Abstract hip hop

Abstract hip hop is a subgenre of alternative hip hop that differs from other hip hop music largely in the content of the lyrics. In stark contrast to gangsta rap, which generally deals with living in poor urban neighborhoods and real or imagined aspects of gang life, abstract hip hop deals with topics that aren't immediately associated with hip hop culture.

Lyrics typically express themes of isolation, social critique, spirituality, and existentialism. For example, Angel of Solitude by Alias is a hypothetical first-person narrative from Death. For these reasons, abstract hip hop is often regarded as the most experimental sub-genre in hip hop music.

Instrumentally, abstract hip hop is often lo-fi and incorporates a variety of jazz samples and esoteric noise effects, often mixed with reverberation effects and musique concrete. Drum beats may range anywhere from downtempo to frantic, with the lyricist's enthusiasm complementing the respective speed.

Due to a lack of commercialization, abstract hip hop is largely unknown outside the alternative hip hop scene. However, critics outside the hip hop community often see abstract hip hop as an overwhelmingly positive influence, generally lacking the perceived misogyny and violence popularized in gangsta rap.

Examples of such artists include: MF Doom, Aesop Rock, Company Flow, Deltron 3030, Madlib, and Flying Lotus. Some abstract hip hop labels well-known in the underground scene are Definitive Jux, anticon., Ninja Tune, Stones Throw and Rhymesayers. Many underground artists produce some, but not exclusively, abstract tracks; for example 3 Melancholy Gypsies's songs like "Armageddon", "Chant", and "Landing", "Must Not Sleep" by self, P.O.S. and almost all of Eyedea & Abilities's First Born album (especially "...Powdered Water Too (Part 1)"). Some artists who have experimented in abstract hip hop instrumentals include DJ Shadow, DJ Cam, DJ Kid Koala, and DJ Krush, all of whom have combined jazz/funk loops with abstract samples, giving such works a very downtempo feel.

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