[Freesteyelz]

Rap is influenced from the days of the funk to the blues and even centuries before that. It was the first form of vocal music (for any history buffs). It is based on poetry as Scrolls mentioned. However, the same with any other genre of music, there is good and bad rap.

Most of what people hear is from the mainstream. I also think that most rap of today is quite pathetic and gives the legimate rappers and DJ's a bad name. Yet to say that all rap is "crap" is erroneous and often comes from a limited understanding, appreciation and exposure to what it's all about.

Back in the day rap was about having fun. It was feel good music. Any talk of battles/beefs remained on the stage between vocalists known as MC's. The DJ's were the conductors of the show which is often lost with today's rap. "Booty dancing", while I like Miami Bass and southern party rap (e.g., Atlanta), the girls were never a part of the Hip-Hop culture, which rap is a part of. It was about the B-Boys/Girls, Grafitti, DJ's and MC's. Yet, because most people listen to mainstream, they wouldn't know some of these facts.

View rap like any other genre of music. Most singers can't sing and yet they are showcased in the pop-culture. Same with rap, many can't do it but they get the exposure nevertheless. Whether it's agreed or disagreed, there is no debating, as rap will be forever stamped in music history.