The East coast subgenre of hip hop is a style of music that originated in the 1970s and 1980s in the northeastern United States, specifically in cities such as New York City and Philadelphia. This subgenre is known for its hard-hitting, energetic beats and its socially conscious and politically aware lyrics.
The origins of East coast hip hop can be traced back to the 1970s, when a group of young musicians in New York City began experimenting with the sounds of funk, soul, and jazz, and incorporating them into their hip hop beats. This was a response to the West coast hip hop scene, which at the time was dominated by the laid-back and smooth sounds of acts like Grandmaster Flash and Afrika Bambaataa. The result was a new subgenre of hip hop that was characterized by its hard-hitting, energetic beats and its socially conscious and politically aware lyrics.
One of the key elements that makes East coast hip hop distinctive is its use of live instrumentation. Many East coast hip hop producers and musicians use live instruments such as drums, bass, and keyboards, to create a more organic and soulful sound. This is in contrast to the use of drum machines and samples that is common in other styles of hip hop.
Another key element of East coast hip hop is its use of socially conscious and politically aware lyrics. Many East coast hip hop artists use their music as a platform to address social and political issues, such as poverty, racism, and police brutality. This is in contrast to the more superficial and materialistic themes that are common in other styles of hip hop.
East coast hip hop production style is heavily influenced by the music production techniques that originated in the 1970s and 1980s. Producers often use traditional recording equipment such as mixing boards and tape machines, to give the music a more authentic and vintage sound. They also use techniques such as live instrumentation, and the use of samples and loops, to create a more organic and soulful sound.
The artists and music producers that popularized the East coast subgenre include Run-DMC, Public Enemy, LL Cool J, and A Tribe Called Quest. These artists helped to establish the sound of East coast hip hop in the 1980s, with their hard-hitting, energetic beats and their socially conscious and politically aware lyrics. Run-DMC in particular, was a major influence in the early days of the subgenre, and their album “Raising Hell” was a huge commercial success and helped to establish them as one of the biggest names in the subgenre.
In recent years, East coast hip hop has seen a resurgence of popularity and has become a staple in popular music. Artists such as Nas, Jay-Z, and Wu-Tang Clan have helped to bring the subgenre to the mainstream, with their hit songs and albums. They continue to carry on the legacy of the East coast sound and style, while also incorporating new elements and pushing the boundaries of the genre.
In conclusion, East coast hip hop is a subgenre of hip hop that has a rich history and unique elements that set it apart from other styles of hip hop. Its use of live instrumentation, socially conscious and politically aware lyrics, and hard-hitting, energetic beats have helped to establish it as a distinct and powerful style of music. With the rise of popular artists and producers, East coast hip hop continues to evolve and influence popular music in many ways.
