Entertainment UnderstandingMusic

Genres:Finale

Faye Ton // 7th Grade

In our last installment of Understanding Music Genres, we talked about the genres pop, hyperpop, experimental, R&B, and UK Garage. A thing I want to mention again that was included in the last installment was the culture and history behind R&B. R&B was started and led by African-American people and culture, and a lot of the popular genres you listen to today were influenced or even created by black culture. Take the genre hip-hop (also identified as rap music), it was started by black communities and rooted in New York City. The genre started gaining popularity in the 90s (also known as the Golden Age of hip-hop music). The genre consists of stylized rhythmic music and may be accompanied by rhythmic speech (rapping). Songs from this genre may include instruments such as drum hits, bass lines, and samples from other songs. Although rapping isn’t fundamental for a song to be identified as “hip-hop”, it’s still a staple found in many hip-hop songs. Some artists of this genre include 2Pac, Snoop Dogg, and Nicki Minaj. Most of the genres you listen to today are made by black communities and are influenced by genres made by African-American communities. Take the genre neo soul for example. Neo soul was derived from soul music and R&B. With grooves inspired by genres such as hip-hop, rock, funk, and electronic music. The genre consists of vocal runs on jazzy riffs. Some artists of this genre include D’Angelo, Alicia Keys, and Kali Uchis. In the last installment of ‘Understanding Music Genres’, we discussed UK Garage and how it was derived from garage house and dance music, which made me realize I didn’t talk about house music yet. House music is composed of many subgenres and styles (e.g. deep house, afro house, electro house, classic house, etc.). House music is characterized by its repeated four-on-the-floor beat. Originating in Chicago, most of its definitive sound comes from its 4/4 beat structure and heavy kick drums. The kick/clap drum pattern gives the genre its own distinct sound. The genre can be found playing in clubs. Some artists that have used this genre include Daft Punk, R3HAB, and Beyoncé. House music has heavy components of electronic music, electronic music has many different variants and subgenres. One