Rap rock

Rap rock is a hybrid of rap and rock music. Artists usually use the traditional instruments of rock such as guitars, bass guitars, and drums. However, vocalists often sing as well as MCing. Electronic sampling equipment, scratch pads and a DJ to use them are also usually present.

Rap rock is also commonly referred to as nu metal or rapcore: however, rap rock is a broad definition of the hybrid genre, while the former are more specific. Nu metal is usually harder music with some electronic assistance, but mostly standard heavy metal: bands such as Slipknot, System of a Down, Godsmack and Papa Roach fall into this category. Rapcore is closer to a hybrid of hardcore punk (rather than metal) and rap: House of Pain, Limp Bizkit, Rage Against the Machine and some of the works of Kottonmouth Kings are good examples of this faster, somewhat softer genre.

Rap rock reached its peak of popularity and radio play in the late 1990s and early 2000s.

Examples of rap rock artists

• Crazy Town
• Cypress Hill
• House of Pain
• Korn
• Limp Bizkit
• Linkin Park
• Quarashi
• Rage Against the Machine
• Rammstein
• Rob Zombie
• Saliva
• Slipknot
• Staind
• System of a Down