Most Common Music Styles in Hip-Hop Dance

Music for hip-hop was born alongside this dance style, but has undergone many changes throughout its evolution. It absorbed notes and motifs from other genres like locking, popping, brooklyn, b-boying, freestyle, and rocking.

As a result, many different hip-hop music subgenres emerged. The music became so diverse and versatile that if you decide to dance hip-hop, you can easily find a musical style that suits you. You can even improvise a dance blending multiple genres at once.

When hip-hop plays, it’s like you’re dipping into the past and slowly landing in the present. The mix of styles and directions helps it evolve and discover new notes, motives, and lyrics for songs from such unique music.

Pop-Rap

A light musical style that emerged in the late 80s in New York. It is a hybrid of hip-hop and is so melodic that it conveys the full range of emotions embedded in it, from sad notes to an intensified tempo of anger and power.

Hardcore Rap

This hip-hop genre originated in the late 1980s in the USA. The music features an enhanced beat that sounds heavy, loud, and chaotic. Lyrics usually involve confrontation and processed profanity.

Horrorcore

This musical style formed in the 1990s and became very popular by '91. It incorporates film lyrics, human vices, and guitar strings. As a result, it was banned in 2001 but survived and remains a hip-hop subgenre today.

Funk

Funk is the main and original foundation of hip-hop. It began reviving in the 1960s from African-American music. Translated into Russian, the slang word 'funk' means to dance with all your might until you sweat. The most danceable music of all hip-hop types.

Influences from R&B, Reggae, Soul, and Jazz

Huge influence also came from R&B, reggae, soul, and jazz. These styles add color and melody to hip-hop. The tempo becomes fast, rhythmic, and electrifying.

Rhythm and Blues (R&B)

Came to us in the 30s, became an official and patented name in the 40s, and is synonymous with African-American race music. A dance music genre originating in the USA and based on African rhythms. In the 40s and 50s, it became quite popular among youth.

Soul

Emerged in the USA in the 50s from popular and spiritual African-American music. During the popularization of this style, schools teaching soul music were formed. So its development didn't stop, and it was considered excellent music.

Jazz

A musical style formed from African folklore and rhythms, with the addition of European harmony and modern touches. In the USA, it emerged in the 1910s and is considered the most widespread musical style worldwide.

Reggae

This direction of modern music uses instruments like electric guitar and brass instruments. The music is quite rhythmic and melodic, with a moderate 4/4 beat and high tone.