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<!DOCTYPE html>
<html lang="en">
<head>
<link rel="stylesheet" href="./style.css">
</link>
<link rel="preconnect" href="https://fonts.googleapis.com">
<link rel="preconnect" href="https://fonts.gstatic.com" crossorigin>
<link href="https://fonts.googleapis.com/css2?family=Libre+Baskerville&display=swap" rel="stylesheet">
<title>The Subgenres of Rap</title>
</head>
<body>
<div id="title">
<h1>RAP HISTORY</h1>
<h2>——— IN DATA ———</h2>
<h2 id="by-line">By Hunter Allen</h2>
</div>
<div id="intro">
<p>
<span class="tab"></span>As one of the most influential music genres of our time, rap has made
its mark on culture, politics, and society. The soundtrack of the hip-hop movement, rap has evolved in its
sounds, themes, techniques, and the
artists
that contribute to it from its early beginnings in the streets of New York City to the
global phenomenon it is today. In this article, we explore the rich history of rap
through data visualizations, examining its subgenres, artists, and lyrical content.
<br><br>
<span class="tab"></span>Whether you are a long-time dedicated hip-hop follower with a desire to study the
trends of the social movement or a casual rap listener who wants to learn more about the genre (or anywhere
inbetween), this article is for you to explore and to come up with your own observations and hypotheses.
<br><br>
<span class="tab"></span>The timeline below shows a few of the most prominent subgenres in rap music. Click
on one of them to explore its
data and learn more about it.
</p>
<figure>
<img src="rap-then-and-now.jpg" alt="The Sugarhill Gang">
<figcaption id = "img-figcaption">Top: Mean Machine at the Third Avenue Hub block party, in 1981. <br>Bottom: Dr. Dre and Snoop
Dogg at the 2022 Superbowl half-time show. <br>Photographers: Joe Conzo & Frederic J. Brown</figcaption>
</figure>
</div>
<div id="timeline"></div>
<div id="subgenre-under-inspection">
<h4></h4>
<div id="visualization-container">
<div id="one-left">
<h3>Artists</h3>
<p id="bubbleChartParagraph" class = "chartParagraph"></p>
</div>
<div id="one-right">
<div id="bubbleChart"></div>
<figcaption>Click and drag the circles to move them around. The chart above shows the most influential artists of the subgenre, sized proportionally to monthly listeners on Spotify as of April 2023.</figcaption>
</div>
<div id="two-left">
<div id="wordCloud"></div>
<figcaption>Click and drag words to move them around. The word cloud above shows the most common words of the subgenre, giving more weight to words that are more unique to this subgenre.</figcaption>
</div>
<div id="two-right">
<h3>Most Common Words</h3>
<p id="wordCloudParagraph" class = "chartParagraph"></p>
</div>
<div id="three-left">
<h3>Sentiment Score</h3>
<p id="speedometerParagraph" class = "chartParagraph"></p>
</div>
<div id="three-right">
<div id="speedometer"></div>
<figcaption>The gauge above shows how negative/positive the lyrics are in this subgenre.</figcaption>
</div>
<div id="four-left">
<div id="spider"></div>
<figcaption>The spider-chart above shows how much the six topics show up in lyrics from this subgenre.</figcaption>
</div>
<div id="four-right">
<h3>Topics</h3>
<p id="spiderParagraph" class = "chartParagraph"></p>
</div>
</div>
<!-- <div id="info-on-subgenres">
<div id="rap-subgenre-info-left">
<div id="rap-subgenre-info-left-text">
<h5>Old-School Hip-Hop</h5>
<p>
Old-school rap, which emerged in the 1970s and lasted through the mid-1980s, was the first style
of
rap to
be recorded and gain mainstream attention. It began as a product of block parties in the South
Bronx, where
DJs would spin disco and funk records and MCs would rap over them. Some of the most influential
rappers of
this era include Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five, Run-DMC, and LL Cool J. Old-school rap
is
often associated with disco, as many of the early rap tracks were based on disco beats, but it
quickly
evolved into a distinct genre with its own sound and style. The lyrics of old-school rap often
dealt
with
partying, social issues, and life in the inner city, and laid the foundation for the socially
conscious themes
that would become a hallmark of later rap styles.
</p>
</div>
<figure>
<img src="message.jpg" alt="The Message by Grandmaster Flash & The Furious 5">
<figcaption>The Message <br>By Grandmaster Flash & The Furious 5</figcaption>
</figure>
</div>
<div id="rap-subgenre-info-right">
<figure>
<img src="mm.jpg" alt="Midnight Marauders By A Tribe Called Quest">
<figcaption>Midnight Marauders <br>By A Tribe Called Quest</figcaption>
</figure>
<div id="rap-subgenre-info-right-text">
<h5>Golden Age Hip-Hop</h5>
<p>
Golden Age hip hop is often regarded as the peak of the genre, both in terms of creativity and
commercial success. It began in the mid-1980s and lasted until the early 1990s, with New York
City
as its epicenter. During this time, rappers and producers pushed the boundaries of what was
possible
with rap music, experimenting with sampling, drum machines, and other technologies to create
unique
sounds and beats. Some of the most influential rappers of this era include Rakim, KRS-One, LL
Cool
J, Public Enemy, and Big Daddy Kane, among others. Golden Age hip hop also saw the emergence of
female rappers like MC Lyte and Queen Latifah, who challenged gender norms and paved the way for
future generations of women in hip hop. The lyrics of Golden Age hip hop often dealt with social
and
political issues, such as poverty, police brutality, and racism, making it an important tool for
cultural commentary and social change.
</p>
</div>
</div>
<div id="rap-subgenre-info-left">
<div id="rap-subgenre-info-left-text">
<h5>Gangsta Rap</h5>
<p>
Gangsta rap, or G-Rap, emerged in the late 1980s and early 1990s, and was characterized by its
gritty,
streetwise lyrics that often glorified violence, drugs, and gang culture. However, the content
of
the lyrics also covers social and political issues - perhaps even more than Golden Age Hip Hop.
The
genre was a reflection
of the harsh realities of life in inner-city America, and was driven by artists who had
experienced
the struggles and violence of that lifestyle firsthand. Some of the most notable gangsta rap
artists
of the time included N.W.A., Ice-T, and Tupac Shakur. The genre was controversial and often
criticized for promoting negative stereotypes and glorifying criminal behavior. Despite this,
gangsta rap had a major impact on the music industry and popular culture, and paved the way for
the
continued evolution of hip hop.
</p>
</div>
<figure>
<img src="nwa.jpg" alt="Straight Outta Compton by N.W.A">
<figcaption>Straight Outta Compton <br>by N.W.A</figcaption>
</figure>
</div>
<div id="rap-subgenre-info-right">
<figure>
<img src="koc.jpg" alt="Kings of Crunk by Lil Jon & The East Side Boyz">
<figcaption>Kings of Crunk <br>By Lil Jon & The East Side Boyz</figcaption>
</figure>
<div id="rap-subgenre-info-right-text">
<h5>Crunk Rap</h5>
<p>
Crunk is a subgenre of hip hop that originated in the southern United States in the late 1990s
and
early 2000s. It is known for its energetic and aggressive beats, and its lyrics often center
around
partying, drinking, and the "crunk" lifestyle. Crunk was popularized by artists like Lil Jon,
Ying
Yang Twins, and Three 6 Mafia, who incorporated
the genre into their music. Lil Jon's 2002 album "Kings of Crunk" was a commercial success, and
helped to bring the genre into the mainstream. Crunk is often associated with the southern hip
hop
scene, particularly in Atlanta and Memphis. It is also closely related to other subgenres like
snap
music and trap music.
While crunk enjoyed mainstream success in the early 2000s, it has since fallen out of
popularity.
However, its influence can still be heard in contemporary hip hop and pop music.
</p>
</div>
</div>
<div id="rap-subgenre-info-left">
<div id="rap-subgenre-info-left-text">
<h5>Trap Music</h5>
<p>
Trap music emerged from the southern United States in the early 2000s, with roots in Atlanta's
hip-hop scene. The term "trap" refers to the places where drugs are sold illegally, and the
music's
lyrics often focus on the violence and drug culture found in these areas. The sound of trap
music is
characterized by its heavy use of 808 drum machines, synthesizers, and vocal manipulations. The
genre rose to mainstream popularity in the mid-2010s, with artists like Future, Migos, and Young
Thug at the forefront. Trap music has since become a dominant force in hip-hop and pop music,
with
its influence extending beyond the music itself to fashion and popular culture. Despite
criticism of
its lyrical content, trap music has proven to be a reflection of contemporary society and a
cultural
phenomenon that cannot be ignored.
</p>
</div>
<figure>
<img src="ds2.jpg" alt="DS2 by Future">
<figcaption>DS2 <br>by Future</figcaption>
</figure>
</div>
<div id="rap-subgenre-info-right">
<figure>
<img src="almighty_so.jpg" alt="Almighty So by Chief Keef">
<figcaption>Almighty So <br>By Chief Keef</figcaption>
</figure>
<div id="rap-subgenre-info-right-text">
<h5>Drill Rap</h5>
<p>
Drill is a subgenre of hip-hop that originated in the early 2010s in Chicago, Illinois. The
style is
known for its dark and ominous beats, as well as its lyrical content, which often centers around
the
harsh realities of inner-city life. Drill gained popularity through artists such as Chief Keef
and
Lil Durk, who were able to turn their street experiences into chart-topping hits. The genre is
characterized by its stripped-down production style, heavy use of auto-tune, and aggressive
delivery. Drill has also influenced other subgenres such as UK drill and Brooklyn drill. Despite
its
popularity, drill has faced criticism for promoting violence and glorifying criminal activity in
its
lyrics.
</p>
</div>
</div>
<div id="rap-subgenre-info-left">
<div id="rap-subgenre-info-left-text">
<h5>Mumble Rap</h5>
<p>
Mumble rap is a subgenre of hip-hop that emerged in the mid-2010s, characterized by its heavy
use of
auto-tune, mumbled delivery, and simple repetitive
lyrics. The subgenre's rise in popularity is closely associated with the streaming platform
SoundCloud, where many artists gained a following and launched their careers. Some notable
artists
are Lil Uzi Vert, Playboi Carti, and 21 Savage.
Mumble rap has been met with mixed reception from the hip-hop community. While some fans
appreciate
the subgenre's catchy melodies and youthful energy, others criticize the lack of lyrical
substance
and the perceived laziness of the delivery. Despite this criticism, mumble rap has gained
mainstream
success, with many of its artists achieving commercial success and topping the charts.
</p>
</div>
<figure>
<img src="LIR.jpg" alt="Luv is Rage 2 by Lil Uzi Vert">
<figcaption>Luv is Rage 2 <br>by Lil Uzi Vert</figcaption>
</figure>
</div>
</div> -->
<div id="the-data-info">
<h5 style="text-align: center;">The Data</h5>
<p>The dataset we used for this webpage consists of ~25 albums for each subgenre. The line between eras and
subgenres can blur, so we tried to stick to the most clear-cut albums and artists for each subgenre. To
decide on the most influential albums for each subgenre, we took various inputs from the internet -
ChatGPT,
Reddit, Wikipedia, and various other websites. Sometimes, albums belong to more than one subgenre. For
example, Straight Outta Compton is classified as both golden age and gangsta rap. Some artists are
purposefully excluded from the dataset because of the diversity of the songs in each of their albums.
For
example, any album by Jay-Z is hard to pin as gangsta rap because of the various themes and styles.
Again,
these are only a few of the subgenres of rap, and even the ones we discuss in this article can be split
up
into smaller subgenres (like my personal favorite, g-funk as a subgenre of gangsta rap).
<br><br>
To get the data on each of the albums, we used a python library called lyricsgenius and web scraped the
data
from Genius.com. All of the data visualizations were made with D3.js, a javascript library. Here is some
more detailed information about each of the visualizations…
<br>
<ul>
<li>
<b>Artist Bubble Chart</b> - The artists that go into these visualizations are based entirely off of
the
albums
that went into the subgenre. The size of each circle is determined by the artist’s monthly listeners
on
Spotify as of April 2023. It is worth noting that the circles are sized relative only to the artists
of
the
same subgenre. So, the size of a trap artist’s circle should not be compared with the size of an old
school
rapper’s circle. The circles are intractable if you click and drag them.
</li>
<li>
<b>Most Common Words</b> - These words were chosen through a technique called TF-IDF. TF-IDF (term
frequency-inverse document frequency) in this context evaluates how important a word is to a
subgenre
relative to the rest of the subgenres. The metric is calculated based on the frequency of a word in
a
subgenre and its frequency in all of the other subgenres. So, common words that exist across all
albums
are
automatically filtered out. Really, these charts show the most common words that are still fairly
unique
to
that subgenre. The words in this chart are also interactable if you click and drag them.
</li>
<li>
<b>Sentiment Gauge</b> - To calculate the sentiment gauge for a subgenre, we used TextBlob, a python
library, to
get a sentiment score for each word from each album in a given subgenre. Then, we averaged those
scores
to
come up with the final sentiment score for the subgenre.
</li>
<li>
<b>Topics Spider Chart</b> - To create this chart, we came up with lists of words likely to
correlate
with each of
the topics. For example, our list of drug-related words includes “alcohol”, “xanax”, “weed”, etc.
The
algorithm goes through all the lyrics of the given subgenre and counts the number of times the
rappers
said
a drug-related word. We then calculate the percentage of their lyrics that are drug-related so that
subgenres with more/less lyrics are scored fairly.</p>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
<script src="https://d3js.org/d3.v7.min.js">
</script>
<script src="https://cdnjs.cloudflare.com/ajax/libs/d3-cloud/1.2.5/d3.layout.cloud.js"
integrity="sha512-UWEnsxiF3PBLuxBEFjpFEHQGZNLwWFqztm66Wok/kXsGSrcOS76CP3ovpEQmwlOmR2Co4iV5FmXrdb7YzP37SA=="
crossorigin="anonymous" referrerpolicy="no-referrer"></script>
<script src="./dataviz.js"></script>
</body>
</html>