1. Gangsta Rap:
- Originated in the late 1980s and early 1990s.
- Focuses on themes of violence, drug dealing, poverty, and social issues within inner-city communities.
- Notable artists: N.W.A, Ice Cube, Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg.
2. Conscious Rap:
- Also known as "socially conscious" or "message" rap.
- Focuses on social and political issues, racial injustice, equality, and personal empowerment.
- Notable artists: Public Enemy, KRS-One, Talib Kweli.
3. Hardcore Rap:
- A subgenre of gangsta rap, but with a more aggressive and violent lyrical content.
- Focuses on explicit depictions of violence, drug use, and misogyny.
- Notable artists: Three 6 Mafia, Onyx, Wu-Tang Clan.
4. Alternative Hip Hop:
- A fusion of hip hop with other genres like rock, jazz, soul, and funk.
- Experimental and unconventional beats and sounds.
- Notable artists: A Tribe Called Quest, De La Soul, Mos Def, Gorillaz.
5. New School Hip Hop:
- Refers to hip hop music that emerged in the late 1990s and early 2000s.
- Incorporates R&B, pop, and electronic influences, often with catchy hooks and melodies.
- Notable artists: Eminem, Jay-Z, Kanye West, 50 Cent.
6. Dirty South:
- A regional subgenre originating from the Southern United States (especially Atlanta).
- Focuses on themes of money, luxury, and street culture, often with heavy bass and club-oriented production.
- Notable artists: T.I., Lil Wayne, Ludacris, Outkast.
7. Crunk:
- A subgenre that originated in the late 1990s in Atlanta.
- Characterized by its fast-paced, repetitive beats and simplistic lyrics, often associated with party and club anthems.
- Notable artists: Lil Jon & The Eastside Boyz, Ying Yang Twins.
8. Freestyle Rap:
- Impromptu, off-the-top-of-the-head rapping, usually in a competitive setting.
- Often involves intricate rhyme patterns and wordplay.
- Notable artists: Eminem, Supernatural, Big Pun, Tech N9ne.
9. Trap Music:
- A style that emerged in the early 2000s in the Southern United States.
- Characterized by heavy, repetitive bass lines and dark, atmospheric soundscapes.
- Notable artists: Gucci Mane, Future, Migos, Travis Scott.
10. Boom Bap:
- A subgenre that emerged in the early 1990s and is considered one of the foundational sounds of hip hop.
- Characterized by its minimalistic, hard-hitting beats with strong emphasis on the percussion.
- Notable artists: DJ Premier, Pete Rock, Nas, The Roots.
These are just a few of the many subgenres of hip hop music, and new styles continue to emerge, blending and evolving with influences from different cultures and musical backgrounds.