Emcees

An emcee, or MC, is a person who hosts events or performs as a rapper in hip hop. The term originates from Master of Ceremonies and was used to describe the person who introduces acts and maintains the flow of a show. In the early days of hip hop, emcees hosted block parties, introduced DJs, and interacted with the crowd; over time, the role often became synonymous with the rapper who performs rhymed verses.

In live settings, an emcee coordinates with the DJ, cues songs, and directs audience participation; the emphasis is on pacing, energy, and safety. In rap contexts, the emcee is the primary vocal performer who crafts lyrics, rhymes, and rhythm to fit a beat. Skills commonly associated with emcees include rap technique, freestyle ability, breath control, and stage presence. The craft can be practiced as battle emceeing, which emphasizes rival lyricism and improvisation, or as party or club emceeing, which centers on crowd management and hype.

Within hip hop culture, emcees play a central role in shaping performance styles and lyrical norms. The practice encompasses written verse and improvisation, with traditions such as freestyling and call-and-response interactions that engage audiences. While the term historically referred to a hosting function, it remains widely used to describe recording artists who perform as rappers, reflecting the field’s emphasis on mic mastery, lyrical craft, and live expression.