British hip hop facts for kids

British hip hop (also known as British rap) is a type of music that became popular in the United Kingdom. This exciting style of music is found across Ireland, Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales, and England. While it officially gained attention from the 1980s onwards, some believe its roots go back even further. Some British rap artists, like Slick Rick and Young MC (whose real name is Marvin Young), even moved to the United States when they were young and became famous there.

What is British Hip Hop?

British hip hop is a unique blend of sounds and stories from the UK. It takes inspiration from American hip hop but adds its own special British flavour. This includes different accents, slang words, and topics that are important to young people in the UK.

How Did British Hip Hop Start?

Hip hop music first began in the United States in the 1970s. It quickly spread around the world, including to the UK. By the early 1980s, British artists started making their own versions of hip hop. They used elements like rapping, DJing, breakdancing, and graffiti art.

Early Days of UK Rap

In the beginning, British hip hop artists often copied the American style. However, they soon began to develop their own sound. This included using British accents and talking about life in UK cities. Early artists helped to create a foundation for the many different styles of British rap we hear today.

Key Elements of British Hip Hop

British hip hop uses many of the same tools as hip hop from other places, but with a twist:

• Rapping: Artists tell stories and share their thoughts through rhythmic spoken words. They often use clever rhymes and fast flows.
• Beats: The music behind the rapping is called a beat. These beats are often made using samples from other songs or by using drum machines and synthesizers.
• DJing: DJs play a big role by scratching records and mixing different sounds to create unique tracks.
• Lyrics: The words in British hip hop songs often talk about everyday life, social issues, or personal experiences in the UK.

Different Styles of British Hip Hop

Over the years, British hip hop has grown into many different styles. Each style has its own unique sound and feel.

Grime Music Explained

One very popular style that grew from British hip hop is called grime. Grime started in London in the early 2000s. It's known for its fast beats, often around 140 beats per minute, and energetic rapping. Grime artists often use electronic sounds and talk about life in the city. It became very popular and helped many British artists become famous around the world.

UK Drill Music

Another style that has become well-known is UK drill. This style has a darker, more serious sound and often features deep bass lines. UK drill artists usually rap about their experiences in their local areas. This style has a strong beat and a unique rhythm that makes it stand out.

Other UK Rap Styles

Besides grime and drill, there are many other forms of British hip hop. Some artists create more thoughtful and poetic rap, while others focus on fun, danceable tracks. The great thing about British hip hop is how diverse it is, with something for everyone to enjoy.

Impact and Influence

British hip hop has had a big impact on music and culture in the UK and beyond. It has given a voice to many young people and helped to share British stories with the world.

British Artists Go Global

Many British hip hop artists have become famous not just in the UK, but all over the world. They perform concerts, release popular albums, and win awards. This shows how much British hip hop has grown and how much people enjoy it.

Hip Hop in British Culture

Beyond just music, British hip hop has influenced fashion, art, and even the way people talk. It's a powerful form of expression that reflects the energy and creativity of young people in the UK. It continues to evolve and inspire new artists every day.

Images for kids

• 

  MF Doom was a rapper.

See also

In Spanish: Hip hop británico para niños