Rapping is defined as a vocal style in which the performer speaks rhythmically in rhyme, generally in beat. Take for example this ancedote about Kool Herc who rarely played an entire song; knowing which parts of the song threw his audience into a frenzy-the 'break' in the song where the drums, bass and guitar could be heard-Herc eventually invented what became known as a technique called 'beats' or break beats." Here is a brief walk through tight rap beats, dirty south hip hop beats, gangsta rap (beats), dirty south crunch hip hop (beats) and New School rap(beats).

Tight Rap Beats

Tight rap beats is just one type of beat within the genre of hip hop. For example hip hop songs with tight rap beats instead of dirty hip hop beats include: "Age of Sacred Terror" by Jedi Mind Tricks; "Pain" by 2 pac; "Survival of The Fittest" by Mobb Deep; "Take it Blood" by Nas; "Big E gos" by Dr. Drel; , and "A Ballad of the Dead" by 2 pac.

Dirty South Hip Hop Beats

Rap or hip hop songs with Dirty South hip hop beats as oppose to tight rap beats came out of Southern rap. This genre of rap is extremely popular and is largely characterized by its beats, young, fun-filled, club-friendly tunes and simple, heavily rhythmic lyrical delivery.

Songs from the genre include: "I can't live without my Radio" LL Cool J; "Freestyle Two" by D.J Screw Songs; "The 3rd Coast" by D.J. Screw; "Scarface" by Geto Boys, and LL Cool J "Around the way girl."

Gangsta Rap (Beats)

Gangsta hip hop is a subgenre of music that developed out of the 1980's and supposedly reflects the oppressive, and sometimes violence and despair that comes with growing up in the inner city. Take for example a 2 pac song known for its tight beats called "No More Pain." Also "Good Day" by Ice Cube; "Big Pimpin" by JayZ, "Eminem "The Way I am" and "California Dreamin" 2 Pac.

Dirty South Crunch Hip Hop Beats

A large part of Dirty South hip hop popularity is because of the music genre crunch, just like dirty south it has high energy and a dance oriented feel to it. It involves hoarse chants, repetitive and simple refrains lyrics based on an rhymthic bounce.

Dirty South Crunch Hip Hop Beats song include "Runaway Love" by Ludacris Feat, Mary J. Blige; "Get Back" by Ludacris; "Ms.Jackson" by Outkast, and "Rosa Parks" by Outkast.

New School Rap

This second wave of recorded hip hop starting in 1983-1984 with the early period or Run-DMC and LL Cool J is characterized by drum machine led minimalism often tinged with rock. New School or rap is noted and defined by its taunts and boasts about rapping and socio-political commentary, both delivered in an aggressive, self-confident style.