Definition of rap

The origins of the word "rap" in its music context can be traced back to the early 1980s in New York City's Bronx borough. According to most sources, the term "rap" first emerged as an abbreviation for "rappin'" or "repeated action of pulling out patrol," which referred to the manner in which DJs would "rap" or "recite" over the musical breaks between songs. These DJs would often chant and speak over funk and soul songs, making references to their own experiences and those in their communities. This practice eventually led to the emergence of MCs, or "masters of ceremonies," who would write and perform their own original pieces of spoken-word poetry over instrumentals. The term "rap" gradually evolved to describe both the spoken-word style and the music genre as a whole, which combines elements of rhythmic spoken language, music, and dance. The word "rap" has since become synonymous with hip-hop culture and continues to be used to describe various aspects of this influential art form.