Big Blog I: American Roots Music - Alternative Hip-Hop

Alternative Hip Hop

Alternative hip-hop is a subgenre that comprises components from other genres, such as soul, funk, alternative rock, and even punk rock. The music of this subgenre frequently features a unique mixture of complex soundscapes and an emphasis on lyrical content. Alternative hip-hop does not align with the evolving rules and principles of other competitive mainstream subgenres, such as gangsta rap and trap.

Developed in the late 1980s by pioneer artists and groups, including De La Soul and A Tribe Called Quest, early alternative hip-hop used an eclectic string of influences and sounds to concoct a fun and light energy while incorporating lyrics that provoked thought and captivated earlier audiences. Mainstream audiences continued to enjoy the rhythms and beats of alternative hip-hop into the early 1990s, with groups like Arrested Development and the Fugees rising to stardom and other prominent alternative hip-hop acts like Outkast getting their start. However, the gangsta rap subgenre of hip-hop would make this stardom short-lived, as both East and West Coast artists would rise to fame with their hard-hitting beats and lyrical content that tackled the highs and lows of the gangsta lifestyle. Though the emergence of gangsta rap discouraged many alternative hip-hop acts and put the subgenre on the back burner, it would not stay there for long. The 2000s brought some of the most successful alternative hip-hop artists, such as Outkast and Kanye West, to the forefront of the genre, with OutKast's Speakerboxxx/The Love Below being the number-one-selling hip-hop album of all time and Kanye West is arguably one of the most influential performers in hip-hop. 

Outkast - Hey Ya! 

Since its resurgence, alternative hip-hop has displayed its ability to produce award-winning music that tests the bounds of the genre and explores a multitude of creative facets. Today, modern artists like Kendrick Lamar, Childish Gambino, Tyler, the Creator, and many others work to extend and expand the conceptions and expectations of alternative hip-hop.

Characteristics of Alternative Hip-Hop

One of the most intriguing characteristics of alternative hip-hop is the extent of the influences it pulls from, the most prominent being funk, pop, rock, soul, jazz, and more. Independent from the more rigid expectations of other mainstream hip-hop subgenres, alternative hip-hop uses a unique and complex blend of these influences to display their distinctive brand of creativity. The emphasis on using uncommon samples throughout the genre is another testament to every medium that alternative hip-hop pulls from. Groups and artists such as Kanye West and the critically acclaimed alternative hip-hop duo Madvillain, comprised of rapper MF DOOM and producer Madlib, would pride themselves on their ability to intricately work samples from earlier music, movies, and television shows into their music. There are no limits on where these samples and influences come from, and while we can find many of these facets of modern alternative hip-hop stemming from other genres with American roots, the music, and experiences of numerous cultures find intricate ways to shine through.

MF DOOM - One Beer

Another prominent characteristic of alternative hip-hop that differentiates it from other sub-genres of hip-hop is the lyrical content. Unlike the violent and aggressive lyrics of gangsta rap, alternative hip-hop lyrical content can be humorous and unserious, emotionally moving and deep, vibrant and positive, and conscious about issues faced in the Black community. The lyrics are also a medium for artists to display their authentic selves and prove that rappers did not have to rap about drugs and guns to gain critical acclaim. 

The Critical Reception of Alternative Hip-Hop

Mainstream hip-hop and pop fans did not readily accept the experimentation and innovation during the early stages of alternative hip-hop. The reason this subgenre is labeled "alternative" to begin with is because it did not fit in with the regulations and expectations of the dominant forces of hip-hop on the East and West coasts. The pioneers of alternative hip-hop shied away from the gangsta-rap-esque lyrics about gun violence and drug usage to express their true selves and to create intricate, syncretic music that experiments with the conventional concepts of hip-hop. The experimental, non-traditional nature of this music turned commercial media outlets away from promoting the things these artists were making. However, this lack of commercial promotion and overshadowing from other mainstream acts was not enough to deter alternative hip-hop artists from making music that contested the preconceived notions about hip-hop. Artists like The Fugees and Arrested Development would continue to make genre-bending music that would climb the charts, win awards, and bring mainstream attention to alternative hip-hop that would blow the doors open for other artists. Today, alternative hip-hop artists have won Grammies, had #1 songs and albums on the Billboard charts, and won plaque after plaque from the RIAA. 

Modern Alternative Artists

Kendrick Lamar

Globally recognized as one of the greatest hip-hop artists of all time, Kendrick Lamar has been known for incorporating jazz, intricate production of his beats, and different vocal experimentation while rapping about conscious topics. Lamar's 2017, DAMN., garnered a total of five Grammy wins.

Notable Recent Song: N95, 2022

Tyler, The Creator

The music industry and many music lovers worldwide have recognized Tyler, the Creator, for pushing the boundaries of the hip-hop genre and his ability to experiment with and blur the lines between different genres. While he dabbled in horrorcore hip-hop with a less serious, more humorous tone in the early parts of his career, Tyler, the Creator, has since matured into one of the faces of alternative hip-hop, consistently releasing music that tests the limits of rap.

Notable Recent Song: SORRY NOT SORRY, 2023

Kanye West

Though his personal life is quite controversial, none can deny the artistic genius and widespread influence of Kanye West as a rapper, producer, and fashion designer. Over his career, Kanye West has won 24 Grammy awards and revolutionized alternative hip-hop. He has influenced many of today's modern artists and has taken the art form of music performance to new heights.

Notable Recent Song: Life of the Party, 2022

Citations

COOPER, ANTONIO. “These Are 20 of the Best-Selling Hip-Hop Albums of All Time.” XXL Mag, 4 Oct. 2023, www.xxlmag.com/best-selling-hip-hop-albums/.

MasterClass. “Alternative Hip-Hop Music: 5 Notable Alt Hip-Hop Artists - 2023.” MasterClass, www.masterclass.com/articles/alternative-hip-hop-music-guide. Accessed 28 Oct. 2023.

WIKIPEDIA. “Alternative Hip Hop.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 16 Oct. 2023, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alternative_hip_hop.

YELLOWBRICK. “Exploring the Rise of Alternative Rap: A Genre Revolution.” Yellowbrick, 17 Aug. 2023, www.yellowbrick.co/blog/music/exploring-the-rise-of-alternative-rap-a-genre-revolution.