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Boomshakalaka! A History of Boom Bap

The Origins:

Boom bap, also known as “classic hip hop,” is a sonic landscape built on the foundation of the drum machine, the breakbeat, and the irresistible urge to spit rhymes. Born in the Bronx during the early 1980s, boom bap is more than just a genre; it’s a cultural movement that rose from the concrete and spoke the language of the streets.

The Pillars:

The bedrock of boom bap lies in the iconic breakbeats, those chopped and screwed rhythmic snippets sampled from funk and soul classics. DJ Kool Herc, the “godfather of hip hop,” is credited with pioneering this technique, taking breaks from James Brown’s “Funky Drummer” and spinning them on repeat, giving birth to the breakbeat culture that would define the genre.

The drum machine, most notably the Roland TR-808 and TR-909, became an integral part of the boom bap sound, laying down the foundation for the rhythmic pulse that pulsates through the genre. The unmistakable booming basslines, often created by a bassline synth like the Roland TB-303, provided a foundation for the rhythmic onslaught.

And, of course, there’s the MC. Boom bap was about lyricism, storytelling, and the power of words. Artists like Grandmaster Flash, the Sugarhill Gang, and Run-DMC took the mic and used it to paint portraits of urban life, celebrate the joy of hip hop, and ignite dance floors across the globe.

The Golden Era:

The late 1980s and early 1990s saw the zenith of boom bap, known as the “Golden Era.” Artists like Public Enemy, A Tribe Called Quest, De La Soul, and Wu-Tang Clan pushed the boundaries of the genre, blending social commentary, abstract lyricism, and masterful production into a potent cocktail of sound and thought.

Funny Facts:

• Public Enemy’s “Fight the Power” was initially rejected by the producers of the movie “Do the Right Thing” because they found the lyrics too controversial. But Spike Lee, the film’s director, insisted on using the song, making it one of the most iconic anthems of the era.
• A Tribe Called Quest’s Q-Tip was known for his meticulous vocal delivery, spending hours perfecting his flow. He even used a hair dryer to blow away stray hairs from the microphone before recording to ensure a clean sound.
• The Wu-Tang Clan was so prolific during their early years that they recorded over 200 songs in a single year. This led to a constant stream of releases, cementing their status as one of the most influential hip hop groups of all time.

The Legacy:

Boom bap may have evolved over the years, but its influence remains strong. From the smooth jazz-infused beats of J Dilla to the introspective rap of Kendrick Lamar, the core elements of boom bap continue to inspire generations of artists. The legacy of the breakbeat, the drum machine, and the power of the rhyme continues to resonate, reminding us of the raw energy, creativity, and cultural impact of this iconic genre.