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Rapping Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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rapping

[ˈræpɪŋ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

music

The action or art of performing rap music.

Synonyms

hip-hop music, rap music.

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Word Description / Examples
rapping

Used to describe the act of speaking rhythmically with rhyming words, usually over a beat. It often highlights the vocal performance aspect in music.

  • He impressed the crowd with his fast rapping.
  • The artist spent hours perfecting his rapping skills.
rap music

Specifically refers to the musical genre where the primary focus is on rhythmically speaking or chanting lyrics over a beat. It can be considered a subgenre of hip-hop music.

  • He's a big fan of '90s rap music.
  • Rap music often addresses social issues and personal stories.
hip-hop music

A broad term used to describe a cultural movement that includes various elements such as DJing, breakdancing, graffiti art, and rap music. It encompasses more than just the musical aspect.

  • Hip-hop music has influenced fashion, language, and lifestyle.
  • The event will feature hip-hop music performances and breakdancing.

Examples of usage

  • She has a natural talent for rapping.
  • His rapping skills have improved a lot since last year.
Context #2 | Noun

conversation

A form of rhyming speech used in informal or improvised conversation.

Synonyms

quick speech, rhyming speech.

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Word Description / Examples
rapping

Used to describe a style of music where lyrics are spoken rhythmically over beats. Often associated with hip hop culture, this term can also refer to fast spoken lyrics in a non-musical setting.

  • He spent hours rapping his verse until it was perfect.
  • The debate got heated, with each participant rapping their arguments in quick succession.
rhyming speech

This term is used when speaking in a way that includes rhymes, often for poetic or humorous effect. It isn't specific to music and can be used in poetry, children's literature, or light-hearted interactions.

  • The children enjoyed the rhyming speech of the storyteller.
  • She impressed everyone at the party with her spontaneous rhyming speech.
quick speech

This phrase is used when someone is talking very rapidly, not necessarily in a rhythmic or musical manner. It can refer to anyone speaking fast in various situations, such as presentations, conversations, or speeches.

  • She delivered her quick speech in under five minutes, leaving the audience impressed.
  • His quick speech made it hard for us to follow everything he was saying.

Examples of usage

  • His quick rapping during the debate impressed the audience.
  • The comedian's witty rapping with the audience kept everyone entertained.
Context #3 | Verb

music

To perform rap music.

Synonyms

deliver rap lyrics, perform rap music.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
rapping

This word is often used to describe the act of speaking or chanting rhythmic and rhyming speech. It can also refer to making quick, light blows, usually as a form of knocking.

  • He spent hours rapping with his friends about life.
  • I heard someone rapping on the door.
perform rap music

This phrase is appropriate when discussing the complete act of presenting rap music, which includes both lyrics and music. It's often used in the context of live shows or formal performances.

  • He will perform rap music at the concert tomorrow.
  • They love to perform rap music in underground clubs.
deliver rap lyrics

This phrase is suitable for situations where you are emphasizing the actual words and lyrical content of a rap performance or recording, often in a more formal or technical context.

  • The artist chose to deliver rap lyrics that highlighted social issues.
  • She has a unique way to deliver rap lyrics that engages the audience.

Examples of usage

  • She loves rapping along to her favorite songs.
  • He rapped about his life experiences in his latest album.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Pop Culture

  • Influential figures like Kool Herc and Grandmaster Flash popularized hip-hop culture and rapping through their DJing techniques and performance styles.
  • In the 1990s, artists like Tupac Shakur and The Notorious B.I.G. brought storytelling to the forefront of rap, addressing social issues and personal struggles.
  • Today, rapping is an integral part of mainstream music, crossing into genres like pop, rock, and electronic music.

Psychology

  • Rapping can serve as a form of expression, helping individuals articulate feelings and experiences that may be difficult to communicate otherwise.
  • Studies have linked rapping and improvisational lyricism to enhanced cognitive flexibility and creativity.
  • Engaging with rhythm and rhyme has been shown to positively affect memory and language development.

Literature

  • Rapping often incorporates poetic devices, such as rhyme, alliteration, and imagery, akin to traditional forms of poetry.
  • The rise of rap has led to the exploration of narrative voice and identity in literature, influencing both songwriting and poetry.
  • Notable poets, like Gil Scott-Heron, are often credited for laying the groundwork for the lyrical depth found in modern rapping.

Science

  • Research suggests that rhythm and rhyme in rapping can enhance language processing skills, beneficial in both children and adults.
  • The physical aspect of rapping engages the brain regions responsible for motor skills, which can foster coordination and timing.
  • Musical training in rapping can activate brain pathways associated with emotional processing, impacting listeners and performers alike.

Origin of 'rapping'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'rap' originated in the 1960s and was derived from slang meaning 'to talk'.
  • Initially associated with African American vernacular, it reflects a rich tradition of oral storytelling.
  • In the 1970s, the genre began gaining traction in New York City, particularly in the Bronx, during block parties.

The word 'rapping' originated in the African-American community in the 1960s, initially as a slang term for conversation or talking. With the rise of hip-hop music in the 1970s, rapping evolved into a form of musical expression and storytelling. Rappers use rhythm, rhyme, and wordplay to convey their message to the audience. Today, rapping is a prominent element of hip-hop culture and has influenced various music genres worldwide.

See also: rap, rapid, rapier, rappee, rapper, rapport.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #27,041, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.