Boom bap is a classic style of hip-hop production that took shape on the East Coast of the USA in the late 1980s and 1990s and became the sonic symbol of the genre's “golden age.” Its onomatopoeic name precisely conveys its essence: “boom” is the dull thud of the kick drum, and “bap” is the sharp, crisp hit of the snare.
The basis of boom bap is a powerful, “knocking” drum rhythm combined with samples (fragments) from old jazz, soul, and funk records, often deliberately rough in sound. This style prizes the skill of the DJ and producer in crafting the beat and the dexterity of the rapping lyricist. Landmark figures of boom bap became the producer DJ Premier and many others. To this day this sound embodies “real,” rootsy hip-hop and inspires new generations of performers around the world.
