with a quick blow; to knock on.
With one great peal they rap the door.
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Jan 16, 2024
Rap
To free (a pattern) in a mold by light blows on the pattern, so as to facilitate its removal.
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Jan 16, 2024
Rap
To snatch away; to seize and hurry off.
And through the Greeks and Ilians they raptThe whirring chariot.
From Oxford I was rapt by my nephew, Sir Edmund Bacon, to Redgrove.
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Jan 16, 2024
Rap
To seize and bear away, as the mind or thoughts; to transport out of one's self; to affect with ecstasy or rapture; as, rapt into admiration.
I'm rapt with joy to see my Marcia's tears.
Rapt into future times, the bard begun.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 16, 2024
Rap
To perform a type of rhythmic talking, often with accompanying rhythm instruments. It is considered by some as a type of music; see rap music.
All they could rap and rend and pilfer.
A judge who rapped out a great oath.
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Jan 16, 2024
Rap
A reproach for some lapse or misdeed;
He took the blame for it
It was a bum rap
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Jan 16, 2024
Rap
Genre of African-American music of the 1980s and 1990s in which rhyming lyrics are chanted to a musical accompaniment; several forms of rap have emerged
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 16, 2024
Rap
Make light, repeated taps on a surface;
He was tapping his fingers on the table impatiently
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Jan 16, 2024
Rap
A genre of music characterized by rhythmic speech and rhyme.
He gained fame for his unique style of rap.
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Jan 16, 2024
Rap
Vocal performance with emphasis on lyrical flow and content.
Her rap lyrics powerfully address social issues.
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Jan 16, 2024
Rap
A musical form focusing on rhythm and wordplay.
The artist's rap incorporated complex rhymes.
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Jan 16, 2024
Rap
Expressive spoken word over beats in music.
He excels in crafting thought-provoking rap verses.
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Jan 16, 2024
Rap
A genre often used to tell stories or express opinions.
The album featured rap songs about urban life.
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Jan 16, 2024
Repeatedly Asked Queries
What defines Hip Hop culture?
Hip Hop is a cultural movement including music, dance, art, and fashion.
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Feb 23, 2024
Can you have Hip Hop without rap?
Yes, Hip Hop also involves elements like DJing, breakdancing, and graffiti, beyond just rap.
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Feb 23, 2024
Is rap music the same as Hip Hop music?
Rap music focuses on lyrical flow and is a part of Hip Hop music, which is more diverse.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 23, 2024
How is rap related to Hip Hop?
Rap is a key musical component of Hip Hop culture.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 23, 2024
What are common themes in rap music?
Common themes include social issues, life experiences, and storytelling.
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Feb 23, 2024
Is breakdancing part of Hip Hop culture?
Yes, breakdancing is a key element of Hip Hop culture, along with music, art, and fashion.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 23, 2024
Can rap music be political?
Yes, rap often addresses political and social issues, acting as a voice for marginalized communities.
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Feb 23, 2024
Who are some iconic figures in rap music?
Artists like Tupac Shakur, Notorious B.I.G., and Jay-Z are iconic in rap music.
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Feb 23, 2024
How has Hip Hop evolved over the years?
Hip Hop has evolved to include various sub-genres and influences, expanding its reach and style.
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Feb 23, 2024
How do rappers typically create their music?
Rappers often write their lyrics and perform over beats produced by DJs or producers.
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Feb 23, 2024
When did Hip Hop first emerge?
Hip Hop originated in the 1970s in New York City's urban communities.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 23, 2024
How has Hip Hop influenced fashion?
Hip Hop has inspired streetwear and urban fashion trends globally.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 23, 2024
What role do DJs play in Hip Hop?
DJs are central in Hip Hop, creating beats, mixing tracks, and influencing the music's direction.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 23, 2024
Are graffiti and street art part of Hip Hop culture?
Yes, graffiti and street art are significant artistic expressions within Hip Hop culture.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 23, 2024
What is freestyle rap?
Freestyle rap involves improvising lyrics on the spot, often in a competitive or showcase setting.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 23, 2024
Can anyone participate in Hip Hop culture?
Yes, Hip Hop is inclusive and encourages participation from all backgrounds.
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Feb 23, 2024
Why is Hip Hop important in cultural discussions?
Hip Hop plays a crucial role in cultural discussions due to its influence on music, fashion, language, and social commentary.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 23, 2024
What is the future of Rap and Hip Hop?
The future of Rap and Hip Hop likely involves continued evolution, embracing new sounds, technologies, and social influences.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 23, 2024
What's the difference between old school and new school Hip Hop?
Old school Hip Hop often focuses on simpler beats and lyrical storytelling, while new school brings diverse influences and complex production.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 23, 2024
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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