The Definitive Guide to Hip-Hop Subgenres

The different styles of hip-hop and their key artists

Hip-hop is a celebration of diversity. No two rappers sound alike (well, with the exception of Guerrilla Black and Biggie Smalls). Rappers are products of different musical stylings informed by different environments, attitudes, and aspirations. Here's a brief rundown of hip-hop subgenres and the key artists in each niche.

Alternative Hip-Hop

Del Tha Funky Homosapien

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Alt-rappers typically color outside the lines. These artists are less concerned with pop hooks and dance moves. Their main goal is to push the envelope and explore unique concepts. Key artists include The Roots, Lupe Fiasco, Del the Funkee Homosapien.

Battle Rap

LL Cool J

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Battle rap is a style of hip-hop music that blends braggadocio with the quest for lyrical superiority. Seasoned battle rappers focus on boastful lines and self-glorifying rhymes about one's proficiency or level of success, accompanied by verbal insults hurled at the other party (directly or subliminally).  Key artists include Kool Moe Dee, Jay-Z, Canibus, LL Cool J.

Conscious Rap

Talib Kweli at 2017 SweetWater 420 Fest
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Conscious rap is powered by the idea that radical social change comes through knowledge of self, personal discovery, and societal awareness. So-called conscious rappers devote much of their rhymes decrying social ills and promoting positive ideas. Conscious rap is a contentious category, and not all every rapper like to be classified as such.​ Key artists include Talib Kweli, Common, Mos Def.

Crunk

LIl Jon

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Crunk started in the 1990s as a sub-form of southern hip-hop. Producer Lil Jon is widely credited with spearheading the movement. True to its name, crunk constitutes a chaotic interpolation of club beats and high-energy chants. Key artists include Lil Jon & The Eastside Boyz, Lil Scrappy, and Trillville.

East Coast Hip-Hop

Ghostface Killah

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East coast hip-hop originated in the streets of New York. The umbrella of this particular sub-genre covers a dizzying mess of styles--from the street hop that gave us to AZ and Nas to the conscious approach popularized by Public Enemy and Black Star. Key artists include Run-D.M.C., Ghostface Killah, Nas, Jay Z, and Rakim.

Gangsta Rap

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Gangsta rap revolves around aggressive lyrics and trunk-heavy beats. Despite its huge acceptance in the early 90s, gangsta rap has come under fire lately for misogyny and violent themes. Key artists include Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Ice Cube.

Hyphy

Keak Da Sneak

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Hyphy is a relatively new musical import from the west coast. It incorporates an uptempo, high-energy style. Hyphy is also characterized by witty lyrics and rugged beats. Critics were quick to dismiss it as a fad at first, mainly because it's an offshoot of crunk. Regardless, the Bay Area has enjoyed a measurable amount of success with their brainchild. Key artists include Keak da Sneak, E-40, Mistah F.A.B.

Snap

Dem Franchize Boyz

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The slick polyrhythms of snap are naturally accompanied by finger snaps (hence the name) and occasional whistling to create a distinct melody. Though this style of hip-hop grew out of Atlanta, it quickly spread to other cities in the U.S. Unfortunately, snap fizzled out almost as soon as it became popular. Key artists include Dem Franchise Boyz, Yin Yang Twins, and D4L.

Southern Rap

Lil Wayne In Concert - Atlanta, Georgia
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Stylistically, southern rap relies on exuberant production and direct lyrics (typically about the southern lifestyle, trends, attitudes). With a few obscure exceptions, southern hip-hop is more distinct for its sound and slang than for lyricism (although, the new school of emcees from Houston and Atlanta are starting to reverse this trend). In an attempt to capture their stylish culture on wax, some southern MCs consciously incorporate car culture, fashion trends, nightlife, and unique lingo in their songs. Key artists include DJ Screw, T.I., Lil Wayne, UGK, Ludacris, and Scarface.

West Coast Hip-Hop

Ice Cube

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There's a generational misconception in hip-hop that lyricism is only synonymous with the east coast. The Left coast may be the home of gangsta rap, but it's also home to G-funk, lowrider music, freestyles and yes, lyrical hip-hop. Key artists include N.W.A., Too $hort, Ras Kass, 2Pac, Freestyle Fellowship.

Trap Music

Gucci Mane

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Trap music is a style of hip-hop that sprung out of the southern rap scene in the 1990s. You'll know a trap track by its beat--stuttering kick drums, hi-hats, 808s, and oodles of synthesizers. Key artists include Future, Gucci Mane, and Young Thug.