Difference Between Hip Hop and Pop

Hip Hop vs Pop
 

Key Difference – Hip Hop vs Pop

Between Hip Hop and Pop, a key difference can be identified although both are famous. Anyone that has a bit of a background in music would instantly see the difference in these two genres. But dissimilarity aside, they both share a common point; they are both cultures that have influenced numerous changes not just in music but in society as well. First let us comprehend the nature of each genre. Hip hop refers to a style of music featuring rap with an electronic backing. On the other hand, Pop refers to modern popular music with a strong melody and beat. Through this article let us attempt to understand the key difference between hip-hop and pop music.

What is Hip Hop?

Hip hop refers to a style of music featuring rap with an electronic backing. Hip hop as a culture started in 1970, the period in which the parties at The Bronx were notorious for their loudspeakers with a Jamaican influence. It was the time in which Rap, graffiti, DJing, and B-boying surfaced to begin a cultural change. The change though was not just limited to audio; Hip hop was born to counter the constant clash between various gangs in New York.

Hip hop contains messages that are symbolic to the artist’s standpoint on different issues. It is characterized primarily by beats that involve funk, scratching, beatbox and vocal percussion as well. Hip hop is also commonly distinguished by break dancing and rap.

What is Pop?

Pop refers to modern popular music with a strong melody and beat. Pop is considered as the melting pot of all the genres. No other genre has accommodated a wide scope of music influences. It is created to target the younger audience, hence incorporating the popular rhythm and beats from various music category. Although the start of Pop music dates back in the early 30’s, somehow each Pop track always retains that certain freshness that appeals to the general crowd.

The style for each genre is truly apparent; one does not need to be an expert to know the difference. Ideally, Pop is more tailored for commercialism; other artists would argue that this caused the Pop genre to be devoid of artistic caliber. The songs usually have shorter time and simpler moral. Some of the most noted Pop singles are either love songs or dance tracks that have a novelty – like quality.

These two cultures created an impact so great, that even decades after their birth, they are still evident and, in fact, has already been adapted as a way of life for some. Questions between commercialism and a display of artistic capabilities are long gone, as genres are slowly being associated with each other. After all a successful single is not only based on its artistic message but with its appeal to the general crowd as well.

What is the Difference Between Hip Hop and Pop?

Definitions of Hip-hop and Pop:

Hip hop: Hip hop refers to a style of music featuring rap with an electronic backing.

Pop: Pop refers to modern popular music with a strong melody and beat.

Characteristics of Hip-hop and Pop:

Nature:

Hip hop: Hip hop contains messages that are symbolic to the artist’s standpoint on different issues.

Pop: Pop is more tailored for commercialism; others artist would argue that this caused the Pop genre to be devoid of artistic caliber.

Image Courtesy:

1. “JabbaWockeeZ” by Mark J Sebastian – Flickr: Jabbawockeez (#57919). [CC BY-SA 2.0] via Wikimedia Commons

2. “Rolling stones – 11 luglio 2006 – san siro” by Severino – Flickr: rolling stones – 11 luglio 2006 – san siro. [CC BY 2.0] via Wikimedia Commons

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