Alternative hip hop

Alternative Hip Hop

Alternative hip hop (also known as alternative rap) is a subgenre of hip hop music characterized by its diverse styles that differ from mainstream hip hop. AllMusic defines it as "alternative rap groups that refuse to conform to any of the traditional stereotypes of rap, such as gangsta rap, Miami bass, hardcore hip hop, and pop-rap. Instead, they blend genres drawing equally from funk, pop rock, jazz, soul, reggae, and folk music."

History

Originating in the late 1980s, alternative hip hop emerged during the golden age of hip hop. It was primarily led by East Coast groups such as De La Soul, A Tribe Called Quest, and Digable Planets, as well as West Coast acts like The Pharcyde and Freestyle Fellowship. Similar to alternative rock, alternative hip hop gained mainstream recognition in the early 1990s with albums like 3 Feet High and Rising and People's Instinctive Travels and the Paths of Rhythm. However, the rise of West Coast gangsta rap in the mid-1990s impeded its mainstream momentum.

A resurgence occurred in the late 1990s and early 2000s with a renewed interest in independent music. Artists like OutKast and Kanye West helped revive the genre's popularity. OutKast's album Speakerboxxx/The Love Below won a Grammy Award for Album of the Year, while Gnarls Barkley's single "Crazy" topped charts worldwide. The 2007 sales competition between Kanye West's Graduation and 50 Cent's Curtis marked a shift in hip hop's direction, favoring eclectic and genre-bending artists.

Critical and Cultural Reactions

Alternative hip hop is often praised by critics but receives limited exposure through mainstream media. Artists like Q-Tip and groups such as A Tribe Called Quest have struggled with commercial acceptance. Q-Tip's album Kamaal/The Abstract was shelved for nearly a decade due to its unconventional sound. The genre has also faced criticism from mainstream outlets, with some radio stations and networks refusing to play alternative hip hop tracks.

The alternative hip hop movement has expanded globally, with artists like K'naan, Shing02, and M.I.A. gaining international recognition. K'naan's single Wavin' Flag reached number two on the Canadian Hot 100, while M.I.A. was listed in the Time 100 as one of the world's most influential people.

Further Reading

• Christgau, Robert (March 2, 1993). "Between a Rock and a Hard Place". The Village Voice.

Bibliography

• Asante, Jr., M. K. (September 16, 2008). It's Bigger Than Hip Hop: The Rise of the Post-Hip-Hop Generation. St. Martin's Press. ISBN 0312373260.CS1 maint: Multiple names: authors list (link) Search this book on
• Rodrick, Stephen (March 1, 1995). "Hip-Hop Flop: The Failure of Liberal Rap". In Adam Sexton. Rap on Rap: Straight-up Talk on Hip-Hop Culture. Delta. ISBN 0385312474. Search this book on

Others articles of the Topic Music : List of operas by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, List of prominent operas, Nasheed, Ska, Icewear Vezzo, Sprinkler (dance), List of musicians

Others articles of the Topic Hip hop : Thi'sl

This article "Alternative hip hop" is from Wikipedia. The list of its authors can be seen in its historical. Articles copied from Draft Namespace on Wikipedia could be seen on the Draft Namespace of Wikipedia and not main one.

📰 Article(s) of the same category(ies)

• Indie rock
• Midwest hip hop
• Sad pop
• Forum (band)
• Canadian Invasion
• Marquee Music Group
• Bass house (music)

---