* Simple beats, often made with drum machines or breakbeats
* Rhyming lyrics, often about everyday life or social issues
* Delivered in a spoken-word style, with little singing
Golden age of rap (1980s)
* More complex beats, often incorporating live instrumentation
* More aggressive lyrics, often about violence, crime, and poverty
* Delivered in a more aggressive style, with more shouting and ranting
Gangsta rap (1990s)
* Even more aggressive lyrics, often about violence, crime, and drug use
* Delivered in a very aggressive style, with lots of shouting and cussing
* Often associated with the "gangsta" lifestyle
Hip-hop (1990s-present)
* A broader term that encompasses rap, but also includes R&B, soul, and other genres
* More diverse lyrics, covering a wider range of topics
* Delivered in a variety of styles, from aggressive to smooth