The term “boom bap” was first recorded in a 1984 song by T La Rock for his track “It’s Yours,” using the expression to refer to the sounds of the kick and snare drum. Later, “Boom Bap” would become the universal name for this subgenre of hip-hop.
DJ Premier suggested that the expression existed before the production of “It’s Yours.” He claims that the term was used by the hip-hop community to describe all hip-hop and the characteristic rhythm of the drums used back then.
The subgenre gained popularity until KRS-One released an album in 1993 titled “Return of the Boom Bap.” This album was so successful and popularized the term to such an extent that even today, for some people, this style or subgenre is the only thing they recognize as hip-hop music.
KRS-One described it this way: “The vibe of boom bap is using the least amount of instruments to create the most rhythmic sound.”
Sounds
Productions in this style are usually recognized by the use of sampled drum loops with strong kicks and snare hits that stand out in the mix. The tempo typically ranges from 85-97 BPM, and most melodies are composed of samples from soul, funk, jazz, rock, etc.
Although the style has changed a lot since its origins in the late ’80s, where productions barely had percussion, vocals, and scratches, as seen in T La Rock’s song, it matured in the mid-’90s with more “complete” productions, adding samples from other songs and recordings of other instruments like tambourines, shakers, cowbells, bongos, synthesizers, guitars, basses, etc.
The original artist recognized by the hip-hop industry as the first to experiment with these samples in boom bap was DJ Marley Marl. The main objective of using electronic instruments for music production was to eliminate the tedious repetition of the rhythm that limited the MC’s creativity.
This allowed artists to focus more on their lyrics and what they were trying to convey through the music.
Lyrics
Lyrics in boom bap make up 50% of the song for the listener, almost like a conversation with the audience. They are often introspective and reflect on current events and society, tell stories, and frequently include insults or rap battles known as beefs, or diss tracks in Central and South America.
These types of lyrics are used as verbal attacks against other MCs or public figures. Boom bap songs rarely show a sense of progression within the song and do not reach a chorus or climax. These lyrics do not typically aim to be catchy or commercial.
The vocal part of this rap style is most valued for its flow, wordplay, rhymes, and phrases. Music scholars have described boom bap lyrics as “raw” and “direct.”
The simplicity of the instrumental creates a stage that allows the MC to freely express their opinions and stories. Boom bap lyrics are often associated with stories about growing up in segregated neighborhoods, gang violence, drugs, wealth, sex, gentrification, and social neglect.
These lyrics usually reflect the social experience of the African American community on the East Coast of the United States and the creators of this style in the late ’80s and early ’90s.
Boom Bap Today
In recent years, boom bap has experienced a resurgence. In 2019, Bristol rapper Wish Master (Liam Wish Kole) released an album titled “Boom Bap to the Future,” using boom bap’s rhythmic quality as the instrumental base of the album and as an allegory to preserve that ’90s style.
Notably, artists like Benny The Butcher, Westside Gunn, and Conway The Machine from Griselda Records have brought Boom Bap back to the forefront of the hip-hop scene. Their gritty, raw sound has captivated audiences and reintroduced the Boom Bap aesthetic to a new generation.
Producers like DJ Premier, Alchemist, and Statik Selektah remain pivotal, consistently delivering hard-hitting beats that define the genre. This resurgence and ongoing innovation ensure that Boom Bap remains a powerful and vital force in hip-hop, bridging the gap between the genre’s storied past and its dynamic present.
Conclusion
Boom Bap beats have a storied history and continue to be a vital part of hip-hop culture. From their origins in the late ’80s to their evolution into today’s music, Boom Bap remains a powerful force in the genre.
For rappers and artists looking to capture the essence of this timeless sound, our beat store offers a diverse collection of high-quality Boom Bap Beats.