rapcore

Rapcore is a fusion genre of music that combines elements of hip hop and hardcore punk. It emerged in the late 1980s and gained popularity in the 1990s. The genre is characterized by its aggressive vocal delivery, often featuring rapping or shouting, over fast-paced, guitar-driven music. Common lyrical themes in rapcore include social and political commentary, rebellion, and personal struggles.

The sound of rapcore often incorporates heavy guitar riffs, prominent bass lines, and rhythmic drumming, typical of hardcore punk, but with the added vocal techniques and often sampled beats of hip hop. Some artists also incorporate turntablism and electronic elements into their music. The tempo is generally high, contributing to the energetic and confrontational nature of the genre.

Key bands associated with the development and popularization of rapcore include Run-DMC, who incorporated rock elements into their hip hop sound, and later bands like Rage Against the Machine, Biohazard, and the Beastie Boys, who more explicitly blended the two genres. While the genre saw its peak popularity in the 1990s, its influence can still be heard in various contemporary music scenes. Rapcore is sometimes used interchangeably with terms like rap metal or nu-metal, although these genres can have distinct characteristics and evolutions.