The West coast subgenre of hip hop is a style of music that originated in the 1980s in California, specifically in cities such as Los Angeles and Oakland. This subgenre is known for its laid-back, smooth, and often groovy beats, as well as its socially conscious and politically aware lyrics.
The origins of West coast hip hop can be traced back to the early 1980s, when a group of young musicians in Los Angeles and Oakland began experimenting with the sounds of funk, soul, and jazz, and incorporating them into their hip hop beats. This was a response to the East coast hip hop scene, which at the time was dominated by the harder and more aggressive sounds of acts like Run-DMC and Public Enemy. The result was a new subgenre of hip hop that was characterized by its smooth and groovy beats, as well as its socially conscious and politically aware lyrics.
One of the key elements that makes West coast hip hop distinctive is its use of live instrumentation. Many West 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 West coast hip hop is its use of funk and soul samples. Many West coast hip hop producers and musicians use samples from classic funk and soul records to add a sense of nostalgia and authenticity to their beats. This is in contrast to the use of more contemporary samples, such as those from rock or pop records, that is common in other styles of hip hop.
West 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 West coast subgenre include Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Ice-T, and N.W.A. These artists helped to establish the sound of West coast hip hop in the late 1980s and early 1990s, with their smooth and groovy beats, and their socially conscious and politically aware lyrics. Dr. Dre’s album “The Chronic” was a huge commercial success and helped to establish him as one of the biggest names in the subgenre.
In recent years, West coast hip hop has seen a resurgence of popularity and has become a staple in popular music. Artists such as Kendrick Lamar, YG, and Nipsey Hussle have helped to bring the subgenre to the mainstream, with their hit songs and albums. They continue to carry on the legacy of the West coast sound and style, while also incorporating new elements and pushing the boundaries of the genre.
In conclusion, West 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, funk and soul samples, and socially conscious and politically aware lyrics have helped to establish it as a distinct and powerful style of music. With the rise of popular artists and producers, West coast hip hop continues to evolve and influence popular music in many ways.
