History
Abstract hip-hop is a sub-genre of hip-hop music that emerged in the 1990s. It is defined by its unique production style and experimental approach to song composition. This genre is characterized by its use of sparse beats, unusual samples, eclectic instrumentation, and poetic lyrics.
The early origins of abstract hip-hop can be traced back to the 1980s. During this time, hip-hop music was still in its infancy, and artists were experimenting with new techniques and sounds. One of the most influential groups of this era was Public Enemy, who used samples from a variety of sources, including political speeches and film soundtracks, to create their distinct sound.
However, it was not until the 1990s that abstract hip-hop truly began to take shape. Artists such as A Tribe Called Quest and De La Soul were among the first to experiment with the genre, incorporating jazz and soul influences into their music. These artists were also known for their use of unconventional sampling techniques, often using obscure and unusual records as the basis for their beats.
Another important figure in the development of abstract hip-hop was DJ Shadow. His 1996 album, "Endtroducing.....", is widely considered one of the greatest and most influential hip-hop albums of all time. The album is comprised entirely of samples, taken from a wide variety of sources, including obscure records and spoken word recordings. The result is a dense and heavily textured sound that is both incredibly innovative and deeply atmospheric.
Other notable artists of the genre include MF DOOM, Madlib, and Flying Lotus, all of whom have made major contributions to the development of this unique musical style. These artists have continued to push the boundaries of what is possible with hip-hop music, exploring new sounds and textures and creating music that is both challenging and engaging.
One of the defining characteristics of abstract hip-hop is its use of sampling. Unlike traditional hip-hop, which often relies on familiar hooks and beats, abstract hip-hop artists often create their beats using a wide variety of samples, taken from a variety of sources. This creates a unique and highly distinctive sound that is often difficult to classify.
Another important aspect of abstract hip-hop is its focus on lyrical content. While many artists in the genre prioritize experimentation with production and beats, they also place great emphasis on the words they use. Many abstract hip-hop lyrics are highly poetic and introspective, exploring themes of personal identity, politics, and social justice.
Notable artists
Madlib: A prolific producer and rapper, Madlib is credited with pushing the boundaries of abstract hip hop. He has released numerous albums as a solo artist and with his collective, Quasimoto.
J Dilla: Known for his soulful production and intricate drum programming, J Dilla revolutionized the sound of hip hop in the early 2000s. His influence can be heard in the work of many contemporary artists.
Flying Lotus: The great-nephew of jazz legend Alice Coltrane, Flying Lotus incorporates jazz, electronic, and experimental elements into his music. He has produced for artists like Kendrick Lamar and Thundercat.
MF DOOM: A master of wordplay and intricate rhyme schemes, MF DOOM is known for his masked persona and unorthodox approach to rap. He has collaborated with many other artists in the underground scene.
Aesop Rock: With a dense and labyrinthine style of lyricism, Aesop Rock has been described as one of the most literary rappers of his generation. He has released several critically acclaimed albums since his debut in 1997.
Shabazz Palaces: Formed by Ishmael Butler of Digable Planets fame, Shabazz Palaces is a Seattle-based duo that blends Afrofuturist themes with abstract production. They have released several albums on the Sub Pop label.
Open Mike Eagle: Known for his introspective lyrics and genre-bending approach to production, Open Mike Eagle has become one of the most respected figures in independent hip hop. He has collaborated with many other artists and hosts a podcast called "What Had Happened Was."
Earl Sweatshirt: A prodigious talent from Los Angeles, Earl Sweatshirt first gained attention as a member of the hip hop collective Odd Future. His music is characterized by its introspective lyrics and unorthodox production.
Milo: Known for his conscious lyrics and impressionistic storytelling, Milo (formerly known as "Scallops Hotel") has become one of the most respected voices in the underground hip hop scene. He has released several acclaimed albums on the label Ruby Yacht.
El-P: A veteran of the underground hip hop scene, El-P is known for his dense production style and politically charged lyrics. He has been active in the game since the early 1990s and recently formed the group Run the Jewels with Killer Mike.
Broader context
In Brian Coleman's book, "Check the Technique: Liner Notes for Hip-Hop Junkies," he provides detailed interviews with music producers and artists who make up the foundation of hip-hop music including producers like El-P and Mike Ladd, and artists like Aesop Rock. In his book, El-P, a prominent hip-hop rapper and producer describes abstract hip-hop as being "rooted in the abstract art movement of the 1920s and 1930s which aimed to reconnect people with emotion and feeling" (Coleman, 2007). Similarly, the rapper and artist Aesop Rock views abstract hip-hop as "a means of expression that goes beyond traditional hip-hop storytelling or commentary, is difficult to categorize, and requires the audience to dig deep when listening" (Coleman, 2007).
In another book, "The Making of Monkey Business: A story of a Hip-Hop Musical" by Kevin Coval and Fred Sasaki, the authors explore the work of Chicago-based experimental hip-hop group The Polyrhythmatic, and their approach to the genre. In their book, The Polyrhythmatic refers to Abstract hip-hop as "an unfettered sound that is not afraid to take chances, blurs the lines between genres, and challenges the listener" (Coval & Sasaki, 2016). Kevin Coval, a founder of the Young Chicago Authors program that educates and empowers young writers, states that "abstract hip-hop, at its core, is an attempt to reclaim the cultural relevance that has often been co-opted by mainstream hip-hop" (Coval & Sasaki, 2016).
Some critics argue that abstract hip-hop is not necessarily a sub-genre of hip-hop but an entirely new genre altogether. In an interview with New York-based rapper and producer, J-Live, published in "Hip-Hop and Philosophy: Rhyme 2 Reason," he argues that "abstract hip-hop is a completely different animal than mainstream hip-hop." According to J-Live, "Abstract hip-hop is not just about the music. It's about the art, the message and the feeling of freedom that comes with pushing the boundaries of what is considered conventional hip-hop" (Bass, 2005). This sentiment is shared by Brooklyn-based rapper and artist, Mos Def, who also argues that "abstract hip-hop is not a sub-genre of hip-hop, it's a movement. It has the same social and cultural impact as hip-hop, only its reach is wider and more inclusive" (Bass, 2005).
One of the most significant factors that contributed to the rise of abstract hip-hop was the cultural shift that occurred within hip-hop itself. By the late-1990s, hip-hop had become increasingly corporate and mainstream, with major record labels exerting significant control over the music industry. This led to the promotion of a particular type of sound and image that was deemed suitable for commercial success, resulting in a lack of creativity and originality.
In response to this, a new wave of independent hip-hop artists began to emerge, who were dissatisfied with the current state of the genre. These artists rejected the standard formula of traditional hip-hop production, focusing instead on experimentation and innovation.
One of the pioneers of abstract hip-hop was Kool Keith, who founded the record label Ultramagnetic MCs in the late-1980s. Keith's music was characterized by complex lyrics, unconventional beats, and a disregard for traditional song structure. Other key figures in the genre include Madlib, J Dilla, and MF DOOM, who continued to push the boundaries of what was considered hip-hop.
Another important factor that contributed to the rise of abstract hip-hop was the emergence of new technologies such as samplers, synthesizers, and digital audio workstations. These new tools allowed artists to create unique sounds and experiment with different textures and tones. The likes of Flying Lotus and Shabazz Palaces utilized these new technologies to great effect, creating music that was both original and innovative.
Record labels such as Stones Throw Records and Brainfeeder played a significant role in promoting and supporting abstract hip-hop. Stones Throw, founded by Peanut Butter Wolf, was instrumental in launching the careers of Madlib and J Dilla, as well as providing a platform for artists such as Guilty Simpson and Homeboy Sandman. Brainfeeder, founded by Flying Lotus, is another label that has been at the forefront of experimental hip-hop, releasing albums from artists such as Thundercat, Kamasi Washington, and Teebs.
Journalists such as Brian Coleman, who wrote the critically acclaimed book "Check the Technique: Liner Notes for Hip-Hop Junkies," played a crucial role in documenting the rise of abstract hip-hop. Coleman's book chronicled the stories behind classic hip-hop albums, providing an insight into the creative process of some of the genre's most innovative artists. Other notable journalists such as Jeff Weiss, have continued to document the evolution of abstract hip-hop, providing a critical lens through which to view the genre.