Rap music has become one of the most popular genres of music in the world. It originated in African American and Latinx communities in the United States in the late 1970s and has since become a global phenomenon. However, it is not always clear where the genre started or who can be credited with creating it. One question that frequently comes up is what tune is considered to be the very first rap? In this blog post, we will explore the history of rap music and try to answer this question.
The Roots of Rap
The roots of rap can be traced back to African American and Latinx communities in New York City in the 1970s. In these communities, people would gather at parties and dance to music played by a DJ. The DJ would use two turntables and a mixer to seamlessly blend different songs together, creating a continuous flow of music. Over time, some of the more charismatic DJs started to add their own commentary and rhymes over the music they were playing. These rhymes were often playful and lighthearted, but they soon evolved into more complex and poetic verses.
One of the early pioneers of this style was DJ Kool Herc. He is credited with inventing the “breakbeat,” a technique where a DJ would isolate the instrumental break in a song and loop it repeatedly, creating a new sound that was perfect for dancing. Herc also started to incorporate his own rhymes and commentary into his DJ sets, which helped to lay the foundation for rap music.
The First Rap Song
While it is clear that rap music emerged from the DJ culture in New York City during the 1970s, it is not clear which song can be considered the first rap song. There are several contenders for this title, each with its own unique place in the history of rap music.
One of the earliest songs that could be considered rap is “The Message” by Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five. Released in 1982, the song features a spoken-word performance by MC Melle Mel that is often cited as one of the most powerful and influential moments in rap history. The song’s lyrics deal with the harsh realities of life in the inner city, and it helped to establish rap as a socially conscious and politically aware genre.
Another contender for the title of first rap song is “Rapper’s Delight” by The Sugarhill Gang. Released in 1979, the song features the group’s three MCs – Wonder Mike, Big Bank Hank, and Master Gee – trading verses over a catchy disco beat. The song is widely regarded as a classic and helped to popularize rap music beyond the confines of New York City.
The Legacy of Rap Music
Regardless of which song can be considered the first rap song, there is no denying that rap music has had a profound impact on popular culture. Today, rap is a multi-billion dollar industry that has produced countless classic songs and albums. It has also given rise to a new generation of artists who are pushing the boundaries of the genre and creating music that is both innovative and socially relevant.
Rap music has also helped to give a voice to marginalized communities and has been used as a tool for political and social activism. From Public Enemy’s bold critiques of racism and inequality to Kendrick Lamar’s powerful album “To Pimp a Butterfly,” rap music has consistently tackled difficult issues and forced listeners to confront uncomfortable truths.
Conclusion
While there is no definitive answer to the question of what tune is considered to be the very first rap, it is clear that rap music emerged from the DJ culture in New York City during the 1970s. Whether it was “The Message” by Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five or “Rapper’s Delight” by The Sugarhill Gang, the early pioneers of rap helped to create a new genre of music that has had a profound impact on popular culture. Today, rap is one of the most popular and influential genres of music in the world, and it shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon.
FAQ
What was the first rap song before Rapper’s Delight?
The origins of rap music can be traced back to the 1970s in the Bronx, New York. During this time, DJs would play extended breaks in popular funk and disco songs at block parties and other social events. As the DJ manipulated the turntables to extend the break, MCs (masters of ceremonies) would shout out over the music, encouraging the crowd to dance and providing commentary on the party.
One of the earliest recorded examples of this style of music can be found in the song “King Tim III (Personality Jock)” by the Fatback Band. “King Tim III” was released on March 25, 1979, reportedly several months before the Sugarhill Gang’s iconic hit “Rapper’s Delight” hit the airwaves on September 16, 1979.
While “King Tim III” is often cited as an important early example of rap music, it is sometimes overlooked in favor of “Rapper’s Delight” due to its lower commercial success. However, the influence of “King Tim III” on the development of rap cannot be ignored. The song features a rap verse over a funky beat, with the MC introducing himself and rapping about his DJ skills.
In addition to “King Tim III,” there were a number of other early rap recordings that helped to shape the genre. These include “The Breaks” by Kurtis Blow, “Rappin’ Duke” by Shawn Brown, and “Superrappin'” by Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five. These songs helped to establish the foundations of hip-hop culture, inspiring countless MCs and DJs to create new and creative music.
While “Rapper’s Delight” is often considered the first rap song to achieve widespread commercial success, the roots of rap music can be traced back to a number of earlier recordings. “King Tim III” by the Fatback Band is one example of an early rap recording that helped to shape the genre, paving the way for countless MCs and DJs to follow.
What is the first song ever?
The question of what is the first song ever is a difficult one to answer definitively, as music has been a part of human culture for thousands of years, long before recorded history. However, by examining ancient writings, musical notation, and archaeological evidence, musicologists have been able to piece together a better understanding of what some of the earliest music may have sounded like.
One of the oldest known pieces of music is called the “Hurrian Hymn No. 6,” which was written in ancient Mesopotamia, approximately 3400 years ago. This song is significant because it is one of the earliest pieces of written music that has been discovered, inscribed in cuneiform on a clay tablet. The Hurrian Hymn is a haunting melody that is believed to be a religious hymn celebrating the goddess Nikkal, and it is still performed by musicians today.
In addition to the Hurrian Hymn, there are other examples of ancient music that have survived. The oldest complete musical composition that has been found is the “Seikilos Epitaph,” a song from ancient Greece that was inscribed on a tombstone around 2000 years ago. This song is notable for its beautiful melody and uplifting lyrics, which express the importance of enjoying life while it lasts.
Despite these early examples of music, it is important to remember that music has likely been present in human societies for much longer than the written record allows us to trace. Ancient cultures likely used music for a wide range of purposes, from religious and ceremonial ceremonies to storytelling and entertainment. As such, the true origins of music may remain a mystery, but the surviving examples of early music give us fascinating clues into the past and the role that music has played in human culture.
