10 Genres and Subgenres of Rap

Rap music is an incredibly popular genre of music that has spawned a variety of subgenres. Each subgenre has its unique sound, but some stand out from the rest. In this post, we will explore the ten most popular subgenres of rap and discuss the characteristics that make each one distinct. We’ll also look at some of the top artists in each genre, so you can get to know the music a bit better. 

1) Gangsta Rap

Gangsta Rap is a form of rap music that emerged from the Los Angeles hip-hop scene in the late 1980s. It emphasizes lyrical content that is often characterized by aggression, profanity, and criminal behavior. Notable artists such as NWA, Tupac Shakur, Snoop Dogg, and Dr. Dre helped popularize this form of rap and bring it to mainstream audiences. While its influence is still felt today, many modern artists have taken Gangsta Rap to new levels, blending it with various other genres to create a unique sound.

2) G-Funk

G-Funk is a type of rap that originated on the West Coast of the United States in the 1990s. It is characterized by its slow and laid-back beats, thick basslines, and lyrics focused on partying, drug use, and gang life. G-Funk was made famous by the likes of Dr. Dre, Warren G, and Snoop Dogg, and it continues to be one of the most popular subgenres of rap music today. The genre was heavily influenced by the funk and soul music of the 1970s and has since had a huge influence on other genres such as hip-hop, R&B, and pop. G-Funk has become an iconic part of modern culture, with its sound having been sampled in countless other songs and even used in film and television.

3) Mumble Rap

Mumble Rap is a genre of hip-hop characterized by its lyrical content and delivery. It is often a mix of trap and rap, as well as EDM and hip-hop. Mumble Rap focuses on the beats more than the lyrics, as the words are often difficult to understand. Artists like Lil Uzi Vert, Playboi Carti, and Future are popular representatives of this genre. Mumble Rap is seen by some as a negative influence on the hip-hop genre due to its emphasis on beats over lyrics, but it has still gained a significant following. Despite the criticism, Mumble Rap continues to be a popular subgenre of hip-hop and is likely to remain that way for years to come.

4) Rap Rock

Rap rock is a fusion genre that combines elements of rap music with rock music. This genre of music began in the 1990s, and since then has become one of the most popular subgenres of rap. Artists such as Linkin Park and Limp Bizkit are often credited for popularizing the genre by combining rap beats with alternative rock styles. Rap rock often contains both aggressive rapping and loud rock instrumentals, with samples from both genres being used. It has been praised for its ability to bridge the gap between two seemingly opposing genres, giving fans of both hip-hop and rock an enjoyable listening experience.

5) Jazz Rap

Jazz Rap is a subgenre of rap that combines jazz elements with rap beats and lyrics. Jazz Rap began in the late 1980s, gaining popularity throughout the 1990s with the emergence of new jazz rappers such as Digable Planets, A Tribe Called Quest, and De La Soul. This style of rap often includes samples from classic jazz records and emphasizes jazz-based improvisation. Jazz Rap usually contains positive, socially conscious messages and incorporates themes from traditional jazz music. Jazz Rap has seen a resurgence in recent years, with more modern artists such as Noname and Kendrick Lamar leading the way.

6) Mafioso Rap

Mafioso rap is a subgenre of hip-hop music that references organized crime. Its lyrics typically revolve around a criminal activity such as robberies, money laundering, and drug dealing. The style is often characterized by its dark themes, gangster-style beats, and use of exaggerated Italian-American slang. Artists who commonly make Mafioso rap include Mobb Deep, Big Pun, and Jay-Z. Their songs feature narrative stories of street life, crime, and violence. These rappers provide insight into the lifestyles of those living in the underworld. Mafioso rap is an intriguing genre that continues to influence the sound of rap music today.

7) New School Rap

New School Rap is a subgenre of rap that developed in the late 2000s and 2010s. It includes styles like a trap, crunk, drill, and cloud rap. This style is often characterized by upbeat tempos, heavy bass lines, and abstract, lyrical content. New school rappers often use auto-tune and sing-rap to create their sound. Popular new school rap artists include Drake, Kanye West, and Chance the Rapper. Their music has been influential in modern hip-hop culture, pushing the boundaries of what rap can be and introducing new sounds and ideas to the genre.

8) Political Rap

Political rap is a subgenre of hip-hop music that focuses on politics, social issues, and current events. Often characterized by lyrical content that is more pointed and direct, Political Rap looks to engage in meaningful discourse and offer insights into our society and its governing structures. Popular artists within this subgenre often focus on a wide range of topics from police brutality and racial injustice to government corruption and economic inequality. Artists like Kendrick Lamar, J Cole, and Public Enemy are just a few of the many who have used their platforms to bring awareness to relevant social issues and incite expressive discussions about the world we live in.

9) Trap

The trap is a subgenre of rap music that emerged in the early 2000s and has become one of the most popular forms of hip-hop today. It originated in the southern United States and typically contains lyrical themes such as drugs, violence, and urban poverty. Musically, the trap includes 808 bass lines, hi-hats, and hard-hitting drum machines. Artists like Gucci Mane, Lil Wayne, T.I., and Future are some of the biggest names in the trap genre, with their music often featuring heavy autotune and rap double-time flows. The trap is a prime example of how rap music can reach all corners of the globe, as it continues to spread its influence worldwide.

10) West Coast Rap

Originating on the West Coast of the United States, West Coast Rap has had a major impact on Hip Hop and the Rap culture. It is characterized by a fast and intense beat, often with rhyme schemes focusing on gang life. Rappers such as 2Pac and Dr. Dre are credited with bringing this subgenre to mainstream attention. The beats often feature prominent synthesizers and samples from classic funk or R&B records. West Coast Rap has also influenced other genres such as G-funk and Hyphy. As one of the most recognizable subgenres of Rap, West Coast Rap is sure to continue influencing Hip Hop for years to come.