What constitutes a rap song?

A rap song is a musical composition that consists of rhythmic speech delivered over a beat. Rap songs typically feature a vocalist, known as a rapper or MC, who delivers lyrics in a poetic or storytelling manner. The lyrics of rap songs often address a wide range of topics, including personal experiences, social commentary, and political issues.

The essential elements of a rap song include:

* A beat: The beat is the rhythmic foundation of a rap song. It is typically created using a drum machine, sampler, or other electronic instruments.

* Lyrics: The lyrics of a rap song are the words that are spoken by the rapper. Rap lyrics are often characterized by their use of rhyme, wordplay, and metaphors.

* Flow: Flow refers to the way in which a rapper delivers their lyrics. Flow is determined by factors such as the rapper's timing, rhythm, and vocal inflection.

Rap songs can vary in length, but they typically range from two to five minutes. Rap songs are often released as singles, but they can also be included on albums.

Rap music is a global phenomenon, and it has been adopted by artists from a wide range of cultures and backgrounds. Rap songs have been used to express a variety of messages, and they have played an important role in social movements and political activism.

Here are some of the most popular rap songs of all time:

* "Rapper's Delight" by The Sugarhill Gang (1979)

* "The Message" by Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five (1982)

* "Straight Outta Compton" by N.W.A. (1988)

* "Ice Ice Baby" by Vanilla Ice (1990)

* "Lose Yourself" by Eminem (2002)

* "Till I Collapse" by Eminem (2002)

* "In Da Club" by 50 Cent (2003)

* "Gold Digger" by Kanye West featuring Jamie Foxx (2005)

* "Stronger" by Kanye West (2007)

* "Empire State of Mind" by Jay-Z featuring Alicia Keys (2009)