Rock music traces its origins to the blues. Rock is generally performed by small groups of musicians, usually consisting of a drummer and a bassist, one or more guitarists, sometimes a keyboard player, and a singer. Although studio techniques have become increasingly sophisticated, rock albums are essentially a record of performances by the group.
Rap music emerged from the black community in New York and later on the west coast of the United States. Rap developed at dance parties where the deejay's spoken announcements between and during the music gradually evolved into complex, rhythmic lyrics that became as important as the beats over which they were chanted. Rappers continue to use samples of music made by other artists as the musical accompaniment to their vocal performances.
The release of "Walk This Way" in 1986 by the rap group Run DMC and featuring the rock group Aerosmith was a key event in bringing together rap and rock musicians and audiences. Although the genres are distinct, many acts combine elements of each in their music. Examples include Kid Rock, who raps over a heavy rock backing, and the rock band Limp Bizkit, which features rapping by lead singer Fred Durst.