What does rapping mean?

Rapping is a musical form of vocal delivery that incorporates "rhyme, rhythmic speech, and street vernacular", which is performed or recited in a poetic or storytelling manner. The delivery can be either "spoken" or "chanted" and performed "with or without a musical accompaniment". It also includes cultural aspects such as swag and style, and elements such as rhythm and tone.

Common features of rap include:

- Fast, rhythmic speech with a beat

- Elaborate wordplay, including rhyme, alliteration, and metaphor

- Boasting and bragging about one's own achievements

- Social and political commentary

- Storytelling about personal experiences

- Humorous or clever lyrics

Rapping is often associated with hip-hop music, but it can also be found in other genres such as pop, rock, and R&B. Notable rappers include Jay-Z, Eminem, Tupac Shakur, Nicki Minaj, and Kendrick Lamar.