Pop Rap

Pop Rap is a musical genre that combines elements of Pop music and Hip Hop. The genre emerged during the 1980s, primarily in the United States, and has since become a massive sub-genre in the music industry. The roots of Pop Rap can be traced back to the early days of Hip Hop culture. In the late 1970s and early 1980s, Hip Hop was emerging as a new genre of music, primarily among African American and Latino communities living in inner-city neighborhoods in the United States. This new music form quickly gained popularity among the youth, who were attracted to its fast beats, rhyming lyrics, and breakdancing culture. The first commercially successful Pop Rap song was "Rapper's Delight" by the Sugarhill Gang, released in 1979. This song marked a significant turning point in the history of Hip Hop, as it introduced the genre to a wider audience and paved the way for the fusion of Pop and Hip Hop music. Throughout the 1980s, Pop Rap continued to gain popularity, with a growing number of artists mixing Hip Hop beats and rhymes with Pop melodies. The success of early Pop Rap acts like Run-DMC, LL Cool J, and MC Hammer helped to bridge the gap between Hip Hop and mainstream Pop music. However, it was the emergence of the duo known as DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince that marked the beginning of the golden age of Pop Rap. Their 1988 album "He's the DJ, I'm the Rapper" was a massive commercial success, selling over three million copies and featuring the hit single "Parents Just Don't Understand." Other successful Pop Rap acts from the 1990s and early 2000s include Vanilla Ice, Kris Kross, Will Smith, and Nelly. These artists brought a new level of polish and professionalism to Pop Rap, using slick production, catchy hooks, and entertaining music videos to appeal to both Hip Hop and Pop audiences alike. In recent years, Pop Rap has continued to evolve, with artists like Drake, Nicki Minaj, and Post Malone pushing the boundaries of the genre, incorporating elements of R&B, EDM, and other music styles. These artists have also helped to blur the lines between Pop Rap and other popular music genres like Pop and R&B. The success of Pop Rap can be attributed to its commercial appeal and mainstream accessibility. Its upbeat and often light-hearted lyrics, catchy hooks, and danceable beats make it appealing to a wide audience, including those who may not typically listen to Hip Hop music.

Drake: Often called a "pop star" as well as a rapper, Drake is one of the biggest names in pop rap. His smooth melodies and relatable, emotional lyrics have been a staple in the genre since his debut in 2009. Kanye West: Known for his unique and experimental sound, Kanye West has been a major influence in pop rap since the early 2000s. His ability to blend different genres and create something new and unexpected have earned him critical acclaim and a dedicated fan base. Nicki Minaj: As the first female rapper to achieve platinum status, Nicki Minaj is a force to be reckoned with in pop rap. Her outrageous style and quick-witted lyrics have earned her legions of fans and numerous accolades. Post Malone: With his distinctive voice and genre-bending sound, Post Malone has quickly become one of the biggest names in pop rap. His hits like "rockstar" and "Congratulations" have dominated the charts, and he shows no signs of slowing down. Lil Uzi Vert: With his colorful hair and playful style, Lil Uzi Vert has emerged as one of the most exciting young artists in pop rap. His energetic beats and catchy hooks have made him a favorite among fans. Cardi B: The breakout star of 2017, Cardi B has quickly risen to the top of the pop rap music scene. With her confident rhymes and larger-than-life personality, she has become one of the most talked-about artists in the industry. Travis Scott: Known for his high-energy live performances, Travis Scott has become one of the most sought-after artists in pop rap. His psychedelic sound and trippy visuals set him apart from his peers and have earned him a dedicated fan base. Kendrick Lamar: Often hailed as one of the greatest rappers of all time, Kendrick Lamar is also a major player in the pop rap world. His socially conscious lyrics and innovative production have earned him critical acclaim and a huge following. Future: With his hypnotic beats and autotuned vocals, Future has become a key figure in the pop rap world. His collaborations with other major artists like Drake and Young Thug have also helped elevate his profile. Migos: This Atlanta-based trio is known for their infectious hooks and catchy beats, which have helped them become one of the biggest groups in pop rap. Their unique flow and style have also influenced many other artists in the genre.

1. "Old Town Road" - Lil Nas X 2. "Lose Yourself" - Eminem 3. "Can't Hold Us" - Macklemore and Ryan Lewis 4. "Thrift Shop" - Macklemore and Ryan Lewis 5. "Gangsta's Paradise" - Coolio 6. "Humble" - Kendrick Lamar 7. "Juicy" - The Notorious B.I.G. 8. "Uptown Funk" - Mark Ronson ft. Bruno Mars 9. "Hotline Bling" - Drake 10. "I Gotta Feeling" - The Black Eyed Peas 11. "Work" - Rihanna ft. Drake 12. "God's Plan" - Drake 13. "Rockstar" - Post Malone ft. 21 Savage 14. "See You Again" - Wiz Khalifa ft. Charlie Puth 15. "Closer" - The Chainsmokers ft. Halsey 16. "One Dance" - Drake ft. WizKid and Kyla 17. "Sicko Mode" - Travis Scott ft. Drake 18. "Fancy" - Iggy Azalea ft. Charli XCX 19. "Bad and Boujee" - Migos ft. Lil Uzi Vert 20. "Bodak Yellow" - Cardi B 21. "Black Beatles" - Rae Sremmurd ft. Gucci Mane 22. "Congratulations" - Post Malone ft. Quavo 23. "Mask Off" - Future 24. "No Limit" - G-Eazy ft. A$AP Rocky and Cardi B 25. "All of Me" - John Legend (remix by Tiesto's Birthday Treatment)

In his book Can't Stop Won't Stop: A History of the Hip-Hop Generation, Jeff Chang describes the emergence of Pop Rap in the late 1990s. He notes that Pop Rap was a fusion of hip-hop and pop music that targeted a mainstream audience. According to Chang, Pop Rap "brought the sizzle back to commercially produced rap music at a moment when the genre was floundering amid crossover confusion." In her book Shake It Up: Great American Writing on Rock and Pop from Elvis to Jay Z, Ann Powers explores the evolution of Pop Rap and its impact on popular culture. She notes that Pop Rap is "more about the attitude of defiance, about boasting, about clothing and owning things. It's all these things that make up the fantasy of the American dream." Music critic John Pareles, in his review of Kanye West's album Graduation for The New York Times, comments on the artist's contribution to Pop Rap. He writes that "Kanye West carries Pop Rap on his back...by straddling the line between hip-hop and pop, he has opened up a new space for exploration, where big emotions and ambition get the same kind of attention as rhymes." In his book Rap and Hip Hop Culture, William Eric Perkins examines the cultural significance of Pop Rap. He writes that Pop Rap represents "a significant cultural moment in the evolution of hip hop." According to Perkins, Pop Rap is a reflection of the changing times and values, and "thus illustrates the production of culture from real-world circumstances." Music journalist Carl Wilson, in his book Let's Talk About Love: A Journey to the End of Taste, explores the polarizing opinions regarding Pop Rap. He notes that Pop Rap has been criticized for being too commercial and lacking in authenticity. However, Wilson argues that "Pop Rap is a response to the changing demands of the music industry and its audience. It represents a form of creative expression that merges old and new genres, catering to a diverse range of listeners." In a review of Drake's 2018 album Scorpion for The Guardian, Christian Hoard comments on the rapper's approach to Pop Rap. He notes that "Drake's sound is a fusion of rap and R&B sensibilities, but it is also Pop Rap at its core." According to Hoard, Drake's ability to blend different genres and create catchy hooks is what makes him a standout artist in the Pop Rap scene.

One of the key technological factors that fueled the rise of pop rap was the advent of electronic sampling and digital music production. Sampling allowed producers to sample pre-existing tracks and remix them into entirely new compositions, which gave rise to new sounds and styles. This technology allowed pop rap producers to experiment with new sounds and create catchy hooks that appealed to a wider audience. The social and cultural contexts of the late 1980s also contributed to the emergence of pop rap. At this time, hip-hop was becoming an increasingly popular form of music, particularly among young people in urban areas. Hip-hop music was seen as a way for young people to express themselves and their experiences, and it quickly became a major cultural force. However, at the same time, there was also a growing demand for more accessible and commercially viable music that could appeal to a broader audience. Pop rap emerged as a way to bridge the gap between the underground rap scene and the mainstream pop audience. By blending the rhythm and versatility of rap with the catchiness of pop music, pop rap was able to reach new heights of commercial success. Notable record labels such as Def Jam and Tommy Boy Records played a major role in the rise of pop rap. These labels were known for their innovative and experimental approach to music production, and they became known for breaking new artists and pushing the boundaries of what was possible in popular music. Journalists and other cultural commentators also played a key role in the rise of pop rap. Critics such as Nelson George and Greg Tate embraced the new sounds and styles of pop rap, and helped to bring the genre to a wider audience through their coverage and analysis of the music. In addition to these external factors, the rise of pop rap was also driven by a number of influential figures within the genre itself. Artists such as LL Cool J, Run-DMC, and MC Hammer helped to bring rap music to a wider audience with their catchy and accessible tracks. Other artists, such as Salt-N-Pepa, Queen Latifah, and Public Enemy, used their music to address social and political issues and to elevate the status of rap music as an art form.