The Evolution of MC and Language
One of the core elements is Hip hop is MCing, and just like the other core elements, it has evolved over time.
As hip has progressed MCing has become synonymous with Rapping. However, an MC or Master of ceremonies has a more complex history. MC’s used to be very important in hip hop culture , they would use prewritten or ad-libbed rhymes in presenting Djs, engaging and entertaining the crowd with boasts about themselves and stories.
“As hip-hop progressed, the title MC acquired backronyms such as ‘mike chanter’, ‘microphone controller,’ ‘microphone checker,’ ‘music commentator,’ and one who ‘moves the crowd’. Some use this word interchangeably with the term rapper or emcee, while for others the term denotes a conception and demonstration of the role indicative of skill and of connection to the wider culture.” (HistoryofHipHop).
Call and Response is a very recognizable in early hip hop.This engage the crowd in the show and helped generate energy and hype. As early hip/hop artists based there popularity through show performances the call and response was used frequently, great example of this is Let Me Clear My Throat by DJ Kool.
As rap became more commercialiced and focused on making studio records DJs became less important and the focused shifted to the rapper and what they had to say. Rappers told stories and spread messages.
As commercialism leaned towards prewritten raps and rhymes however Hip Hop culture struggles to preserve the art of the adlib or freestlye. Freestyling (writing rhymes on the spot) is a way many hip-hop artists legitimize those who consider themselves rappers. Youtube has found away for Freestyles to maintain relevance in hip/hop culture. Radio Personalities such as Sway in the Morning provides a space for rappers to challenge their Freestyle capabilites.
Other Youtuber’s such as KingoftheDot Entertaintment have also created a space for more “traditional” rap battles. As rappers go at each other on stage, at shows, on the spot.
Language
As MCing became more focused on Rapping it is interesting to examine how Language evolved as well. Rappers are known for manipulating language for rhymes,effect and punch lines. Popular example is Kanye’s proninciation of Versace.
Language is changing constantly, over time rap songs sound different based on slang and colluqiual trends.
RapStats by RapGenius is a good tool to use to order to visualize these trends and see shifts in language.
However language doesn’t only have trends, it has resurgences too, for example a slang word for vagina, poonani or poon for short, seems to flow in and out of hip hop culture. As seen below.
Most interestingly about the relationship between language and hip-hop culture is the diversity in the command of language represented through differences in flow. Hip Hop continues to grow and expand as each artist tackles the genre differently. Simply listening to various rappers shows the diversity that is introduced into rap based on flow alone.
From Nas to the Fugees to Ski Mask the Slump God it is crazy to think that all of these artists fall under the same umbrella of Hip Hop Culture. A rappers flow is distinct and recognizable and is what allows the rappers voice itself to become an instrument. Flow is what differentiates rap/poetry from simply “talking over music”. The syncopation with the music (or lack thereof) allows the artist to add a layer to the music with the melody of their voice alone. Before one even comprehends lyrics, flow sets mood and tone and shows its not just what you say, but how you say it.