GENRE RESEARCH | Estrellabradleyyear1

GENRE RESEARCH
SPANISH HIP-HOP

Spanish hip-hop, also known as "rap en español," is a genre of music that originated in the Spanish-speaking world and is influenced by hip-hop music from the United States. The genre emerged in the late 1980s and early 1990s, primarily in countries such as Spain, Mexico, and Puerto Rico, and has since spread to other Spanish-speaking countries in Latin America and beyond. Hip-Hop started spreading through Spain during the first half of the 1980s through skate culture, graffiti, and breakdance and started playing on radio stations, nightclubs, music stores, etc. where it got popular (through films, imported vinyl and cassettes from other hip-hop artists)
Spanish hip-hop is distinguished from other forms of hip-hop by its use of the Spanish language and its incorporation of cultural references and musical styles unique to Spanish-speaking communities. The genre has evolved over time, with artists experimenting with new sounds and styles while continuing to maintain the core elements of hip-hop culture, such as rapping, breakdancing, graffiti art, and DJing. It is a subgenre of music that consists of hip-hop music produced in Spain (although you can hear it mixed up with fully formed English-language sentences, slang words, Spanglish, or English-spoken samples on their productions)
One of the key features of Spanish hip-hop is its emphasis on social and political issues. Many artists use their music as a form of protest against poverty, discrimination, and inequality, and use their platform to raise awareness about issues affecting their communities. In addition, Spanish hip-hop has been used as a tool for promoting cultural identity and preserving indigenous languages and traditions.
Another important aspect of Spanish hip-hop is collaboration. Artists often work together on projects, forming collectives and crews that allow them to share resources and build solidarity within the hip-hop community. These collaborations often cross national and linguistic boundaries, with artists from different countries and regions working together to create new sounds and styles.
In recent years, Spanish hip hop has become increasingly popular around the world, with artists such as Bad Bunny, J Balvin, and Rosalía achieving international fame and bringing attention to the genre. As Spanish hip-hop continues to evolve and grow, it remains a powerful cultural force that reflects the experiences and struggles of Spanish-speaking communities around the world.
The culture in Spain is often socially conscious and has a strong presence in working-class barrios. It is strong in big cities such as Madrid, Barcelona, Zaragoza, Seville, and Málaga
Its sound is directly inspired by the major hip-hop styles in the United States but it incorporates influences from flamenco or rumba or Latin music in the use of loops and samples.

CODES AND CONVETIONS

Spanish hip hop, also known as "rap en español," has its own set of codes and conventions that differentiate it from other genres of hip hop.

IN THE MUSIC INDUSTRY:

Language: Spanish hip hop is primarily performed in the Spanish language, which distinguishes it from other forms of hip hop that are primarily performed in English.
Cultural references: Spanish hip-hop often incorporates cultural references that are unique to Spanish-speaking communities, such as references to Latin American or Spanish history, politics, and social issues.
Sampling and production: Spanish hip hop often features samples and beats that draw from traditional Spanish or Latin American music, such as flamenco, salsa, or cumbia. Additionally, Spanish hip-hop producers often incorporate live instrumentation, such as guitar or trumpet, into their beats.
Social commentary: Like hip-hop in general, Spanish hip-hop often includes lyrics that offer social commentary on issues such as poverty, racism, and police brutality.
Collaboration: Spanish hip-hop artists often collaborate with other Spanish-speaking artists, both within and outside of the hip-hop genre, in order to create a sense of community and solidarity.Identity: Spanish hip-hop often emphasizes the importance of identity, including cultural identity, linguistic identity, and political identity, and may feature lyrics that explore these themes in depth.

IN MUSIC VIDEOS:

Urban setting: Spanish hip hop music videos typically feature an urban setting, with city streets, graffiti-covered walls, and other elements of the urban landscape.
Street fashion: The artists and dancers in Spanish hip hop music videos usually wear street fashion, such as baggy pants, sneakers, and baseball caps.
Dance routines: Hip hop music videos often feature choreographed dance routines, sometimes performed by the artists themselves or by backup dancers.
Focus on the artist: The music video usually focuses on the artist or group, with close-ups of their faces and shots of them performing.
Narrative storyline: Some Spanish hip hop music videos have a narrative storyline that follows the lyrics of the song.
Visual effects: Music videos may use visual effects to enhance the overall look and feel of the video.
Use of color: Bright colors are often used in Spanish hip hop music videos, particularly in the clothing worn by the performers.
Lighting: Low-key lighting is commonly used to create a dramatic or moody atmosphere.
Cameos: Spanish hip hop music videos may feature cameo appearances by other artists or celebrities.