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It's safe to say that when large groups of people get together that want and are trying for social and cultural change new ideas and methods of life take shape. Rap is one of those changes.The oratorical displays of poetry that were developed in the inner city by mc's better known as mic checkers were eventually spoken over beats. Disc jokeys would use turntables to edit and reedit music while breakdancers would add to the ambience.

Breakdancers are choreographers that dance to the beat at hand while expressing their own trademark style. Breackdancers do acrobatic moves such as hand stands, flips and any other move that requires a large degree of difficultly.As this began to grow the first notable hit from rap was introduced to the world,"Rapper's Delight." Sugar Hill Gang was the name of the group that was responsible for this. Little did they know that those humble beginnings from small exhibitions and group gathering that it would eventually branch off to be what some now love and cherish as Rap music. Slowly and but surely this billboard reacher got notariety around the country and eventually certain segments of the country began to develop styles that fit that particular geographic region.

A trained ear can easily distinguish the difference between the segments of Rap. Who knows eventually there could be more segments to be created in the near and distant future. Now these 12 styles of rap today are the product of the movements in New York City.

Alternative Rap encompasses the qualities of conscious rappers. Conscious rappers address the issues of politics, ethics, and self empowerment. Alternative rap can be equated with Alternative Rock and Smooth Jazz because of the feel of the music itself. Bass Rap primarily uses bass drops with fast hi-hat cymbal strikes. Alternative Rap doesn't usually appeal to a mass audience.

Most Alternative rappers are seen as too radical because they boldly attack other groups in order to bring about social change. Common and other Alternative Rappers have made stides to fill political positions in order bring about social issues by leadership

Bass Rap is dominant in the south, more so in Florida and Georgia. Two Live Crew and The Quad City DJ's and Bass Rap are always mentioned in one sentence. The content is often times about explicit acts of sex or partying but remains popular at clubs because it is easy to dance to. Surely this style of Rap isn't quite what the seasoned rap fan would be looking for. Bass rap doesn't contain many lyrics that carry deep meaning. There is only one side to Bass Music and that is for partying. Also Bass Rap is easily identified because it remains around one type of tempo which is fast.

Two Live Crew was even taken to trial by angry citizens because of its constant depictions of woman in very dishonorable fashion. Also the profanity and outright ignorance of morals played a big part in the public outcry. Luther Campbell who the founder of Two Live Crew thinks that he and any other Rap artists should have the right to "freedom of speech" with is a right given to all citizens.

This debate is still going on as we speek as censors try to so call "clean up" the record industry. Bass Rap albums are treasures for DJ's. Usually if you go to a club you will hear a Bass Rap song.

Crossover Rap is an aspect of Rap that does exactly what it's labeled, crossover. Crossover Rap's purpose is to relate to a wider audience than other styles such as Gangstar and Hardcore Rap. Often this type of rap features musical artist that aren't rappers at all. Rock and Roll and Pop singers sometimes collaborate with rappers to reach a larger base audience. Crossover Rap is seen as a negative label to some artists because it demonstrates that the only purpose of this genre is to make money and not stick to the founding elements that make Rap what it is. In short Crossover Rap is too business oriented and looses its rugged and raw feel. This style of rap is what Underground Rappers try to avoid because they want their fans to enjoy the melodic quality of music and not rather or not it can sell in stores. Sean "Puffy" Combs Bad Boy Records is know by many to fit this description. Combs worked with Sting, Guns and Roses and other Rock groups on remixes to songs and on soundtracks. Cypress Hill is a Rap group that balances Rock and Rap pretty well and have over the years developed a firm grip on the market

Underground Rappers try to stay out of the mainstream and pride themselves on lyrical adeptness. Many Underground Rappers go unoticed by the public eye which in theirs is somewhat a plus. Underground Rappers often "freestyle" over song tracks to show how acute their skills can be. Freestyling is the act of rhyming without any notes or preconceived ideas. The melodic quality is more creative and free of samples. Mc's battle each other lyrically and only the true hip/hop fan can find and appreciate a good Underground Rapper. Such well known Underground Rappers are Big L. Big L only til recently has branched out into the open market.